Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary for 2 Chronicles 26:11

The verse 2 Chronicles 26:11 states: "Moreover Uzziah had a host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king's captains."

Contextual Overview

This verse appears in the context of Uzziah’s reign over Judah. Uzziah, also known as Azariah, became king at a young age and was noted for his military strength and engineering advances, which greatly enhanced the kingdom's power and security.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Matthew Henry emphasizes Uzziah’s military might, noting that the organization of his forces was pivotal to his successes. The mention of specific officials like Jeiel and Maaseiah highlights the importance of structure and accountability in leadership and military efforts. Uzziah relied on skilled individuals to maintain order and efficiency.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes elaborates on Uzziah's accomplishments, crediting his leadership in assembling a powerful army. His administrative ability is underscored as he appointed leaders to manage the military effectively. Barnes also draws attention to the strategic nature of warfare at that time, implying that Uzziah's success was attributed to both divine favor and prudent governance.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke discusses the significance of the names listed in the verse, viewing them as indicative of Uzziah's military organization. He views the detailed record-keeping as a virtue of wise leadership, hinting at the broader Biblical principle of stewardship in leadership roles.

Key Themes and Interpretations

• Organization and Structure: The verse illustrates the importance of organization within a kingdom, especially when preparing for conflict. Leaders must ensure that roles are well defined.
• Divine Favor and Leadership: The successes of Uzziah can be seen as contingent upon both human leadership and divine blessing, suggesting that true success in any endeavor comes from a partnership with God.
• Importance of Record Keeping: This verse highlights the significance of documentation in leadership—recording details fosters accountability and transparency in governance and military affairs.

Cross References

• 2 Chronicles 25:5-6: Discusses Joash's gathering of forces, reflecting similar themes of military organization.
• 2 Kings 14:10: Highlights Uzziah's war efforts compared to others.
• 1 Chronicles 5:22: Relates to the military exploits of Israel, reinforcing Uzziah’s role as a key military figure.

Application in Life

This verse can inspire modern leaders to prioritize structure and accountability within their organizations. The significance of teamwork and employing capable individuals resonates in both spiritual and secular leadership roles today.

Conclusion

Thus, 2 Chronicles 26:11 serves as more than just a historical record; it provides valuable lessons on leadership, organization, and the blending of divine empowerment with human effort. By studying this verse, individuals can gain deeper Bible verse understanding and enrich their Bible study insights.