And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.

2 CHRONICLES 26:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 26:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 26:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 26:13 describes how King Uzziah had a large, well-organized army of 307,500 men who were equipped and ready to fight powerfully to support the king against his enemies. This verse emphasizes the impressive size and strength of the military forces under Uzziah’s command.

This verse appears in a section where the chronicler is listing the resources and organization of King Uzziah’s reign over Judah. The focus is on the military structure, showing that Uzziah’s leadership included not just numbers but also the ability to wage war effectively. The verse highlights the king’s preparation and the loyalty of his forces during a time of national strength.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:13

  • "hand" (יָד, yad): This word often means "authority" or "control" in Hebrew, so the phrase "under their hand" suggests the army was under the command or supervision of the officers mentioned previously.
  • "army" (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean "army," "strength," or "valor," emphasizing not just numbers but the quality and capability of the troops.
  • "made war" (עָשָׂה מִלְחָמָה, asah milchamah): The verb "made" (עָשָׂה, asah) paired with "war" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah) points to active engagement in battle, not just being prepared but actually fighting.
  • "mighty power" (חַיִל כֹּחַ, chayil koach): Both words relate to strength—"chayil" for might or valor, and "koach" for power or ability—underscoring that the army was not only large but also strong and capable.

Why 2 Chronicles 26:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Uzziah’s success was partly due to a well-organized and powerful military, not just his personal abilities or spiritual standing.
  • The detailed numbers and terms for strength highlight the chronicler’s intent to show Judah’s prosperity and security during Uzziah’s reign.
  • By describing the army as helping the king "against the enemy," the verse connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s people being prepared to defend themselves, and it sets up the context for later events in Uzziah’s life.

Where else these words appear

“help” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Psalms 107:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

“power” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:9 And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him,(for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.