1 Chronicles 26
2 Chronicles 26 discusses the reign of Judah’s king Uzziah (Azariah), his achievements, and lessons from his later years. Uzziah ascended to the throne at a relatively young age and ruled the nation for a long period (52 years). This chapter structurally shows both the rise and decline of a king: during the time Uzziah sought the Lord, he experienced great prosperity and accomplished military feats, but afterward he fell due to pride and disobedience.
1verseFor the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
2verseMeshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,
3verseElam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh.
4verseObed-Edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sacar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth,
5verseAmmiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him.
6verseSons were also born to Shemaiah his son, who ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor.
7verseThe sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose relatives were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah.
8verseAll these were of the sons of Obed-Edom with their sons and their brothers, able men in strength for the service: sixty-two of Obed-Edom.
9verseMeshelemiah had sons and brothers, eighteen valiant men.
10verseAlso Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him chief),
11verseHilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. All the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.
12verseOf these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief men, having offices like their brothers, to minister in the LORD’s house.
13verseThey cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their fathers’ houses, for every gate.
14verseThe lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
15verseTo Obed-Edom southward; and to his sons the storehouse.
16verseTo Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watchman opposite watchman.
17verseEastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the storehouse two and two.
18verseFor Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.
19verseThese were the divisions of the doorkeepers; of the sons of the Korahites, and of the sons of Merari.
20verseOf the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of God’s house and over the treasures of the dedicated things.
21verseThe sons of Ladan, the sons of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the fathers’ households belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.
22verseThe sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of the LORD’s house.
23verseOf the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:
24verseShebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler over the treasuries.
25verseHis brothers: of Eliezer, Rehabiah his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, and Zichri his son, and Shelomoth his son.
26verseThis Shelomoth and his brothers were over all the treasuries of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the heads of the fathers’ households, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated.
27verseThey dedicated some of the plunder won in battles to repair the LORD’s house.
28verseAll that Samuel the seer, Saul the son of Kish, Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedicated, whoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomoth and of his brothers.
29verseOf the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.
30verseOf the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, one thousand seven hundred men of valor, had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the business of the LORD and for the service of the king.
31verseOf the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers’ households. They were sought for in the fortieth year of the reign of David, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer of Gilead.
32verseHis relatives, men of valor, were two thousand seven hundred, heads of fathers’ households, whom King David made overseers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites, for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.
Main Content and Structure
| Verses 1–5 | Uzziah’s succession to the throne and his early conduct |
| Verses 6–15 | Uzziah’s political and military achievements and prosperity, including strengthening the city and raising an army |
| Verses 16–21 | Uzziah’s pride and disobedience: he tries to act as a priest for himself, and leprosy (a skin disease) breaks out for him |
| Verses 22–23 | Uzziah’s death and the accession of his successor, Jotham |
Key Features and Meaning of the Text
- The text emphasizes that Uzziah prospered during the time when he “sought the Lord” (verse 5). His prosperity was grounded in reverence and dependence on God.
- The chronicler records how military and technical advances, as well as the expansion of city infrastructure, are mentioned as specific achievements, and that political and economic stability was realized on a foundation of faith.
- However, Uzziah’s pride brings him down. When he oversteps what only priests are allowed to do—offering incense—his life suddenly takes a turn.
- As a result, although he remains on the throne, he is effectively isolated and spends the rest of his life that way. This offers a lesson about balancing power and prosperity with humble faith.
Points to Ponder
- The result of a life that seeks the Lord: Like Uzziah in his early years, we reflect on how an attitude of seeking God brings blessings and prosperity into life.
- The danger of pride: After many achievements and a period of stability, we are reminded that we must continually examine ourselves. Faith and humility are needed without interruption.
Applying It to Me
- I reflect on whether I am living these days depending on God, or whether I am relying only on my own abilities and accomplishments.
- Even more during times of success and peace, I can commit to choosing a life that is humbler and gives glory to God.
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