2 Chronicles 26 9

2 Chronicles 26:9 kjv

Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.

2 Chronicles 26:9 nkjv

And Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and at the corner buttress of the wall; then he fortified them.

2 Chronicles 26:9 niv

Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them.

2 Chronicles 26:9 esv

Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the Angle, and fortified them.

2 Chronicles 26:9 nlt

Uzziah built fortified towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and at the angle in the wall.

2 Chronicles 26 verses

2 Chronicles 26 9 Meaning

2 Chronicles 26:9 describes King Uzziah's strategic architectural achievements in Jerusalem. He constructed formidable defensive towers at crucial entry and vulnerable points: the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and at a significant turning or angular section of the city wall, actively fortifying these structures to enhance Jerusalem's overall security and impenetrability. This highlights his effective governance and military foresight during his prosperous reign.

2 Chronicles 26 9 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 26 chronicles the reign of King Uzziah of Judah, portraying him as a king who initially sought the Lord, resulting in widespread prosperity and military success. Verse 9 is part of a detailed description of Uzziah's impressive achievements, emphasizing his administrative skill and foresight. Having gained military victories over the Philistines, Arabs, and Meunites (v. 6-8), Uzziah then turned his attention to fortifying Jerusalem, the capital city. The building of these towers at strategic gates reflects a concerted effort to enhance Jerusalem's defenses against future attacks and to secure its expanding prosperity. Historically, Jerusalem's topography made certain gates and wall sections vulnerable, requiring robust fortification, especially given the continuous geopolitical instability of the ancient Near East. This fortification, along with other public works, symbolized Uzziah's flourishing kingdom, yet the Chronicler will later highlight how pride stemming from such successes could lead to spiritual decline.

2 Chronicles 26 9 Word analysis

• Moreover (וַיִּבֶן - `wa-yibben`): The Hebrew conjunction `waw` often functions as "and," here signifying a continuation of Uzziah's commendable actions mentioned previously (defeating enemies, receiving tribute). It links the city's fortification to his general successful and powerful reign.
• Uzziah (עֻזִּיָּהוּ - `ʿUzzîyāhû`): His name means "My strength is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my strength." This provides an ironic backdrop, as the king whose very name points to God as his source of power becomes famous for building physical defenses. This foreshadows his later fall when pride leads him to act independently of the very God whose strength his name proclaimed.
• built (וַיִּבֶן - `wa-yibben`): From the root בָּנָה (`banah`), "to build." This verb emphasizes a deliberate and constructive effort. It indicates a significant architectural endeavor, not merely minor repairs.
• towers (מִגְדָּלוֹת - `miḡdālōṯ`): Plural of מִגְדָּל (`migdal`), meaning "tower" or "fortress." These were elevated defensive structures, providing a vantage point for observation and a platform for launching projectiles during an attack. Towers symbolized strength and protection in the ancient world, whether as part of a city's walls (Isa 2:15) or as watchtowers in vineyards (Isa 5:2).
• in Jerusalem (בִּירוּשָׁלִַם - `bîrûšālaim`): The capital and spiritual center of Judah, housing the Temple. Fortifying Jerusalem meant securing the heart of the nation and its worship.
• at the Corner Gate (עַל שַׁעַר הַפִּנָּה - `ʿal šaʿar ha-Pinnāh`): Literally, "upon the gate of the corner." This gate was located at a crucial angular juncture in Jerusalem's defensive walls (as also mentioned in Jer 31:38, Zec 14:10), a structurally weak point that required reinforced protection. Its strategic importance necessitated a strong tower.
• and at the Valley Gate (וְעַל שַׁעַר הַגַּיְא - `wə-ʿal šaʿar ha-Gayiʿ`): Literally, "and upon the gate of the valley." Located towards the western or southwestern part of the city, likely near the Hinnom Valley, which presented a significant access point for attackers. Reinforcing it was essential for the city's overall security.
• and at the turning of the wall (וְעַל הַמִּקְצוֹעַ - `wə-ʿal ha-Miqṣōʿ`): Literally, "and upon the corner/angle/turning." This refers to another specific architectural bend or projection in the wall where a tower would significantly improve defensive capabilities. It suggests thorough and comprehensive defensive planning.
• and fortified them (וַיְחַזְּקֵם - `wa-yəḥazzeqêm`): From the root חָזַק (`chazaq`), meaning "to be strong," or "to strengthen." This denotes more than just building; it implies making them firm, durable, and resilient. Uzziah ensured these structures were not merely erected but robustly secured, highlighting his commitment to robust defense.
• built towers... and fortified them: This phrase signifies Uzziah's proactive and systematic approach to national security. He wasn't simply reacting to threats but strategically preparing, transforming Jerusalem into a highly defensible city. This comprehensive building program exemplifies the Chronicler's emphasis on strong leadership benefiting the nation, often tying such strength to initial faithfulness.
• Corner Gate, Valley Gate, turning of the wall: The specificity of these locations reveals an expert understanding of Jerusalem's unique topography and potential weak points. This detail underscores Uzziah's strategic military acumen and the effective implementation of defense measures. The detailed account also serves to demonstrate the tangible benefits that flowed from a king who, for a time, "sought God."

2 Chronicles 26 9 Bonus section

• Archaeological Support: Historical and archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have unearthed evidence of substantial fortifications dating back to the 8th century BC, the period of Uzziah's reign. These findings, including parts of large walls and towers, corroborate the Chronicler's descriptions of extensive building activities, demonstrating the kingdom's significant resources and engineering capabilities during this era.
• Chronistic Emphasis: The Chronicler consistently attributes Uzziah's military and building successes directly to the blessing of God (e.g., "as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper," 2 Chr 26:5). While Uzziah's personal diligence in fortifying the city is lauded, the text implies that these achievements were a result of God's enabling strength rather than purely human genius or effort.
• Contrast to Neglect: Uzziah's efforts stand in stark contrast to periods under less faithful kings when Jerusalem's defenses were neglected, leading to vulnerability. This strategic building thus serves as an example of responsible governance when aligned with seeking the Lord.

2 Chronicles 26 9 Commentary

2 Chronicles 26:9 presents a vivid snapshot of King Uzziah's proactive and strategic leadership in Judah. By building formidable towers at critical junctions and gates of Jerusalem, Uzziah not only bolstered the capital's physical defenses but also projected an image of a powerful and prosperous kingdom. This act of fortification, detailed by the Chronicler, follows a period of military success and tribute received, underscoring the benefits of Uzziah's early reign which was marked by seeking God (2 Chr 26:5). The precision in naming the Corner Gate, Valley Gate, and a strategic "turning of the wall" reflects comprehensive architectural planning, indicating that no potential vulnerability was overlooked. While such human efforts are prudent, the larger narrative of Uzziah’s reign ultimately reminds that true and lasting security is rooted in divine favor rather than in military prowess or impressive infrastructure alone.