Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
2 CHRONICLES 26:3KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 26:3 mean?
2 Chronicles 26:3 states that Uzziah became king of Judah when he was sixteen years old and ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. The verse also names his mother as Jecoliah, who was from Jerusalem.
This verse is part of a historical record written by the Chronicler, likely addressed to the people of Judah after the exile. It introduces Uzziah’s reign by giving his age at the start, the length of his rule, and his mother’s identity, which was a common way to establish a king’s legitimacy and background in ancient records.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:3
- "Sixteen" (שֵׁשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה, shesh-esreh): This word combines "six" and "ten," making it clear that Uzziah was quite young when he began to reign, which was unusual for a king.
- "Reigned" (מָלַךְ, malakh): This verb is used twice in the verse, emphasizing both the beginning of Uzziah’s rule and the total duration of his reign.
- "Jecoliah" (יְכוֹלְיָה, Yekolyah): The name of Uzziah’s mother is included, which was not always the case for kings. This detail may highlight her importance or status, especially since she is noted as being from Jerusalem.
Why 2 Chronicles 26:3 matters
- The verse highlights Uzziah’s long reign, which was unusually lengthy for a king in Judah, suggesting a period of stability or significance.
- Naming Uzziah’s mother, Jecoliah, and her origin in Jerusalem may hint at her influence or the importance of local heritage in royal succession.
- The details set the stage for the following verses, which will describe Uzziah’s actions as king and the impact of his reign on Judah’s history.