All the people of Judah took UzziahThe phrase indicates a collective decision by the people of Judah, suggesting a unified support for Uzziah's ascension to the throne. This reflects the tribal and communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where the people's approval was significant in the establishment of a king. The involvement of "all the people" may also imply a sense of national stability and continuity following the reign of Amaziah. This communal action can be compared to other instances in the Bible where the people play a role in leadership transitions, such as the anointing of Saul (
1 Samuel 10:24) and David (
2 Samuel 5:3).
who was sixteen years old
Uzziah's young age at the time of his ascension highlights the vulnerability and potential challenges of his early reign. In the ancient Near East, it was not uncommon for young individuals to ascend to positions of power, often requiring regents or advisors to guide them. This detail emphasizes the importance of mentorship and wise counsel, as seen in the biblical narrative of Solomon, who also became king at a young age (1 Kings 3:7). Uzziah's youth may also symbolize a fresh start or new beginning for the nation.
and made him king
The act of making Uzziah king signifies the formal and recognized transfer of authority. This phrase underscores the legitimacy of Uzziah's rule, as it was sanctioned by the people. The process of making a king often involved anointing, a ritual that signified divine approval and empowerment, as seen in the anointing of David by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). The establishment of Uzziah as king also reflects the Davidic covenant, which promised a lasting dynasty for David's descendants (2 Samuel 7:16).
in place of his father Amaziah
This phrase indicates a dynastic succession, maintaining the Davidic line through Amaziah's lineage. Amaziah's reign ended in turmoil, as he was assassinated following a military defeat and subsequent idolatry (2 Chronicles 25:27). Uzziah's succession in place of Amaziah suggests a restoration of order and a return to faithfulness, as Uzziah is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Chronicles 26:4). This transition can be seen as a type of Christ, who also restores and fulfills the promises of God through His righteous reign.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
UzziahAlso known as Azariah, Uzziah was a king of Judah who began his reign at the young age of sixteen. His reign is noted for both prosperity and eventual downfall due to pride.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel and had its capital in Jerusalem.
3.
AmaziahThe father of Uzziah and the previous king of Judah. His reign ended in turmoil, leading to Uzziah's ascension to the throne.
4.
The People of JudahThe collective body of citizens who played a role in establishing Uzziah as king, indicating a level of popular support or acceptance.
5.
Reign TransitionThe event of Uzziah being made king marks a significant transition in leadership, reflecting the political and social dynamics of the time.
Teaching Points
Youth and LeadershipUzziah's young age at the start of his reign reminds us that God can use individuals regardless of their age. Young people can be called to significant roles and responsibilities.
The Role of the CommunityThe people of Judah's involvement in making Uzziah king underscores the importance of community support and unity in leadership transitions.
The Importance of HumilityUzziah's later life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Leaders must remain humble and reliant on God to avoid downfall.
Legacy and InfluenceThe legacy of a leader, as seen in Uzziah's impact on Isaiah, can extend beyond their lifetime. Our actions and decisions can influence future generations.
God's Sovereignty in LeadershipThe transition of power from Amaziah to Uzziah reflects God's sovereignty in establishing leaders according to His purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 26:1?
2.How does Uzziah's age at kingship reflect God's trust in young leaders?
3.What leadership qualities can we learn from Uzziah's early reign in Judah?
4.How does 2 Chronicles 26:1 connect with God's promises to David's lineage?
5.In what ways can we support young leaders in our church community today?
6.How can Uzziah's story inspire us to seek God's guidance in leadership roles?
7.Who was Uzziah, and why was he made king at sixteen in 2 Chronicles 26:1?
8.How does Uzziah's reign reflect God's sovereignty in 2 Chronicles 26:1?
9.What historical evidence supports Uzziah's kingship as described in 2 Chronicles 26:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 26?
11.Does 2 Chronicles 26:1–4’s portrayal of Uzziah’s rise to power match external historical sources or records of other nations?
12.Who were the Meunites in the Bible?
13.2 Kings 15:1 begins Azariah’s reign in Jeroboam II’s 27th year, yet surrounding passages suggest conflicting dates—how can these discrepancies be resolved?
14.In 1 Kings 15:2, why does Abijam’s mother appear as “Maachah,” while 2 Chronicles 13:2 identifies her differently?What Does 2 Chronicles 26:1 Mean
All the people of Judah• “All the people of Judah” (2 Chron 26:1) underscores a united national will, echoing earlier occasions when Israel collectively endorsed a leader (cf.1 Samuel 11:15;1 Chronicles 29:22–23).
• This unity signals God’s providential orchestration; He often moves an entire community to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 21:1;Acts 4:24).
• Their agreement also contrasts with times of division, such as the split after Solomon (1 Kings 12:16), highlighting that harmony among God’s people is a blessing.
took Uzziah• The people “took” or selected Uzziah, indicating a deliberate choice rather than a mere accident of birth order (2 Kings 14:21).
• God’s sovereign hand works through human decisions, as seen when Samuel anointed David (1 Samuel 16:1, 12–13).
• By choosing Uzziah, Judah aligned itself with the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12–16), maintaining the messianic line.
who was sixteen years old• Uzziah’s youth (cf.2 Chronicles 34:1, where Josiah was eight) reminds us that God equips even the young for leadership (Jeremiah 1:6–7;1 Timothy 4:12).
• His age calls for humility and reliance on God’s wisdom rather than personal experience (Proverbs 3:5–6;James 1:5).
• Early beginnings give room for long-term impact; Uzziah reigned fifty-two years (2 Chronicles 26:3), paralleling the lengthy reigns of other faithful kings like Asa (2 Chronicles 16:13).
and made him king• Coronation affirms divine order: kingship in Judah was more than politics; it represented shepherding God’s people under His rule (Psalm 78:70–72).
• Installation ceremonies often included covenantal renewal (2 Kings 11:17) and prophetic affirmation (1 Samuel 10:24).
• The act of “making” emphasizes that authority is conferred, not seized, reflecting New Testament teaching that leadership is bestowed by God (Romans 13:1).
in place of his father Amaziah• Amaziah’s fate—defeat and death (2 Chronicles 25:27)—shows the consequences of partial obedience. Uzziah’s succession demonstrates God’s mercy in continuing the dynasty despite prior failure (2 Samuel 7:15).
• The phrase “in place of” highlights generational transition, urging each generation to seek the Lord afresh (Judges 2:7–10).
• It also warns that legacy can be lost or redeemed depending on faithfulness (2 Kings 14:3;2 Kings 15:3–4).
summary2 Chronicles 26:1 records a seamless, God-guided transfer of power: the united people endorsed youthful Uzziah, God equipped him, and the Davidic line endured despite Amaziah’s shortcomings. The verse teaches that when God’s people act in harmony with His covenant, He raises up leaders—even the young—to accomplish His purposes and preserve His promises.
XXVI.REIGN OF UZZIAH-AZARIAH.
ACCESSION, AGE, AND CONDUCT OF UZZIAH. INFLUENCE OF THE PROPHET ZECHARIAH
(
2Chronicles 26:1-5). (Comp.
2Kings 14:21-22;
2Kings 15:2-3.)
(1)Then.--And.
Uzziah.--So the chronicler always names him, except in one place (1Chronicles 3:12), where the nameAzariah appears, as in2Kings 14:21;2Kings 15:1;2Kings 15:6,&c. In2Kings 15:13;2Kings 15:30;2Kings 15:32;2Kings 15:34,Uzziah occurs (though there also the LXX. readsAzariah, thus making the usage of Kings uniform); as also in the headings of the prophecies of Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah. It is not, therefore, to be regarded either as a popular abbreviation or a transcriber's blunder, as Schrader and others suggest. In the Assyrian inscriptions of Tiglathpileser II this king is uniformly calledAzriyahu, i.e., Azariah. Clearly, therefore, he was known by both names; but to foreigners chiefly by the latter. (Comp. Azareel--Uzziel,1Chronicles 25:4;1Chronicles 25:18.) . . .
Verse 1. -
Uzziah; Hebrew,
עֻזִּיָּה. (signifying "Strength of Jehovah"). Once in Chronicles, and once only (
1 Chronicles 3:12), this king's name is given
Azariah, Hebrew,
עֲזַרְיָה (signifying "Help of Jehovah") or
עֲזַרְיָהוּ; and Isaiah (
Isaiah 1:1, etc.), Hosea (
Hosea 1:1, etc.), and Amos (
Amos 1:1, etc.) always use the word
Uzziah. In the parallel, however, and in both the chapters in which the parallel clauses lie, the word
Azariah is used, as well in other clauses as in those (
e.g.2 Kings 15:1, 6, 8, 23, 27), yet
Uzziah is also used in verses intermingled with them (
e.g. 13, 30, 32, 34). It is probable that Azariah was the first-used name, that the latter name was not a corruption of the former, but that, for whatever reason, the king was called by both names. Nevertheless, the apt analogy that has been pointed out of Uzziel (
1 Chronicles 25:4) and Azareel (18) is noteworthy. (See Keil and Bertheau on
1 Kings 15:2 and
2 Kings 14:21; and Keil on our present passage.)
Sixteen years old. Therefore Uzziah must have been born just before the fatal outside mistake of his father's life in the challenge he sent to Joash of Israel, and after the deadly inner mistake of his soul in turning aside to "the gods of the children of Seir."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe peopleעַ֤ם(‘am)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockof Judahיְהוּדָה֙(yə·hū·ḏāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelitestookוַיִּקְח֞וּ(way·yiq·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To takeUzziah,עֻזִּיָּ֔הוּ(‘uz·zî·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5818:Uzziah -- 'my strength is Yah', the name of several Israeliteswhoוְה֕וּא(wə·hū)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, are[was] sixteenשֵׁ֥שׁ(šêš)Number - feminine singular
Strong's 8337:Six (a cardinal number)years old,בֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonand made him kingוַיַּמְלִ֣יכוּ(way·yam·lî·ḵū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4427:To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counselin place ofתַּ֖חַת(ta·ḥaṯ)Preposition
Strong's 8478:The bottom, below, in lieu ofhis fatherאָבִ֥יו(’ā·ḇîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:FatherAmaziah.אֲמַצְיָֽהוּ׃(’ă·maṣ·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 558:Amaziah -- 'Yah is mighty', the name of several Israelites
Links
2 Chronicles 26:1 NIV2 Chronicles 26:1 NLT2 Chronicles 26:1 ESV2 Chronicles 26:1 NASB2 Chronicles 26:1 KJV
2 Chronicles 26:1 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 26:1 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 26:1 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 26:1 French Bible2 Chronicles 26:1 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 26:1 All the people of Judah took Uzziah (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)