And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
2 CHRONICLES 26:15KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 26:15 mean?
2 Chronicles 26:15 describes how King Uzziah of Judah had special machines built in Jerusalem, designed by skilled inventors, to defend the city by launching arrows and large stones from towers and walls. Because of these innovations and the help he received, Uzziah became famous and very powerful.
This verse is part of a historical account about King Uzziah’s reign. The writer is describing Uzziah’s efforts to strengthen Jerusalem’s defenses and how his reputation grew as a result. The verse highlights both the technical skill of his people and the extraordinary support Uzziah experienced, which led to his success.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:15
- engines (חִשָּׁבוֹנוֹת, chishavonot): This word refers to devices or machines, often understood as war machines or siege engines. The verse shows that advanced technology was used in Jerusalem’s defenses, which was unusual for the time.
- invented (מַחֲשָׁבָה, machashavah): This word means “devised” or “invented,” pointing to creative planning and design. The verse credits skilled inventors for these innovations, emphasizing human ingenuity.
- shoot (יָרָה, yarah): This verb means “to shoot” or “to throw,” used here for launching arrows and stones. It clarifies that these machines were offensive as well as defensive tools.
- marvellously (פָּלָא, pala): This word means “to be extraordinary or wonderful.” The verse uses it to describe the remarkable help Uzziah received, suggesting that his success was seen as beyond ordinary human effort.
Why 2 Chronicles 26:15 matters
- The verse clears up that ancient Jerusalem, under Uzziah, used advanced military technology and not just simple weapons, showing a level of sophistication in defense.
- It emphasizes that Uzziah’s strength and fame were not just from his own efforts but also from remarkable help, which the context suggests came from God.
- This detail connects to the wider passage by showing the high point of Uzziah’s reign, setting up the contrast with his later downfall when he became proud.