2 Chronicles 26:7 kjv
And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.
2 Chronicles 26:7 nkjv
God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and against the Meunites.
2 Chronicles 26:7 niv
God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabs who lived in Gur Baal and against the Meunites.
2 Chronicles 26:7 esv
God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabians who lived in Gurbaal and against the Meunites.
2 Chronicles 26:7 nlt
God helped him in his wars against the Philistines, his battles with the Arabs of Gur, and his wars with the Meunites.
2 Chronicles 26 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 14:14 | The LORD will fight for you... | God fights for His people |
| Deut 3:22 | You shall not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself is fighting for you. | God directly intervenes in battle |
| Josh 1:7-8 | Be strong and very courageous... you will prosper wherever you go. | Obedience to God brings prosperity and success |
| Josh 10:42 | Joshua conquered all these kings and their land at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel. | God ensures victory for His obedient servants |
| 1 Sam 7:13 | So the Philistines were subdued... | Divine intervention subduing the Philistines |
| 1 Sam 17:47 | For the battle is the LORD's... | God determines battle outcomes |
| 2 Chr 14:11 | Then Asa cried to the LORD... The LORD struck the Ethiopians... | God's help in desperate military situations |
| 2 Chr 17:5 | The LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat... | God establishes righteous kings |
| 2 Chr 20:4 | So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD... | Seeking God's help in national crises |
| 2 Chr 26:5 | He sought God in the days of Zechariah... as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper. | Direct correlation: seeking God brings prosperity |
| Ps 20:7 | Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. | Trust in God over human strength |
| Ps 46:1 | God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. | God as ultimate helper |
| Ps 60:8 | Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Philistia, shout in triumph over Me. | Divine sovereignty over enemy nations |
| Prov 3:9-10 | Honor the LORD with your possessions... so your barns will be filled... | Blessings from honoring God |
| Isa 41:10 | Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you... | God's assurance of help |
| Zech 4:6 | Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. | God's work by His Spirit, not human effort |
| Zech 9:6 | A mongrel people shall dwell in Ashdod... I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. | Prophecy of Philistine downfall |
| Rom 8:31 | If God is for us, who can be against us? | God's decisive support for His people |
| Phil 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. | Strength comes from divine empowerment |
| Heb 4:16 | Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. | God as a source of timely help |
| 2 Chr 26:16 | But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction... | Contrast: pride leads to destruction |
| Prov 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. | Principle of pride preceding a fall |
2 Chronicles 26 verses
2 Chronicles 26 7 Meaning
The verse describes how God supernaturally assisted King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) in his military campaigns, granting him victory over significant enemies. Specifically, divine aid was extended against the Philistines, the Arabians residing in Gur-baal, and the Meunims, leading to Uzziah's early prosperity and strength. This highlights that Uzziah's success was not merely due to his own might but was a direct result of God's favor and intervention.
2 Chronicles 26 7 Context
2 Chronicles chapter 26 chronicles the reign of King Uzziah of Judah, beginning with his ascent to the throne at 16 years old after his father Amaziah's death. The initial verses emphasize that 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 prosper" (2 Chr 26:5). Verse 7 is a direct illustration of this divine prosperity. It precedes a detailed account of Uzziah's impressive military strength, construction projects (towers, fortresses), agricultural reforms, and army organization. The Chronicler consistently attributes these successes to God's blessing due to Uzziah's initial faithfulness, setting a strong theological theme. This period of success later contrasts sharply with Uzziah's ultimate downfall due to pride.
2 Chronicles 26 7 Word analysis
- And God helped him (וַיַּעֲזְרֵהוּ הָאֱלֹהִים - wa-yya'azrehū hā-ʼĕlōhîm):
- וַיַּעֲזְרֵהוּ (wa-yya'azrehū): A consecutive perfect form of the verb 'azar (עָזַר), meaning "to help," "to assist," "to support." The prefix "wa-" indicates a sequential action following the previous thought (Uzziah seeking God). This verb consistently implies powerful and active intervention.
- הָאֱלֹהִים (hā-ʼĕlōhîm): "The God" or "God." While Yahweh (LORD) is the covenant name of God often used by the Chronicler, the use of Elohim here reinforces God's general powerful sovereignty and intervention. This highlights that the source of help is divine, not human. The emphasis is firmly placed on God's active role, rather than Uzziah's military prowess alone. This sets a core theological message for the Chronicler – national success hinges on divine favor, given to kings who are faithful.
- This phrase acts as a key motif, immediately connecting Uzziah's prosperity directly to his spiritual alignment, specifically noted in 2 Chronicles 26:5, "as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper."
- against the Philistines:
- Philistines: A perennial and formidable enemy of Israel from the time of the Judges through the monarchy. They occupied the southwestern coastal plain (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron). Victory over them signified a strong, secure border and divine favor, given their history of oppressing Israel. This success asserts Judah's regional dominance under Uzziah, divinely aided.
- and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal:
- Arabians: Refers to various semi-nomadic or tribal groups in the deserts to the east and south of Judah. They often posed a threat through raids. Their defeat indicates Uzziah's successful extension of influence or securing of borders in the eastern and southern frontiers.
- Gur-baal: The specific location (literally "dwelling of Baal" or "lion's cub of Baal") signifies a particular stronghold or region of these Arabians. Its mention indicates Uzziah's military success was targeted and specific, not just against generalized "Arabians," highlighting his strategic effectiveness through divine help. It suggests control over crucial trade routes or strategic positions.
- and the Meunims:
- Meunims: Also known as Maonites or Meunites, they were an Arabian tribe or people associated with Ma'on in southern Judah, or in the Edomite region. They are mentioned elsewhere in connection with raiding and are sometimes grouped with Ammonites. Their subjugation further underlines Uzziah's comprehensive military success, extending his influence over tribal groups in the desert fringe, protecting Judah from raiding incursions.
- "And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians... and the Meunims." This combined phrase emphasizes the scope of God's help. It was comprehensive, empowering Uzziah to defeat multiple, distinct adversaries. The repeated "against" structure underlines the targeted nature of God's assistance in enabling Uzziah to overcome formidable foes.
2 Chronicles 26 7 Bonus section
The mention of Gur-baal and the Meunims reflects a high level of historical and geographical detail that strengthens the Chronicler's narrative of Uzziah's expanded territorial control. Such specific place and people names underline the reality and comprehensiveness of the victories achieved through God's help, pushing Judah's influence beyond its typical borders. This success provided Uzziah with the necessary stability and resources to then implement the vast internal improvements in Judah (military organization, agriculture, infrastructure) detailed in the subsequent verses. This initial blessing foreshadows that God provides more than just spiritual prosperity, but tangible strength and dominion to those who faithfully seek Him.
2 Chronicles 26 7 Commentary
2 Chronicles 26:7 stands as a succinct theological statement: Uzziah's early reign was blessed with military victories directly by God's intervention. This verse reinforces the Chronicler's central message that faithfulness to Yahweh guarantees prosperity and protection for the king and the kingdom. The defeat of long-standing enemies like the Philistines and the subjugation of hostile nomadic groups like the Arabians and Meunims illustrate God's tangible support for Uzziah's kingdom-building efforts. This divine aid positioned Uzziah for remarkable national development, creating an expectation for the reader regarding the king's continued adherence to God. It sets the stage for the dramatic shift in Uzziah's fortunes later in the chapter, demonstrating the direct consequence of pride overriding dependence on God.