2 Chronicles 26 11

2 Chronicles 26:11 kjv

Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.

2 Chronicles 26:11 nkjv

Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men who went out to war by companies, according to the number on their roll as prepared by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains.

2 Chronicles 26:11 niv

Uzziah had a well-trained army, ready to go out by divisions according to their numbers as mustered by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officials.

2 Chronicles 26:11 esv

Moreover, Uzziah had an army of soldiers, fit for war, in divisions according to the numbers in the muster made by Jeiel the secretary and Maaseiah the officer, under the direction of Hananiah, one of the king's commanders.

2 Chronicles 26:11 nlt

Uzziah had an army of well-trained warriors, ready to march into battle, unit by unit. This army had been mustered and organized by Jeiel, the secretary of the army, and his assistant, Maaseiah. They were under the direction of Hananiah, one of the king's officials.

2 Chronicles 26 verses

2 Chronicles 26 11 Meaning

This verse describes King Uzziah's well-organized and numerous military force, highlighting the meticulous system he established for their formation. It details the precise methods of enlistment and division of troops, overseen by specific named administrative and military officials, underscoring Judah's strategic strength and effective governance during the successful period of Uzziah's reign.

2 Chronicles 26 11 Context

This verse is part of the account of King Uzziah's successful reign over Judah (2 Chr 26:1-23). Early in his kingship, Uzziah "sought God" (v. 5) and as a result, God made him prosper. This prosperity manifested in various ways: military victories against surrounding nations (v. 6-8), widespread fame, effective agricultural and infrastructure projects (v. 10), and crucially, the strengthening of Judah's defenses and military capabilities (v. 9, 11-15). Verse 11 specifically highlights Uzziah's keen administrative skills in organizing his formidable army. This organizational success served as a foundation for his kingdom's security and dominance. However, this period of success eventually led to Uzziah's pride (v. 16), causing his downfall when he presumptuously encroached upon the priestly office.

2 Chronicles 26 11 Word analysis

• Moreover, Uzziah had: Introduces an additional achievement or detail about Uzziah, building upon the previous description of his fortresses and agricultural endeavors.
• an army (חַיִל - chayil): Literally "strength," "force," "valour," or "wealth." Here it specifically denotes a formidable military force. The word can imply a powerful, effective body of men.
• of fighting men (לַמִּלְחָמָה - lam-milchamah): Specifies the purpose of the army as being prepared and intended "for war" or "for battle."
• who went out to war (הַיּוֹצְאִים לַצָּבָא - ha-yotzi’im la-tzava): Indicates an active and mobilized force, emphasizing their readiness and deployment for military campaigns or service. Tzava means "host," "army," or "campaign."
• by divisions (לִגְדוּדִים - ligdudim): "In companies," "bands," or "squadrons." This highlights a highly structured and organized military, arranged into distinct units rather than an unruly mob. This structure facilitates command and deployment.
• according to the number of their enrollment (בְּמִסְפַּר פְּקֻדָּתָם - bemispar p’quddatam):
  • number (מִסְפָּר - mispar): Signifies a precise, counted quantity, indicative of a detailed census.
  • enrollment (פְּקֻדָּה - p’quddah): Implies an official registration, census, mustering, or oversight. It underscores a meticulously documented and accountable military force.
• by Jeiel the scribe (בְּיַעְאִיאֵל הַסּוֹפֵר - b'ya’i’el ha-sopher):
  • Jeiel: A specific, named individual, adding historical grounding to the account.
  • scribe (סוֹפֵר - sopher): A highly trained royal official responsible for record-keeping, writing, and administrative duties. Their involvement denotes formal, precise, and systematic management of the census.
• and Maaseiah the official (וּמַעֲשֵׂיָה הַשֹּׁטֵר - u-Ma’aseyah ha-shoter):
  • Maaseiah: Another named administrator, affirming specific delegation.
  • official (שֹׁטֵר - shoter): An overseer, foreman, or officer often with executive functions, responsible for enforcing regulations, managing labor, or distributing duties. His role complements the scribe, perhaps handling the physical implementation of the census and assignment.
• under the direction of Hananiah (בִּידֵי חֲנַנְיָה - bi-yedei Chananyah):
  • under the direction of (בִּידֵי - biy’dey): Literally "in the hands of." Conveys active leadership, supervision, or control.
  • Hananiah: The specific military commander overseeing the overall process.
• one of the king’s commanders (אֲחַד שָׂרֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ - achad sarei ha-melekh):
  • commanders (שָׂרִים - sarim): High-ranking officers, chiefs, or princes. Identifies Hananiah's senior position within the military hierarchy, signifying a structured chain of command directly accountable to the king.

Words-group analysis:

• "an army of fighting men who went out to war": This phrase emphasizes Uzziah's proactive approach to national defense and power projection, detailing a military designed for active engagement, not merely passive defense.
• "by divisions according to the number of their enrollment": This highlights a sophisticated and detailed administrative system. It implies strategic organization, precise record-keeping, and the capacity for efficient mobilization and deployment of forces, critical for effective military operations.
• "by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the official": The specific naming of these administrative figures underlines Uzziah's effective delegation and the importance of a professional bureaucracy. The scribe ensured accuracy in records, while the official oversaw the practical implementation of the census and division, demonstrating robust governance.
• "under the direction of Hananiah, one of the king’s commanders": This clearly establishes the military hierarchy and command structure, indicating that Uzziah relied on trusted and high-ranking military leaders to oversee his army. It reflects his capability not only to gather an army but also to command it effectively through subordinates.

2 Chronicles 26 11 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's emphasis on such administrative details and lists of officials (seen also in Jehoshaphat's reign, 2 Chr 17) highlights an important aspect of faithful kingship: good governance and prudent management of national resources, including military personnel. These details also serve to ground the historical narrative with credible specifics.
• The meticulous enrollment implies a consistent system for taxation, labor, or military levy, ensuring a sustainable source of manpower and resources for the kingdom's needs.
• This verse stands as evidence that Uzziah was a capable and effective king who strategically developed Judah's defenses and offensive capabilities, contributing significantly to a period of prosperity and stability before his tragic spiritual decline.
• The system described points to a national mobilization capability, possibly a form of reserve or militia system, rather than a permanently active standing army for every soldier listed, typical for kingdoms of that era.

2 Chronicles 26 11 Commentary

2 Chronicles 26:11 reveals the practical foundations of King Uzziah's military success, alongside the divine blessing. While verse 5 asserts that God made Uzziah prosper as he sought Him, this verse provides concrete examples of the wise human administration Uzziah employed. The meticulous details—"divisions," "enrollment," and the naming of "Jeiel the scribe," "Maaseiah the official," and "Hananiah, one of the king’s commanders"—paint a picture of an exceptionally organized and well-managed military. This was not a spontaneous collection of warriors but a force designed for effectiveness, reflecting Uzziah's strategic vision and a capable national bureaucracy. The Chronicler highlights this detailed organization to show Uzziah's administrative acumen which contributed to Judah's flourishing. This serves as an implicit commentary on how divine favor often works through diligent human effort and sound management, though ultimately, success still rests with the Lord. It subtly foreshadows that even such impressive human strength could not prevent Uzziah's ultimate downfall when pride caused him to transgress divine commands.