And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

2 CHRONICLES 26:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 26:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 26:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 26:6 describes how King Uzziah of Judah attacked the Philistines, destroyed the defensive walls of their major cities—Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod—and then built new cities in the area around Ashdod and among the Philistines. This verse shows Uzziah’s military strength and expansion of Judah’s influence over its old enemies.

The verse is part of a historical account written by the Chronicler, describing the reign of Uzziah, a king of Judah. The Philistines were long-time adversaries of Israel and Judah, and the cities mentioned were important strongholds along the western border. By breaking down their walls and building cities, Uzziah was not just defeating these enemies but also establishing control and security for his kingdom in a region that had often been a source of conflict.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 26:6

  • "warred" (לָחַם, lacham): This word means to engage in battle or wage war. Its use here emphasizes that Uzziah was actively leading military campaigns, not just defending but taking the initiative against the Philistines.
  • "down" (פָּרַץ, parats): This word means to break through or breach. The verse uses it to describe the destruction of city walls, highlighting the thoroughness of Uzziah’s victories and the weakening of Philistine defenses.
  • "built" (בָּנָה, banah): This word means to build or establish. Uzziah did not just destroy; he also constructed new cities, indicating a strategy of occupation and settlement, not just conquest.

Why 2 Chronicles 26:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Uzziah’s campaigns were not just raids but involved lasting changes in territory, including building new cities, which suggests a period of strength and stability for Judah.
  • By naming specific Philistine cities, the verse connects Uzziah’s actions to earlier biblical stories of conflict between Israel and the Philistines, showing a reversal of fortunes.
  • The verse sets up the context for understanding Uzziah’s reputation as a powerful and capable king, which is important for the rest of the chapter and the Chronicler’s overall portrayal of his reign.

Where else these words appear

“Ashdod” Hebrew H795 · used in 15 verses

  • Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
  • 1 Samuel 5:5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.
  • Jeremiah 25:20 And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,

“Gath” Hebrew H1661 · used in 31 verses

  • Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.
  • 1 Samuel 27:3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.
  • 2 Kings 12:17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.

“down” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

“wall” Hebrew H2346 · used in 123 verses

  • Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Nehemiah 2:8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.
  • Isaiah 36:11 Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.