2 Chronicles 26:10 kjv
Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
2 Chronicles 26:10 nkjv
Also he built towers in the desert. He dug many wells, for he had much livestock, both in the lowlands and in the plains; he also had farmers and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved the soil.
2 Chronicles 26:10 niv
He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He had people working his fields and vineyards in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.
2 Chronicles 26:10 esv
And he built towers in the wilderness and cut out many cisterns, for he had large herds, both in the Shephelah and in the plain, and he had farmers and vinedressers in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil.
2 Chronicles 26:10 nlt
He also constructed forts in the wilderness and dug many water cisterns, because he kept great herds of livestock in the foothills of Judah and on the plains. He was also a man who loved the soil. He had many workers who cared for his farms and vineyards, both on the hillsides and in the fertile valleys.
2 Chronicles 26 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 26:18-22 | Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of Abraham his father... And he moved from there and dug another well... | Isaac's well-digging for sustenance. |
| Deut 8:7-9 | For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land... a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey. | Description of a land of agricultural prosperity. |
| Ps 75:6-7 | For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. | Divine source of power and elevation, relevant to Uzziah's initial success. |
| Prov 28:19 | He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty. | Value of hard work in agriculture. |
| Prov 24:30-31 | I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns... | Contrasts the diligent farmer (Uzziah) with the slothful. |
| Isa 5:1-2 | Now let me sing to my Well-beloved A song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard... He dug it up and cleared out its stones; And He planted it with the choicest vine. | Vineyard as a metaphor for Israel, divine cultivation. |
| Neh 3:1-32 | Various sections describing building projects and reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, gates, and towers. | Illustrates communal effort in construction and defense. |
| Neh 4:17-18 | Those who built on the wall... half worked in the building and half held weapons. | Kings leading significant construction projects. |
| Jer 32:44 | Men will buy fields for money... and execute deeds in writing and seal them, and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin... | Land ownership and agricultural importance in ancient Israel. |
| Joel 1:11-12 | The grain is wasted... the fig tree has withered... Yes, joy has withered away from the sons of men. | Dependence on agricultural productivity for national well-being. |
| Zech 8:12 | For the seed shall be prosperous, The vine shall give its fruit, The ground shall give her increase, And the heavens shall give their dew... | Divine blessing on agricultural output. |
| 1 Chr 27:26-31 | Describes David's officers overseeing agricultural activities including crops, vineyards, olives, and livestock. | Similar royal oversight of diverse agricultural domains. |
| 2 Chr 17:12-13 | Jehoshaphat grew very powerful and built fortresses and storage cities in Judah. He had large stores in the cities... | Kings strengthening the kingdom through building. |
| 2 Chr 26:1-8 | Prior verses detailing Uzziah's military successes, building Jerusalem's towers, and tribute received from neighboring nations. | Immediate context: Uzziah's successful reign, setting up this verse's details. |
| Gen 13:2 | Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. | Example of wealth measured in livestock. |
| Isa 65:21-22 | They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit... They shall not build and another inhabit... | Blessings of prosperous dwelling and cultivation. |
| Judg 6:11 | Gideon threshing wheat in the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. | Significance of agricultural output for survival. |
| Exod 17:6 | I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink. | God providing water, a vital resource (like wells). |
| Ezra 7:24 | We notify you that no tax, tribute, or custom may be collected from any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers... | Mention of resources within a nation being organized. |
| Ps 104:14 | He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth. | Divine provision of agricultural growth. |
| Joel 2:23-24 | Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God... The threshing floors shall be full of grain, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. | Restoration and abundant agricultural blessing. |
2 Chronicles 26 verses
2 Chronicles 26 10 Meaning
2 Chronicles 26:10 details King Uzziah's extensive building and agricultural endeavors, highlighting his multifaceted administration. It describes his construction of towers in the desert and the digging of numerous wells to support his vast livestock holdings. Furthermore, it notes his significant agricultural interests, evidenced by the presence of vinedressers and farmers working across diverse geographical regions—the low country, the plains, the mountains, and Carmel—underscoring his personal passion for agriculture and effective economic policy.
2 Chronicles 26 10 Context
Verse 2 Chronicles 26:10 is part of the extensive account of King Uzziah's reign over Judah, beginning in 2 Chronicles 26:1. This chapter details Uzziah's initial faithfulness to God, which led to significant prosperity and power. Before verse 10, the narrative establishes Uzziah's military might, his victory over various enemies (Philistines, Arabians, Meunites), and his fortifications of Jerusalem, including the construction of towers (2 Chr 26:6-9). This verse transitions from his military and defensive strength to his administrative genius and economic focus, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure for his vast herds. Historically, Uzziah ruled for 52 years (c. 792-740 BC), a long and generally prosperous reign for Judah. The emphasis on agriculture reflects the economic foundation of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, where control over arable land, water resources, and livestock was key to wealth and stability. Uzziah's active involvement in these areas showcases a wise ruler who understood the core drivers of his nation's economy and invested strategically, ultimately contributing to Judah's strength before his prideful downfall mentioned later in the chapter (2 Chr 26:16-21).
2 Chronicles 26 10 Word analysis
- He also built: This phrase signifies a continuation and expansion of Uzziah's building activities mentioned earlier in the chapter (2 Chr 26:9), indicating a comprehensive and sustained effort to strengthen and develop the kingdom.
- towers: Hebrew: מִגְדָּל (migdal). These were fortifications, usually watchtowers or defensive strongholds. Building them "in the desert" points to their purpose in protecting Uzziah's scattered pastoral holdings from nomadic raiders and to secure trade routes or expand controlled territory. Their presence in agricultural and pastoral zones ensured security for assets.
- in the desert: Hebrew: מִדְבָּר (midbar). This refers not necessarily to barren wasteland but to uncultivated land, often used for grazing flocks, particularly the Negeb desert south of Judah. Its development indicates territorial expansion and a strategic move to optimize resources beyond the populated areas.
- dug many wells: Hebrew: בּוֹר (bor) - pit/cistern, and the verb for digging (חָצַב - chatsav, or חָפַר - chaphar). Access to water was crucial for survival and prosperity in the semi-arid ancient Near East. The extensive digging of wells implies significant hydraulic engineering and investment, essential for sustaining large herds and supporting distant agricultural activities, mirroring the patriarchal stories of prosperity tied to water sources (Gen 26).
- for he had much cattle: Hebrew: מִקְנֶה (miqneh). This term refers to livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) and also encompasses wealth derived from these animals. It signifies Uzziah's vast economic resources and serves as the primary motivation for his infrastructure projects like wells and desert towers, providing sustenance and protection for his herds. This demonstrates the interdependency of resources.
- both in the low country: Hebrew: שְׁפֵלָה (Shephelah). The Shephelah is a fertile lowland region in Judah, known for its agricultural potential, including grains and olives. Mentioning this region, along with others, illustrates the geographical scope of Uzziah's economic oversight.
- and in the plains: Hebrew: מִישׁוֹר (Mishor). This term often denotes a level plateau, particularly east of the Jordan, but can refer to any flat, open land suitable for extensive agriculture or pasture within Judah. It complements "low country," showing diversification.
- and he had vinedressers: Hebrew: כֹּרְמִים (koremim). These are workers dedicated to the cultivation of vineyards. Grapes were a major crop, used for wine, raisins, and concentrated fruit juice. Their presence highlights the specific and specialized nature of Uzziah's agricultural operations.
- and farmers: Hebrew: אִכָּרִים (ikkarim). General term for tillers of the ground, involved in cultivating various crops. Their inclusion with "vinedressers" indicates a comprehensive agricultural program covering a wide range of produce necessary for the kingdom's sustenance.
- in the mountains: Refers to the central highlands of Judah, suitable for terraced agriculture and certain crops, showing the king's efforts to utilize all available terrain for productivity.
- and in Carmel: Hebrew: כַּרְמֶל (Karmel). This can refer to Mount Carmel, a famously fertile ridge in the north known for vineyards and orchards, or more generally as "fruitful land" (karmel). Given the other geographical details, it points to a specific region known for its fertility, emphasizing the richness and diversity of his land holdings.
- for he loved agriculture: Hebrew: אֹהֵב אֲדָמָה (ohev adamah), literally "lover of the ground" or "lover of soil." This phrase encapsulates Uzziah's personal passion and active engagement in farming and land management. It reflects a hands-on or deeply invested approach, which was unusual for kings primarily focused on warfare, indicating a wise understanding of sustainable national prosperity and well-being. It implies intelligent statecraft and investment in fundamental resources.
2 Chronicles 26 10 Bonus section
Uzziah's efforts in agriculture and infrastructure can be seen as an extension of his pursuit of God (2 Chr 26:5), as divine blessings often manifested in bountiful harvests and prospering livestock in the biblical worldview. His actions provided economic stability, enabling further growth and national security. The emphasis on various geographical regions (low country, plains, mountains, Carmel) paints a picture of a well-organized state under a single, efficient leadership, leveraging different terrains for optimal productivity—a testament to his capacity to unify and maximize the resources of the entire kingdom of Judah. This economic expansion laid the foundation for Judah's prominence during his long reign, making him a truly formidable ruler even before considering his military achievements.
2 Chronicles 26 10 Commentary
2 Chronicles 26:10 provides a remarkable glimpse into the practical genius of King Uzziah. His extensive construction of desert towers and wells speaks volumes about his foresight and administrative skill. These were not merely ostentatious projects but strategic investments vital for protecting his vast cattle holdings and expanding productive territories, turning potentially desolate areas into thriving economic assets. This demonstrates an understanding of the kingdom's agricultural backbone, recognizing that national prosperity rooted in fertile lands and abundant livestock was as crucial as military might. His direct "love for agriculture" is a key insight, revealing a king deeply involved in the day-to-day welfare and productivity of his land and people, cultivating not just crops but also the very strength of Judah. This dedication to practical resource management underscores his early successful reign, indicating wisdom that preceded his later prideful fall.