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 26:14KJV
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2 Chronicles 26:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 26:14 mean?

2 Chronicles 26:14 describes how King Uzziah made thorough preparations for his army by providing them with a full range of weapons and protective gear, including shields, spears, helmets, body armor, bows, and slings for throwing stones. The verse highlights Uzziah’s efforts to equip his entire military force with the necessary tools for defense and battle.

This verse is part of a passage describing Uzziah’s reign as king over Judah. The chronicler is recounting Uzziah’s organizational skills and attention to the military needs of his people, showing how he strengthened the nation’s defenses. The list of equipment shows a well-supplied and prepared army, reflecting the king’s commitment to security and readiness.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:14

  • "prepared" (כּוּן, kun): This word means to establish, make ready, or set up. It emphasizes that Uzziah did not just collect weapons but actively organized and equipped his troops.
  • "host" (צָבָא, tsava): This term refers to the entire army or military force, showing that Uzziah’s preparations covered all his soldiers, not just a select group.
  • "habergeons" (שִׁרְיָן, shiryon): This word refers to body armor or a coat of mail, indicating that the soldiers were given protective gear, not just offensive weapons.
  • "slings" (קֶלַע, qela): The mention of slings for casting stones shows that the army used both traditional and more advanced weapons for a variety of combat situations.

Why 2 Chronicles 26:14 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Uzziah’s military reforms were comprehensive, covering both offensive and defensive equipment for the entire army, not just elite units.
  • By listing specific items, the verse shows the practical steps Uzziah took to secure his kingdom, reflecting his wisdom and diligence as a leader.
  • This detail connects to the broader theme in 2 Chronicles 26 of Uzziah’s successful and innovative reign, setting the stage for understanding both his achievements and, later, his challenges.

Where else these words appear

“helmets” Hebrew H3553 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
  • Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
  • Ezekiel 27:10 They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

“habergeons” Hebrew H8302 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
  • 1 Kings 22:34 And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
  • Nehemiah 4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

“spears” Hebrew H7420 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 25:7 And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;
  • 1 Chronicles 12:24 The children of Judah that bare shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, ready armed to the war.
  • Nehemiah 4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

“slings” Hebrew H7050 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 27:9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.
  • Numbers 4:26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.