2 Chronicles 26 8

2 Chronicles 26:8 kjv

And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.

2 Chronicles 26:8 nkjv

Also the Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah. His fame spread as far as the entrance of Egypt, for he became exceedingly strong.

2 Chronicles 26:8 niv

The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful.

2 Chronicles 26:8 esv

The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread even to the border of Egypt, for he became very strong.

2 Chronicles 26:8 nlt

The Meunites paid annual tribute to him, and his fame spread even to Egypt, for he had become very powerful.

2 Chronicles 26 verses

2 Chronicles 26 8 Meaning

2 Chronicles 26:8 describes the widespread influence and formidable reputation of King Uzziah of Judah. Due to God's enabling strength, his power grew to such an extent that the Ammonites were compelled to pay him tribute. His fame extended across a significant geographical area, reaching even the borderlands of Egypt, signifying his considerable strength and divine backing. This verse highlights the visible blessings that accompanied his early obedience to God.

2 Chronicles 26 8 Context

Chapter 26 of 2 Chronicles opens with the beginning of Uzziah’s reign at the age of sixteen. The Chronicler immediately highlights his initial period of faithfulness, emphasizing 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 to prosper" (v. 5). The verses leading up to verse 8 detail his military campaigns against the Philistines and Arabs, and how God significantly helped him in these victories (v. 6-7). Verse 8 marks the peak of his prosperity and influence resulting from this divine favor, where even distant nations were submitting to him. The broader narrative of 2 Chronicles often attributes success and failure directly to a king's obedience or disobedience to God, making this verse a clear illustration of God's blessing on a righteous king before pride led to Uzziah's downfall (vv. 16-21). Historically, this period reflects a time of Judah's resurgent power under Uzziah's long and prosperous reign, during which the northern kingdom of Israel was in decline.

2 Chronicles 26 8 Word analysis

• And the Ammonites: (Benei Ammon) Refers to the descendants of Ammon, Lot's son. They were an adversarial people located east of the Jordan, often at odds with Israel (e.g., Judg 10:6-9, 1 Sam 11:1-11, 2 Chr 20). Their subjugation and payment of tribute demonstrate Uzziah’s extensive power and influence, signifying not just a truce but dominance. Their yielding to Uzziah illustrates God's hand, fulfilling divine promises for Israel to dominate surrounding nations.
• gave gifts: (nathan minchah) "Gifts" here specifically translates to minchah (מִנְחָה), which often refers to tribute, homage, or an offering given to a superior, rather than a mere friendly present. This implies vassalage, indicating Uzziah's imperial control over the Ammonites, who became a dependent state owing him annual payments. This act reflects a submission out of either fear or acknowledgment of Uzziah's God-given might, parallel to what occurred with other powerful Israelite kings like David and Solomon.
• to Uzziah: The name "Uzziah" (עֻזִּיָּהוּ, ʿUzziyahū) means "My strength is Yah" or "Yahweh is my strength," a name that is particularly fitting given the Chronicler's emphasis on God as the source of his strength (v. 7, 15). He is also called Azariah in other biblical accounts (e.g., 2 Kgs 15).
• and his name: (shĕmōw) "Name" here represents his reputation, renown, fame, authority, and influence. A "spread name" indicates widely acknowledged power and standing. This signifies the extent to which other nations recognized his might and God's favor upon him.
• spread abroad: (halakh ad) Lit. "went unto." This conveys the wide dissemination of his fame and influence. The spread of a king's name signified the extent of his political reach and the fear or respect he commanded among neighboring nations.
• even to the entering in of Egypt;: (l'vo Mitzrayim) This phrase denotes a specific geographical boundary. "Entering in of Egypt" typically refers to the southern border of Israel's promised land and the northeastern approaches to Egypt (e.g., Num 34:5, Josh 15:4, 1 Kgs 8:65). Reaching this far implies a significant dominion and influence over a large part of the Levant, securing Judah's borders and creating a sphere of control that was highly respected by formidable entities like Egypt, a major power. It demonstrates a re-establishment of the Solomonic-era boundaries of influence (1 Kgs 4:21).
• for he strengthened himself exceedingly.: (kî heḥezaq ʿōḏ məʾōḏ) This phrase is crucial. The verb ḥāzaq (חָזַק) means "to be strong," "to prevail," "to be firm." In Chronicles, particularly, when applied to a king's strength, it frequently implies being strengthened by God or showing oneself strong due to God's help. The Chronicler often highlights how kings like Asa and Jehoshaphat were divinely empowered. The repetition "exceedingly" (ʿōḏ məʾōḏ) is an emphatic intensifier, underscoring the remarkable degree of his might. It signifies a profound and exceptional display of strength, which, within the Chronicler’s theology, is directly attributable to God’s assistance because Uzziah "sought God."

2 Chronicles 26 8 Bonus section

The Chronicler's emphasis on Uzziah's strength coming from divine help (explicitly stated in v. 7 and reiterated in v. 15) provides a strong polemic against pagan beliefs where rulers derive power from personal prowess or multiple deities. Here, all strength and success emanate from the one true God, Yahweh. This narrative highlights the cause and effect relationship that is central to the Deuteronomistic theology so prominent in Chronicles: obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings curse. Uzziah's initial success serves as a positive example of this principle before his subsequent downfall demonstrates the reverse. The tribute from Ammonites highlights a partial fulfillment of the land promises and the promise of dominion to Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness even when His people are not always perfectly faithful.

2 Chronicles 26 8 Commentary

2 Chronicles 26:8 serves as a testament to the blessing of divine favor. It shows how Uzziah, by diligently seeking God in his early reign, experienced profound military success and political dominion that stretched geographically and politically. The tribute from the Ammonites was not merely a random act but a sign of his power, divinely facilitated, reflecting the historical covenant promise that obedient Israel would be dominant among nations (Deut 28:1). His fame spreading "to the entering in of Egypt" emphasizes the vast scope of his influence, indicating Judah's emergence as a significant regional power under his leadership, echoing the grandeur of David and Solomon's united kingdom. The core message is that this impressive strength was not inherent to Uzziah alone but a direct consequence of "the marvelous help" he received from God (as re-emphasized in v. 15), aligning with the Chronicler's overarching theme: prosperity flows from piety and obedience to God. This prosperity and widespread influence served to magnify God’s name through His chosen king, displaying divine power to surrounding nations.

Examples:

• A leader's or nation's diplomatic recognition and standing in the global arena often directly correlate to the moral and spiritual foundation they maintain, drawing favor or opposition.
• The spread of a company's reputation and success, even in challenging markets, can be seen as a direct outcome of adherence to integrity and righteous practices, mirroring the principle of divine blessing in work.