2 Chronicles 26:14 kjv
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
2 Chronicles 26:14 nkjv
Then Uzziah prepared for them, for the entire army, shields, spears, helmets, body armor, bows, and slings to cast stones.
2 Chronicles 26:14 niv
Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army.
2 Chronicles 26:14 esv
And Uzziah prepared for all the army shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and stones for slinging.
2 Chronicles 26:14 nlt
Uzziah provided the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and sling stones.
2 Chronicles 26 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Chr 26:5 | And he sought God... as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. | God enables Uzziah's prosperity |
| 2 Chr 26:6-8 | He went out and made war against the Philistines... his fame spread far abroad, for he was marvelously helped... | Uzziah's military success and God's help |
| 2 Chr 26:11 | Uzziah had an army of fighting men... | Mentions the large, organized army |
| 2 Chr 26:13 | and their command was 307,500, who made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. | Size and power of Uzziah's army |
| 2 Chr 26:15 | He also made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers... for casting stones and arrows. | Uzziah's advanced military technology |
| 2 Chr 26:16 | But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction... | Pride after strength leads to downfall |
| 2 Chr 17:12-19 | Jehoshaphat built fortresses... had mighty men of valor... had also a mighty army of valiant warriors... | Other kings (Jehoshaphat) also organized armies |
| 1 Ki 10:26-27 | Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen... the king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem... | Solomon's military might and abundance |
| Neh 4:16-18 | Half of my servants worked on the building... the other half held spears, shields, bows... | Practical arming for defense while working |
| Ps 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. | Trust in military strength vs. God |
| Ps 33:16-17 | No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength... | Military power alone is insufficient |
| Prov 21:31 | The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance belongs to the LORD. | Preparation is good, but victory comes from God |
| Isa 31:1 | Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help... and do not look to the Holy One of Israel... | Reliance on earthly power vs. God |
| Jer 9:23 | Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom... nor the mighty man glory in his might..." | Warning against glorifying human strength |
| Eph 6:11-17 | Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. | Spiritual warfare uses metaphorical armor |
| Rom 13:12 | The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. | Call to spiritual preparedness for believers |
| 1 Sam 17:4-7 | And a champion came out... a giant whose height was six cubits and a span... He had a bronze helmet... | Description of Goliath's extensive armor |
| 1 Sam 17:38-40 | Saul clothed David with his armor... but David put them off... He took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones... | David's simple weapons contrasted with traditional |
| Ps 44:6 | For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. | Humility regarding reliance on physical weapons |
| Prov 24:6 | For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. | Importance of wise preparation for conflict |
| Luke 14:31 | Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider... | Prudence in planning for conflict |
2 Chronicles 26 verses
2 Chronicles 26 14 Meaning
2 Chronicles 26:14 describes King Uzziah's extensive military preparedness, detailing the various armaments and protective gear he meticulously provided for his entire army. This verse highlights his commitment to equipping his soldiers, showcasing a comprehensive approach to both offensive and defensive warfare for every fighting man within his forces. It underscores the material strength and organization of Judah's military during his reign.
2 Chronicles 26 14 Context
2 Chronicles 26 details the prosperous reign of King Uzziah of Judah. Initially, Uzziah "sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper" (v. 5). This divine blessing led to remarkable success in various areas, including military victories against the Philistines, Arabians, and Meunites (v. 6-8), as well as significant agricultural, infrastructural (building towers, digging wells), and urban development (v. 9-10). The present verse, 2 Chronicles 26:14, falls within the section (v. 11-15) describing Uzziah's impressive and well-organized military, highlighting the extent of his forces and the quality of their equipment. The detailed description of weaponry here foreshadows his later innovation in military engineering, demonstrating his dedication to national defense. This military might and overall prosperity, however, are ultimately presented as a preamble to his downfall due to pride (v. 16), providing a crucial thematic contrast between God-given strength and human arrogance.
2 Chronicles 26 14 Word analysis
- And Uzziah: Refers to King Uzziah (also known as Azariah), King of Judah. His name means "my strength is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my strength," which ironically contrasts with his later reliance on his own strength.
- prepared (וַיָּכֶן - wayyāḵen): From the root kun (כּוּן), meaning to establish, set up, make ready, arrange. Here in the Hiphil imperfect, indicating active, intentional, and extensive equipping or setting in order. It implies meticulous planning and provision.
- for them (לָהֶם - lāhem): Refers to the fighting men in the host mentioned earlier (v. 11), emphasizing that these provisions were specifically for the soldiers.
- throughout all the host (לְכָל־הַצָּבָא - ləḵāl-haṣṣāḇā’): Kol means "all," and ṣābā’ means "army," "host," or "warriors." This phrase signifies that the provisions were for the entire military force, indicating a comprehensive and well-resourced army, not just an elite unit.
- shields (מָגִנִּים - māḡinnîm): Plural of māḡēn (מָגֵן), a small defensive shield, typically round, carried by a single soldier. It protects against direct attacks.
- spears (וְרֹמָחִים - wərōmāḥîm): Plural of rōmaḥ (רֹמַח), a long thrusting weapon, used in close combat. Implies hand-to-hand fighting capability.
- helmets (וְכוֹבָעִים - wəḵôḇā‘îm): Plural of kôḇa‘ (כּוֹבַע), head protection. Essential defensive gear for individual soldiers.
- breastplates (וְשִׁרְיוֹנִים - wəširyônîm): Plural of širyôn (שִׁרְיוֹן), body armor, possibly mail or scale armor. Provides vital protection for the torso.
- bows (וּקְשָׁתוֹת - ūqəšāṯôṯ): Plural of qešet (קֶשֶׁת), a ranged weapon for firing arrows. Indicates capability for long-distance engagement.
- slings (וּקְלָעִים - ūqəlā‘îm): Plural of qela‘ (קֶלַע), a simple, yet effective projectile weapon for hurling stones, as famously used by David. Denotes light, portable, and potentially devastating long-range firepower.
- to cast stones (אֲבָנִים - ʾăḇānîm): Stones. Specifically refers to the ammunition for the slings, emphasizing the direct, powerful nature of this type of projectile weapon. The addition of "stones" for the slings highlights the full provision, not just the device.
Words-group analysis:
- "And Uzziah prepared for them, throughout all the host": This phrase emphasizes the king's active role in meticulously equipping his entire military. It reflects leadership, strategic thinking, and the significant resources dedicated to national defense. The scope ("all the host") highlights uniformity and widespread readiness within the army.
- "shields, and spears, and helmets, and breastplates, and bows, and slings to cast stones": This is a comprehensive list showcasing both defensive (shields, helmets, breastplates) and offensive (spears, bows, slings) weaponry. The variety implies a well-rounded army capable of different combat types: close-quarters (spears), medium/long-range (bows), and specialized projectile attacks (slings for stones). The inclusion of slings specifically highlights practical, accessible, and potentially devastating long-range firepower used effectively in ancient warfare, often from lower ranks or specialist units.
2 Chronicles 26 14 Bonus section
Uzziah's military provisions described here, particularly the mention of slings to cast stones, are foundational to understanding the further innovation credited to him in the very next verse (2 Chr 26:15), where he invented siege engines for casting large stones and arrows. This demonstrates Uzziah's spirit of military advancement and engineering prowess, going beyond merely equipping his army with standard gear to actively developing new, powerful weaponry. His era represents a significant leap in Judah's military technology and infrastructure, all credited as being made possible by the "marvelous help" he received from God until he became strong. The focus on comprehensive provisioning here also highlights that even for these advanced "engines," basic individual weaponry and protection remained essential for every soldier.
2 Chronicles 26 14 Commentary
2 Chronicles 26:14 succinctly illustrates the pinnacle of King Uzziah's military organization and strength. This detailed list of armaments — shields, spears, helmets, breastplates, bows, and slings — signifies a comprehensively equipped force, prepared for both defensive and offensive engagements across various combat scenarios. Uzziah's meticulous provision "throughout all the host" underscores his leadership in ensuring a uniformly armed and ready army. This military might was not merely due to human effort but was a direct result of God's "marvelous help" and blessing upon Uzziah as long as he sought the Lord (2 Chr 26:5, 8). This verse sets the stage for understanding the extent of his earthly power and success, which ultimately, through a tragic display of pride, led to his downfall despite his God-given capabilities. It serves as a stark reminder that while God enables human endeavors and blesses effort, the ultimate trust and glory must always belong to Him, not to the created strength.
- Example for practical usage: Just as Uzziah systematically prepared his army with the best available equipment, believers are called to put on the full "armor of God" (Eph 6:11-17) for spiritual battle, which includes defensive elements like the shield of faith and offensive ones like the sword of the Spirit. This systematic preparation helps us stand firm against spiritual adversaries.