Ezra 5

Ezra 5:1

Amaziah Defeated by Joash

Instead of following the Divine counsel of God’s prophet, Amaziah goes to others for counsel (2 Chronicles 25:17). Those with whom he consults are not mentioned. Nor is it about those others, but about Amaziah’s attitude. Because he has said goodbye to God, he is working on the destruction that has been promised to him.

The counsel he is taking is about a war he plans to wage with Joash, the king of Israel. A reason for that war could be the raid in Judah by mercenaries from the northern empire (2 Chronicles 25:13). We also see that his victory over Edom has made him proud, as Joash notes (2 Chronicles 25:19). The result of the counsel is that Amaziah sends messengers to the king of Israel to challenge him to fight each other.

Joash’ answer comes in the form of a fable (2 Chronicles 25:18). The thorn bush, good to throw into the fire, that’s Amaziah. The cedar, mighty and good for building, that is Joash. The wild beast that was in Lebanon is Joash’ army. Carelessly the thorn bush is trampled. Joash lets Amaziah know why he is looking for the battle. He reminds him of his victory over Edom and that this has made him overconfident and he thinks he can also win from Israel easily.

Joash himself is no better than Amaziah. We see that wicked people can see through the motives of other wicked people. That is because they are driven by exactly the same motives. Joash is as proud as Amaziah. He predicts disaster for Amaziah and advises him to stay at home (2 Chronicles 25:19). Joash is as certain of victory as Amaziah. Both men speak diluted language; with both, dependence on the LORD is completely lacking.

Amaziah has not listened to the prophet and he certainly does not listen to the warning of Joash (2 Chronicles 25:20). God has His hand in this, for He is going to use Joash to punish Amaziah for seeking the gods of Edom. When it turns out that Amaziah doesn’t want to listen, Joash goes up (2 Chronicles 25:21). They face each other at Beth-shemesh, where they fight each other. Amaziah suffers the defeat and the soldiers flee, each to his tent (2 Chronicles 25:22). Joash captures Amaziah and takes him to Jerusalem. What a humiliation it will have been for Amaziah to enter there as a prisoner.

More humiliations will follow. A large part of the wall of Jerusalem, “from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate, 400 cubits” (2 Chronicles 25:23), which is on the north and north-west side of the wall, is torn down. Many of the treasures of the house of God, which are entrusted to the care of Obed-edom, are robbed (2 Chronicles 25:24). Joash also takes hostages with him, to guarantee that Amaziah keeps calm. Then he returns to Samaria. The punitive expedition is over.

We see in this history how much is lost when, through victories given by the Lord, we become arrogant and fight for our own honor. If we are deaf to warnings given by the Lord, the disaster is complete. We then suffer losses in all areas. Our esteem is impaired and with it the Name of the Lord Whom we confess to know and serve.

We also lose the spiritual blessings that are stored for us in the house of God and that we can enjoy there. In fact, as ‘hostages’ we are held by the enemy who has gained power over us. This means that we have lost our true spiritual freedom. What a loss, for ourselves, but above all for the Lord, Who does not receive from our lives the honor He is so worthy of!

Ezra 5:2

Amaziah Defeated by Joash

Instead of following the Divine counsel of God’s prophet, Amaziah goes to others for counsel (2 Chronicles 25:17). Those with whom he consults are not mentioned. Nor is it about those others, but about Amaziah’s attitude. Because he has said goodbye to God, he is working on the destruction that has been promised to him.

The counsel he is taking is about a war he plans to wage with Joash, the king of Israel. A reason for that war could be the raid in Judah by mercenaries from the northern empire (2 Chronicles 25:13). We also see that his victory over Edom has made him proud, as Joash notes (2 Chronicles 25:19). The result of the counsel is that Amaziah sends messengers to the king of Israel to challenge him to fight each other.

Joash’ answer comes in the form of a fable (2 Chronicles 25:18). The thorn bush, good to throw into the fire, that’s Amaziah. The cedar, mighty and good for building, that is Joash. The wild beast that was in Lebanon is Joash’ army. Carelessly the thorn bush is trampled. Joash lets Amaziah know why he is looking for the battle. He reminds him of his victory over Edom and that this has made him overconfident and he thinks he can also win from Israel easily.

Joash himself is no better than Amaziah. We see that wicked people can see through the motives of other wicked people. That is because they are driven by exactly the same motives. Joash is as proud as Amaziah. He predicts disaster for Amaziah and advises him to stay at home (2 Chronicles 25:19). Joash is as certain of victory as Amaziah. Both men speak diluted language; with both, dependence on the LORD is completely lacking.

Amaziah has not listened to the prophet and he certainly does not listen to the warning of Joash (2 Chronicles 25:20). God has His hand in this, for He is going to use Joash to punish Amaziah for seeking the gods of Edom. When it turns out that Amaziah doesn’t want to listen, Joash goes up (2 Chronicles 25:21). They face each other at Beth-shemesh, where they fight each other. Amaziah suffers the defeat and the soldiers flee, each to his tent (2 Chronicles 25:22). Joash captures Amaziah and takes him to Jerusalem. What a humiliation it will have been for Amaziah to enter there as a prisoner.

More humiliations will follow. A large part of the wall of Jerusalem, “from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate, 400 cubits” (2 Chronicles 25:23), which is on the north and north-west side of the wall, is torn down. Many of the treasures of the house of God, which are entrusted to the care of Obed-edom, are robbed (2 Chronicles 25:24). Joash also takes hostages with him, to guarantee that Amaziah keeps calm. Then he returns to Samaria. The punitive expedition is over.

We see in this history how much is lost when, through victories given by the Lord, we become arrogant and fight for our own honor. If we are deaf to warnings given by the Lord, the disaster is complete. We then suffer losses in all areas. Our esteem is impaired and with it the Name of the Lord Whom we confess to know and serve.

We also lose the spiritual blessings that are stored for us in the house of God and that we can enjoy there. In fact, as ‘hostages’ we are held by the enemy who has gained power over us. This means that we have lost our true spiritual freedom. What a loss, for ourselves, but above all for the Lord, Who does not receive from our lives the honor He is so worthy of!

Ezra 5:3

The Death of Amaziah

After his humiliating defeat, Amaziah has fifteen years to live, counting from the death of Joash, king of Israel (2 Chronicles 25:25). That his death is related to the death of the king of Israel, shows how much Amaziah has become dependent on the king of the northern empire. What Amaziah has done more than what is described of him in this chapter is described “in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel” (2 Chronicles 25:26; cf. 2 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 28:26; 2 Chronicles 32:32).

Since his departure away from the LORD Amaziah has no rest anymore (2 Chronicles 25:27). He is always in fear of a conspiracy that is forged against him. A conspiracy is very threatening. There is always the threat of being killed, but it is not known where, when and by whom it happens. To escape the conspirators he flees Jerusalem and goes to Lachish. After a restless time of fear he thinks he might find peace there. But the conspirators know how to find him, and he finds death instead of the desired rest. Thus the life of a man who has started well comes to an inglorious end.

His body is brought on horses to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 25:28). There he is buried with his fathers.

Ezra 5:4

The Death of Amaziah

After his humiliating defeat, Amaziah has fifteen years to live, counting from the death of Joash, king of Israel (2 Chronicles 25:25). That his death is related to the death of the king of Israel, shows how much Amaziah has become dependent on the king of the northern empire. What Amaziah has done more than what is described of him in this chapter is described “in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel” (2 Chronicles 25:26; cf. 2 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 28:26; 2 Chronicles 32:32).

Since his departure away from the LORD Amaziah has no rest anymore (2 Chronicles 25:27). He is always in fear of a conspiracy that is forged against him. A conspiracy is very threatening. There is always the threat of being killed, but it is not known where, when and by whom it happens. To escape the conspirators he flees Jerusalem and goes to Lachish. After a restless time of fear he thinks he might find peace there. But the conspirators know how to find him, and he finds death instead of the desired rest. Thus the life of a man who has started well comes to an inglorious end.

His body is brought on horses to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 25:28). There he is buried with his fathers.

Ezra 5:5

The Death of Amaziah

After his humiliating defeat, Amaziah has fifteen years to live, counting from the death of Joash, king of Israel (2 Chronicles 25:25). That his death is related to the death of the king of Israel, shows how much Amaziah has become dependent on the king of the northern empire. What Amaziah has done more than what is described of him in this chapter is described “in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel” (2 Chronicles 25:26; cf. 2 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 28:26; 2 Chronicles 32:32).

Since his departure away from the LORD Amaziah has no rest anymore (2 Chronicles 25:27). He is always in fear of a conspiracy that is forged against him. A conspiracy is very threatening. There is always the threat of being killed, but it is not known where, when and by whom it happens. To escape the conspirators he flees Jerusalem and goes to Lachish. After a restless time of fear he thinks he might find peace there. But the conspirators know how to find him, and he finds death instead of the desired rest. Thus the life of a man who has started well comes to an inglorious end.

His body is brought on horses to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 25:28). There he is buried with his fathers.

Ezra 5:6

The Death of Amaziah

After his humiliating defeat, Amaziah has fifteen years to live, counting from the death of Joash, king of Israel (2 Chronicles 25:25). That his death is related to the death of the king of Israel, shows how much Amaziah has become dependent on the king of the northern empire. What Amaziah has done more than what is described of him in this chapter is described “in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel” (2 Chronicles 25:26; cf. 2 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 28:26; 2 Chronicles 32:32).

Since his departure away from the LORD Amaziah has no rest anymore (2 Chronicles 25:27). He is always in fear of a conspiracy that is forged against him. A conspiracy is very threatening. There is always the threat of being killed, but it is not known where, when and by whom it happens. To escape the conspirators he flees Jerusalem and goes to Lachish. After a restless time of fear he thinks he might find peace there. But the conspirators know how to find him, and he finds death instead of the desired rest. Thus the life of a man who has started well comes to an inglorious end.

His body is brought on horses to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 25:28). There he is buried with his fathers.

Ezra 5:8

Introduction

In this chapter and the ten following chapters we have the history of Uzziah and ten other kings. In the days of these kings most prophets of whom we have a bible book prophesy. This concerns both the so-called great and little prophets. What is written in the books of these prophets sheds light on these eleven chapters. It is highly recommended to read and take to heart the books of the prophets.

In this chapter we have again two parts. The first part shows an ascending line, containing the power and prosperity of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1-15). The second part shows a descending line, containing the pride, sickness and death of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-23).

Uzziah King of Judah

When Amaziah is killed, Uzziah becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:1). He becomes king in a special way, namely because “all the people of Judah” make him king. This remarkable state of affairs may indicate that in Jerusalem there are other thoughts regarding the succession. But God here uses the will of the people to keep a lamp burning for David’s house. Uzziah – also called Azariah (2 Kings 15:1-7) – is only sixteen years old when he becomes king.

The first act described of Uzziah is that he builds the port of Eloth or Elath and brings it back under the authority of Judah (2 Chronicles 26:2). Eloth is important for sea trade. The fact that he does this “after the king slept with his fathers” probably refers to the death of the king of Edom. Restoration of lost territory can only take place if the LORD is acknowledged in His authority.

God is the God of restoration. When He gives restoration, it is to make us spiritually stronger through it. We also see this with Peter, who after his restoration is used by the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31-32). Peter was restored by Him after his denial of the Lord and strengthened his brothers in their faith through his letters.

Again it is said that Uzziah is sixteen years old when he becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:3; 2 Chronicles 26:1). This emphasizes his age. It shows that God attaches great value to young people who want to live for Him. We have other examples of this in Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Joash and Timothy. Uzziah is, apart from Manasseh, the longest reigning king. He reigns no less than fifty-two years, from 791-740 BC. His mother’s name is also mentioned, together with the place where she comes from. As is customary with mothers, she has had a great influence on his development. She will also have helped him to do his job well during his first years in reign.

The reign of Uzziah is described by comparing it with the reign of his father (2 Chronicles 26:4). He does, like his father Amaziah, what is right in the sight of the LORD. This is, as with his father, the first part of his life, for at the end of his life he, like his father, turns away from the LORD.

Uzziah is doing well as long as he seeks the LORD (2 Chronicles 26:5). He is helped by someone, as happened with his grandfather Joash (2 Chronicles 24:2). Uzziah has someone in Zechariah “who had understanding through the vision of God”. Zechariah must have had a special relationship with God. The right teaching comes from fellowship with God in the sanctuary, not from a theological college. It is a great blessing for Uzziah to have such a man next to him. Such a situation is a rarity (2 Chronicles 15:3).

There is a task for older, spiritual believers to teach young believers to look to God by reading His Word, for He reveals Himself in His Word. It is also necessary to teach young believers to seek God in prayer. It is to be hoped that young believers recognize the great privilege of such exhortations and act accordingly. There is also a great responsibility here for fathers in relation to their children.

Ezra 5:9

Introduction

In this chapter and the ten following chapters we have the history of Uzziah and ten other kings. In the days of these kings most prophets of whom we have a bible book prophesy. This concerns both the so-called great and little prophets. What is written in the books of these prophets sheds light on these eleven chapters. It is highly recommended to read and take to heart the books of the prophets.

In this chapter we have again two parts. The first part shows an ascending line, containing the power and prosperity of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1-15). The second part shows a descending line, containing the pride, sickness and death of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-23).

Uzziah King of Judah

When Amaziah is killed, Uzziah becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:1). He becomes king in a special way, namely because “all the people of Judah” make him king. This remarkable state of affairs may indicate that in Jerusalem there are other thoughts regarding the succession. But God here uses the will of the people to keep a lamp burning for David’s house. Uzziah – also called Azariah (2 Kings 15:1-7) – is only sixteen years old when he becomes king.

The first act described of Uzziah is that he builds the port of Eloth or Elath and brings it back under the authority of Judah (2 Chronicles 26:2). Eloth is important for sea trade. The fact that he does this “after the king slept with his fathers” probably refers to the death of the king of Edom. Restoration of lost territory can only take place if the LORD is acknowledged in His authority.

God is the God of restoration. When He gives restoration, it is to make us spiritually stronger through it. We also see this with Peter, who after his restoration is used by the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31-32). Peter was restored by Him after his denial of the Lord and strengthened his brothers in their faith through his letters.

Again it is said that Uzziah is sixteen years old when he becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:3; 2 Chronicles 26:1). This emphasizes his age. It shows that God attaches great value to young people who want to live for Him. We have other examples of this in Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Joash and Timothy. Uzziah is, apart from Manasseh, the longest reigning king. He reigns no less than fifty-two years, from 791-740 BC. His mother’s name is also mentioned, together with the place where she comes from. As is customary with mothers, she has had a great influence on his development. She will also have helped him to do his job well during his first years in reign.

The reign of Uzziah is described by comparing it with the reign of his father (2 Chronicles 26:4). He does, like his father Amaziah, what is right in the sight of the LORD. This is, as with his father, the first part of his life, for at the end of his life he, like his father, turns away from the LORD.

Uzziah is doing well as long as he seeks the LORD (2 Chronicles 26:5). He is helped by someone, as happened with his grandfather Joash (2 Chronicles 24:2). Uzziah has someone in Zechariah “who had understanding through the vision of God”. Zechariah must have had a special relationship with God. The right teaching comes from fellowship with God in the sanctuary, not from a theological college. It is a great blessing for Uzziah to have such a man next to him. Such a situation is a rarity (2 Chronicles 15:3).

There is a task for older, spiritual believers to teach young believers to look to God by reading His Word, for He reveals Himself in His Word. It is also necessary to teach young believers to seek God in prayer. It is to be hoped that young believers recognize the great privilege of such exhortations and act accordingly. There is also a great responsibility here for fathers in relation to their children.

Ezra 5:10

Introduction

In this chapter and the ten following chapters we have the history of Uzziah and ten other kings. In the days of these kings most prophets of whom we have a bible book prophesy. This concerns both the so-called great and little prophets. What is written in the books of these prophets sheds light on these eleven chapters. It is highly recommended to read and take to heart the books of the prophets.

In this chapter we have again two parts. The first part shows an ascending line, containing the power and prosperity of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1-15). The second part shows a descending line, containing the pride, sickness and death of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-23).

Uzziah King of Judah

When Amaziah is killed, Uzziah becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:1). He becomes king in a special way, namely because “all the people of Judah” make him king. This remarkable state of affairs may indicate that in Jerusalem there are other thoughts regarding the succession. But God here uses the will of the people to keep a lamp burning for David’s house. Uzziah – also called Azariah (2 Kings 15:1-7) – is only sixteen years old when he becomes king.

The first act described of Uzziah is that he builds the port of Eloth or Elath and brings it back under the authority of Judah (2 Chronicles 26:2). Eloth is important for sea trade. The fact that he does this “after the king slept with his fathers” probably refers to the death of the king of Edom. Restoration of lost territory can only take place if the LORD is acknowledged in His authority.

God is the God of restoration. When He gives restoration, it is to make us spiritually stronger through it. We also see this with Peter, who after his restoration is used by the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31-32). Peter was restored by Him after his denial of the Lord and strengthened his brothers in their faith through his letters.

Again it is said that Uzziah is sixteen years old when he becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:3; 2 Chronicles 26:1). This emphasizes his age. It shows that God attaches great value to young people who want to live for Him. We have other examples of this in Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Joash and Timothy. Uzziah is, apart from Manasseh, the longest reigning king. He reigns no less than fifty-two years, from 791-740 BC. His mother’s name is also mentioned, together with the place where she comes from. As is customary with mothers, she has had a great influence on his development. She will also have helped him to do his job well during his first years in reign.

The reign of Uzziah is described by comparing it with the reign of his father (2 Chronicles 26:4). He does, like his father Amaziah, what is right in the sight of the LORD. This is, as with his father, the first part of his life, for at the end of his life he, like his father, turns away from the LORD.

Uzziah is doing well as long as he seeks the LORD (2 Chronicles 26:5). He is helped by someone, as happened with his grandfather Joash (2 Chronicles 24:2). Uzziah has someone in Zechariah “who had understanding through the vision of God”. Zechariah must have had a special relationship with God. The right teaching comes from fellowship with God in the sanctuary, not from a theological college. It is a great blessing for Uzziah to have such a man next to him. Such a situation is a rarity (2 Chronicles 15:3).

There is a task for older, spiritual believers to teach young believers to look to God by reading His Word, for He reveals Himself in His Word. It is also necessary to teach young believers to seek God in prayer. It is to be hoped that young believers recognize the great privilege of such exhortations and act accordingly. There is also a great responsibility here for fathers in relation to their children.

Ezra 5:11

Introduction

In this chapter and the ten following chapters we have the history of Uzziah and ten other kings. In the days of these kings most prophets of whom we have a bible book prophesy. This concerns both the so-called great and little prophets. What is written in the books of these prophets sheds light on these eleven chapters. It is highly recommended to read and take to heart the books of the prophets.

In this chapter we have again two parts. The first part shows an ascending line, containing the power and prosperity of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1-15). The second part shows a descending line, containing the pride, sickness and death of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-23).

Uzziah King of Judah

When Amaziah is killed, Uzziah becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:1). He becomes king in a special way, namely because “all the people of Judah” make him king. This remarkable state of affairs may indicate that in Jerusalem there are other thoughts regarding the succession. But God here uses the will of the people to keep a lamp burning for David’s house. Uzziah – also called Azariah (2 Kings 15:1-7) – is only sixteen years old when he becomes king.

The first act described of Uzziah is that he builds the port of Eloth or Elath and brings it back under the authority of Judah (2 Chronicles 26:2). Eloth is important for sea trade. The fact that he does this “after the king slept with his fathers” probably refers to the death of the king of Edom. Restoration of lost territory can only take place if the LORD is acknowledged in His authority.

God is the God of restoration. When He gives restoration, it is to make us spiritually stronger through it. We also see this with Peter, who after his restoration is used by the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31-32). Peter was restored by Him after his denial of the Lord and strengthened his brothers in their faith through his letters.

Again it is said that Uzziah is sixteen years old when he becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:3; 2 Chronicles 26:1). This emphasizes his age. It shows that God attaches great value to young people who want to live for Him. We have other examples of this in Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Joash and Timothy. Uzziah is, apart from Manasseh, the longest reigning king. He reigns no less than fifty-two years, from 791-740 BC. His mother’s name is also mentioned, together with the place where she comes from. As is customary with mothers, she has had a great influence on his development. She will also have helped him to do his job well during his first years in reign.

The reign of Uzziah is described by comparing it with the reign of his father (2 Chronicles 26:4). He does, like his father Amaziah, what is right in the sight of the LORD. This is, as with his father, the first part of his life, for at the end of his life he, like his father, turns away from the LORD.

Uzziah is doing well as long as he seeks the LORD (2 Chronicles 26:5). He is helped by someone, as happened with his grandfather Joash (2 Chronicles 24:2). Uzziah has someone in Zechariah “who had understanding through the vision of God”. Zechariah must have had a special relationship with God. The right teaching comes from fellowship with God in the sanctuary, not from a theological college. It is a great blessing for Uzziah to have such a man next to him. Such a situation is a rarity (2 Chronicles 15:3).

There is a task for older, spiritual believers to teach young believers to look to God by reading His Word, for He reveals Himself in His Word. It is also necessary to teach young believers to seek God in prayer. It is to be hoped that young believers recognize the great privilege of such exhortations and act accordingly. There is also a great responsibility here for fathers in relation to their children.

Ezra 5:12

Introduction

In this chapter and the ten following chapters we have the history of Uzziah and ten other kings. In the days of these kings most prophets of whom we have a bible book prophesy. This concerns both the so-called great and little prophets. What is written in the books of these prophets sheds light on these eleven chapters. It is highly recommended to read and take to heart the books of the prophets.

In this chapter we have again two parts. The first part shows an ascending line, containing the power and prosperity of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1-15). The second part shows a descending line, containing the pride, sickness and death of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-23).

Uzziah King of Judah

When Amaziah is killed, Uzziah becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:1). He becomes king in a special way, namely because “all the people of Judah” make him king. This remarkable state of affairs may indicate that in Jerusalem there are other thoughts regarding the succession. But God here uses the will of the people to keep a lamp burning for David’s house. Uzziah – also called Azariah (2 Kings 15:1-7) – is only sixteen years old when he becomes king.

The first act described of Uzziah is that he builds the port of Eloth or Elath and brings it back under the authority of Judah (2 Chronicles 26:2). Eloth is important for sea trade. The fact that he does this “after the king slept with his fathers” probably refers to the death of the king of Edom. Restoration of lost territory can only take place if the LORD is acknowledged in His authority.

God is the God of restoration. When He gives restoration, it is to make us spiritually stronger through it. We also see this with Peter, who after his restoration is used by the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31-32). Peter was restored by Him after his denial of the Lord and strengthened his brothers in their faith through his letters.

Again it is said that Uzziah is sixteen years old when he becomes king (2 Chronicles 26:3; 2 Chronicles 26:1). This emphasizes his age. It shows that God attaches great value to young people who want to live for Him. We have other examples of this in Joshua, Samuel, Solomon, Joash and Timothy. Uzziah is, apart from Manasseh, the longest reigning king. He reigns no less than fifty-two years, from 791-740 BC. His mother’s name is also mentioned, together with the place where she comes from. As is customary with mothers, she has had a great influence on his development. She will also have helped him to do his job well during his first years in reign.

The reign of Uzziah is described by comparing it with the reign of his father (2 Chronicles 26:4). He does, like his father Amaziah, what is right in the sight of the LORD. This is, as with his father, the first part of his life, for at the end of his life he, like his father, turns away from the LORD.

Uzziah is doing well as long as he seeks the LORD (2 Chronicles 26:5). He is helped by someone, as happened with his grandfather Joash (2 Chronicles 24:2). Uzziah has someone in Zechariah “who had understanding through the vision of God”. Zechariah must have had a special relationship with God. The right teaching comes from fellowship with God in the sanctuary, not from a theological college. It is a great blessing for Uzziah to have such a man next to him. Such a situation is a rarity (2 Chronicles 15:3).

There is a task for older, spiritual believers to teach young believers to look to God by reading His Word, for He reveals Himself in His Word. It is also necessary to teach young believers to seek God in prayer. It is to be hoped that young believers recognize the great privilege of such exhortations and act accordingly. There is also a great responsibility here for fathers in relation to their children.

Ezra 5:13

Military and Agricultural Prosperity

The LORD blesses him further with victories and prosperity. He has military and agricultural blessing. First there is military blessing. Uzziah’s first acts of war are directed against the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6). These enemies are closest to him. They live in the border area and are a constant threat. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, people who are also a great threat to the true Christians, because they are so close to the true Christians in their confession, while their hearts are far from the truth.

Uzziah breaks down the walls of some cities of the Philistines. In the spiritual sense, it suggests that the arguments that nominal Christians use for their erroneous teachings and wrong practices are unmasked and rejected by God’s Word. We can think of the foolish reasoning that God is love and that ‘therefore’ all love is from God. This is without shame applied to, for example, a homosexual relationship. But God’s Word condemns such a relationship. Uzziah is helped by God (2 Chronicles 26:7). We can also count on His help when we resist the enemies of God and His Word. Such action command respect (2 Chronicles 26:8).

After dealing with the threats from outside Uzziah focuses on his land. He also starts there with buildings to protect God’s center of worship. Hostile powers are particularly concerned with this. Therefore Uzziah builds some towers in Jerusalem and fortifies them (2 Chronicles 26:9). Towers are lookout points to signal possible danger from afar, so that precautions can be taken. We can compare these towers to the warnings in the New Testament where we are told to look out for or heed people with wrong teachings and practices (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16).

Uzziah is not only active in the city and for God’s sanctuary, but also in the wilderness (2 Chronicles 26:10a). Our lives do not only take place in the sanctuary, but also in the world. Towers are also needed in the wilderness, which means that vigilance is required in our daily lives (1 Peter 5:8). Furthermore, Uzziah hews many cisterns in the wilderness to water the much livestock he has. We also need the refreshment from God’s Word to keep our service to the Lord in offering sacrifices – to which livestock, among other things, serve – fresh. That takes effort, we have to ‘hew’ or dig for it in the Word of God.

The life of Uzziah not only consists of defending and surviving in the wilderness, but his heart also goes out to the hill country and the fertile fields (2 Chronicles 26:10b). His heart goes out to the same as where God’s heart goes out to (Deuteronomy 11:12). He loves God, he loves the land and he loves the people. Uzziah is a king-farmer with farmers and vinedressers he employs on the mountains and in the fertile fields. It is his concern to harvest the rich fruit of the land as a sacrifice to God (Deuteronomy 26:6-11) and as food for the people (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

In this way the Lord also wants to use us as farmers and vinedressers. This happens when we occupy ourselves with His Word in order to gather from it the rich fruit for which we want to worship Him and share it with His own. This works food and joy.

Then the chronicler returns to Uzziah’s army (2 Chronicles 26:11). Thereby the reference to Uzziah’s love of agriculture is enclosed by two communications about his military strength. It tells us that we can only enjoy the riches of the land, the fruits it produces – these are for us the blessings of the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) – if we are capable fighters for the truth. We must be strong “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1) and “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3) fight the battle.

In battle, “the total number of the heads of the households” (2 Chronicles 26:12) is needed, no one may be missing, no one may evade it. These are those who occupy a responsible place in God’s people. They are themselves valiant warriors and have command over “an elite army …, who could wage war with great power” (2 Chronicles 26:13). It is also important in the spiritual struggle we are facing that there are good examples and good followers. The entire army must “help the king against the enemy”. Thus the Lord Jesus uses the believers to resist the enemy in his attempts to attack the church and deprive it of its blessings.

Uzziah has prepared for all the army – it says emphatically “all the army” – with all possible weapons to defend and attack (2 Chronicles 26:14). The weapons made available to us by the Lord Jesus are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18). Uzziah pays special attention to Jerusalem in order to strengthen the city with engines of war (2 Chronicles 26:15a). Jerusalem is the center of worship and therefore the great target of enemy attacks. Uzziah realizes that and for that reason makes a fortress of the city. A place of worship is therefore also a protected and therefore safe place.

The tools of war are “invented by skillful men”. It requires a special ability to devise a spiritual defense system for attacks on the center of Christian life, the worship of the Father. This defense system is found in the Word of God. If we arm ourselves with God’s Word, we will see the attacks coming and we will also know how to repel them. Every believer must know his own weaknesses and be particularly vigilant there.

All the activities of Uzziah that we have seen before, give him a fame that is widely known. He owes this not to himself and his efforts, but to the LORD Who “marvelously helped” him. That has brought him to a height of fame and power. The last words of 2 Chronicles 26:15b, introduced with the word “until”, are a turning point and herald a dramatic change.

Ezra 5:14

Military and Agricultural Prosperity

The LORD blesses him further with victories and prosperity. He has military and agricultural blessing. First there is military blessing. Uzziah’s first acts of war are directed against the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6). These enemies are closest to him. They live in the border area and are a constant threat. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, people who are also a great threat to the true Christians, because they are so close to the true Christians in their confession, while their hearts are far from the truth.

Uzziah breaks down the walls of some cities of the Philistines. In the spiritual sense, it suggests that the arguments that nominal Christians use for their erroneous teachings and wrong practices are unmasked and rejected by God’s Word. We can think of the foolish reasoning that God is love and that ‘therefore’ all love is from God. This is without shame applied to, for example, a homosexual relationship. But God’s Word condemns such a relationship. Uzziah is helped by God (2 Chronicles 26:7). We can also count on His help when we resist the enemies of God and His Word. Such action command respect (2 Chronicles 26:8).

After dealing with the threats from outside Uzziah focuses on his land. He also starts there with buildings to protect God’s center of worship. Hostile powers are particularly concerned with this. Therefore Uzziah builds some towers in Jerusalem and fortifies them (2 Chronicles 26:9). Towers are lookout points to signal possible danger from afar, so that precautions can be taken. We can compare these towers to the warnings in the New Testament where we are told to look out for or heed people with wrong teachings and practices (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16).

Uzziah is not only active in the city and for God’s sanctuary, but also in the wilderness (2 Chronicles 26:10a). Our lives do not only take place in the sanctuary, but also in the world. Towers are also needed in the wilderness, which means that vigilance is required in our daily lives (1 Peter 5:8). Furthermore, Uzziah hews many cisterns in the wilderness to water the much livestock he has. We also need the refreshment from God’s Word to keep our service to the Lord in offering sacrifices – to which livestock, among other things, serve – fresh. That takes effort, we have to ‘hew’ or dig for it in the Word of God.

The life of Uzziah not only consists of defending and surviving in the wilderness, but his heart also goes out to the hill country and the fertile fields (2 Chronicles 26:10b). His heart goes out to the same as where God’s heart goes out to (Deuteronomy 11:12). He loves God, he loves the land and he loves the people. Uzziah is a king-farmer with farmers and vinedressers he employs on the mountains and in the fertile fields. It is his concern to harvest the rich fruit of the land as a sacrifice to God (Deuteronomy 26:6-11) and as food for the people (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

In this way the Lord also wants to use us as farmers and vinedressers. This happens when we occupy ourselves with His Word in order to gather from it the rich fruit for which we want to worship Him and share it with His own. This works food and joy.

Then the chronicler returns to Uzziah’s army (2 Chronicles 26:11). Thereby the reference to Uzziah’s love of agriculture is enclosed by two communications about his military strength. It tells us that we can only enjoy the riches of the land, the fruits it produces – these are for us the blessings of the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) – if we are capable fighters for the truth. We must be strong “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1) and “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3) fight the battle.

In battle, “the total number of the heads of the households” (2 Chronicles 26:12) is needed, no one may be missing, no one may evade it. These are those who occupy a responsible place in God’s people. They are themselves valiant warriors and have command over “an elite army …, who could wage war with great power” (2 Chronicles 26:13). It is also important in the spiritual struggle we are facing that there are good examples and good followers. The entire army must “help the king against the enemy”. Thus the Lord Jesus uses the believers to resist the enemy in his attempts to attack the church and deprive it of its blessings.

Uzziah has prepared for all the army – it says emphatically “all the army” – with all possible weapons to defend and attack (2 Chronicles 26:14). The weapons made available to us by the Lord Jesus are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18). Uzziah pays special attention to Jerusalem in order to strengthen the city with engines of war (2 Chronicles 26:15a). Jerusalem is the center of worship and therefore the great target of enemy attacks. Uzziah realizes that and for that reason makes a fortress of the city. A place of worship is therefore also a protected and therefore safe place.

The tools of war are “invented by skillful men”. It requires a special ability to devise a spiritual defense system for attacks on the center of Christian life, the worship of the Father. This defense system is found in the Word of God. If we arm ourselves with God’s Word, we will see the attacks coming and we will also know how to repel them. Every believer must know his own weaknesses and be particularly vigilant there.

All the activities of Uzziah that we have seen before, give him a fame that is widely known. He owes this not to himself and his efforts, but to the LORD Who “marvelously helped” him. That has brought him to a height of fame and power. The last words of 2 Chronicles 26:15b, introduced with the word “until”, are a turning point and herald a dramatic change.

Ezra 5:15

Military and Agricultural Prosperity

The LORD blesses him further with victories and prosperity. He has military and agricultural blessing. First there is military blessing. Uzziah’s first acts of war are directed against the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6). These enemies are closest to him. They live in the border area and are a constant threat. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, people who are also a great threat to the true Christians, because they are so close to the true Christians in their confession, while their hearts are far from the truth.

Uzziah breaks down the walls of some cities of the Philistines. In the spiritual sense, it suggests that the arguments that nominal Christians use for their erroneous teachings and wrong practices are unmasked and rejected by God’s Word. We can think of the foolish reasoning that God is love and that ‘therefore’ all love is from God. This is without shame applied to, for example, a homosexual relationship. But God’s Word condemns such a relationship. Uzziah is helped by God (2 Chronicles 26:7). We can also count on His help when we resist the enemies of God and His Word. Such action command respect (2 Chronicles 26:8).

After dealing with the threats from outside Uzziah focuses on his land. He also starts there with buildings to protect God’s center of worship. Hostile powers are particularly concerned with this. Therefore Uzziah builds some towers in Jerusalem and fortifies them (2 Chronicles 26:9). Towers are lookout points to signal possible danger from afar, so that precautions can be taken. We can compare these towers to the warnings in the New Testament where we are told to look out for or heed people with wrong teachings and practices (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16).

Uzziah is not only active in the city and for God’s sanctuary, but also in the wilderness (2 Chronicles 26:10a). Our lives do not only take place in the sanctuary, but also in the world. Towers are also needed in the wilderness, which means that vigilance is required in our daily lives (1 Peter 5:8). Furthermore, Uzziah hews many cisterns in the wilderness to water the much livestock he has. We also need the refreshment from God’s Word to keep our service to the Lord in offering sacrifices – to which livestock, among other things, serve – fresh. That takes effort, we have to ‘hew’ or dig for it in the Word of God.

The life of Uzziah not only consists of defending and surviving in the wilderness, but his heart also goes out to the hill country and the fertile fields (2 Chronicles 26:10b). His heart goes out to the same as where God’s heart goes out to (Deuteronomy 11:12). He loves God, he loves the land and he loves the people. Uzziah is a king-farmer with farmers and vinedressers he employs on the mountains and in the fertile fields. It is his concern to harvest the rich fruit of the land as a sacrifice to God (Deuteronomy 26:6-11) and as food for the people (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

In this way the Lord also wants to use us as farmers and vinedressers. This happens when we occupy ourselves with His Word in order to gather from it the rich fruit for which we want to worship Him and share it with His own. This works food and joy.

Then the chronicler returns to Uzziah’s army (2 Chronicles 26:11). Thereby the reference to Uzziah’s love of agriculture is enclosed by two communications about his military strength. It tells us that we can only enjoy the riches of the land, the fruits it produces – these are for us the blessings of the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) – if we are capable fighters for the truth. We must be strong “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1) and “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3) fight the battle.

In battle, “the total number of the heads of the households” (2 Chronicles 26:12) is needed, no one may be missing, no one may evade it. These are those who occupy a responsible place in God’s people. They are themselves valiant warriors and have command over “an elite army …, who could wage war with great power” (2 Chronicles 26:13). It is also important in the spiritual struggle we are facing that there are good examples and good followers. The entire army must “help the king against the enemy”. Thus the Lord Jesus uses the believers to resist the enemy in his attempts to attack the church and deprive it of its blessings.

Uzziah has prepared for all the army – it says emphatically “all the army” – with all possible weapons to defend and attack (2 Chronicles 26:14). The weapons made available to us by the Lord Jesus are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18). Uzziah pays special attention to Jerusalem in order to strengthen the city with engines of war (2 Chronicles 26:15a). Jerusalem is the center of worship and therefore the great target of enemy attacks. Uzziah realizes that and for that reason makes a fortress of the city. A place of worship is therefore also a protected and therefore safe place.

The tools of war are “invented by skillful men”. It requires a special ability to devise a spiritual defense system for attacks on the center of Christian life, the worship of the Father. This defense system is found in the Word of God. If we arm ourselves with God’s Word, we will see the attacks coming and we will also know how to repel them. Every believer must know his own weaknesses and be particularly vigilant there.

All the activities of Uzziah that we have seen before, give him a fame that is widely known. He owes this not to himself and his efforts, but to the LORD Who “marvelously helped” him. That has brought him to a height of fame and power. The last words of 2 Chronicles 26:15b, introduced with the word “until”, are a turning point and herald a dramatic change.

Ezra 5:16

Military and Agricultural Prosperity

The LORD blesses him further with victories and prosperity. He has military and agricultural blessing. First there is military blessing. Uzziah’s first acts of war are directed against the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6). These enemies are closest to him. They live in the border area and are a constant threat. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, people who are also a great threat to the true Christians, because they are so close to the true Christians in their confession, while their hearts are far from the truth.

Uzziah breaks down the walls of some cities of the Philistines. In the spiritual sense, it suggests that the arguments that nominal Christians use for their erroneous teachings and wrong practices are unmasked and rejected by God’s Word. We can think of the foolish reasoning that God is love and that ‘therefore’ all love is from God. This is without shame applied to, for example, a homosexual relationship. But God’s Word condemns such a relationship. Uzziah is helped by God (2 Chronicles 26:7). We can also count on His help when we resist the enemies of God and His Word. Such action command respect (2 Chronicles 26:8).

After dealing with the threats from outside Uzziah focuses on his land. He also starts there with buildings to protect God’s center of worship. Hostile powers are particularly concerned with this. Therefore Uzziah builds some towers in Jerusalem and fortifies them (2 Chronicles 26:9). Towers are lookout points to signal possible danger from afar, so that precautions can be taken. We can compare these towers to the warnings in the New Testament where we are told to look out for or heed people with wrong teachings and practices (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16).

Uzziah is not only active in the city and for God’s sanctuary, but also in the wilderness (2 Chronicles 26:10a). Our lives do not only take place in the sanctuary, but also in the world. Towers are also needed in the wilderness, which means that vigilance is required in our daily lives (1 Peter 5:8). Furthermore, Uzziah hews many cisterns in the wilderness to water the much livestock he has. We also need the refreshment from God’s Word to keep our service to the Lord in offering sacrifices – to which livestock, among other things, serve – fresh. That takes effort, we have to ‘hew’ or dig for it in the Word of God.

The life of Uzziah not only consists of defending and surviving in the wilderness, but his heart also goes out to the hill country and the fertile fields (2 Chronicles 26:10b). His heart goes out to the same as where God’s heart goes out to (Deuteronomy 11:12). He loves God, he loves the land and he loves the people. Uzziah is a king-farmer with farmers and vinedressers he employs on the mountains and in the fertile fields. It is his concern to harvest the rich fruit of the land as a sacrifice to God (Deuteronomy 26:6-11) and as food for the people (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

In this way the Lord also wants to use us as farmers and vinedressers. This happens when we occupy ourselves with His Word in order to gather from it the rich fruit for which we want to worship Him and share it with His own. This works food and joy.

Then the chronicler returns to Uzziah’s army (2 Chronicles 26:11). Thereby the reference to Uzziah’s love of agriculture is enclosed by two communications about his military strength. It tells us that we can only enjoy the riches of the land, the fruits it produces – these are for us the blessings of the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) – if we are capable fighters for the truth. We must be strong “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1) and “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3) fight the battle.

In battle, “the total number of the heads of the households” (2 Chronicles 26:12) is needed, no one may be missing, no one may evade it. These are those who occupy a responsible place in God’s people. They are themselves valiant warriors and have command over “an elite army …, who could wage war with great power” (2 Chronicles 26:13). It is also important in the spiritual struggle we are facing that there are good examples and good followers. The entire army must “help the king against the enemy”. Thus the Lord Jesus uses the believers to resist the enemy in his attempts to attack the church and deprive it of its blessings.

Uzziah has prepared for all the army – it says emphatically “all the army” – with all possible weapons to defend and attack (2 Chronicles 26:14). The weapons made available to us by the Lord Jesus are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18). Uzziah pays special attention to Jerusalem in order to strengthen the city with engines of war (2 Chronicles 26:15a). Jerusalem is the center of worship and therefore the great target of enemy attacks. Uzziah realizes that and for that reason makes a fortress of the city. A place of worship is therefore also a protected and therefore safe place.

The tools of war are “invented by skillful men”. It requires a special ability to devise a spiritual defense system for attacks on the center of Christian life, the worship of the Father. This defense system is found in the Word of God. If we arm ourselves with God’s Word, we will see the attacks coming and we will also know how to repel them. Every believer must know his own weaknesses and be particularly vigilant there.

All the activities of Uzziah that we have seen before, give him a fame that is widely known. He owes this not to himself and his efforts, but to the LORD Who “marvelously helped” him. That has brought him to a height of fame and power. The last words of 2 Chronicles 26:15b, introduced with the word “until”, are a turning point and herald a dramatic change.

Ezra 5:17

Military and Agricultural Prosperity

The LORD blesses him further with victories and prosperity. He has military and agricultural blessing. First there is military blessing. Uzziah’s first acts of war are directed against the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6). These enemies are closest to him. They live in the border area and are a constant threat. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, people who are also a great threat to the true Christians, because they are so close to the true Christians in their confession, while their hearts are far from the truth.

Uzziah breaks down the walls of some cities of the Philistines. In the spiritual sense, it suggests that the arguments that nominal Christians use for their erroneous teachings and wrong practices are unmasked and rejected by God’s Word. We can think of the foolish reasoning that God is love and that ‘therefore’ all love is from God. This is without shame applied to, for example, a homosexual relationship. But God’s Word condemns such a relationship. Uzziah is helped by God (2 Chronicles 26:7). We can also count on His help when we resist the enemies of God and His Word. Such action command respect (2 Chronicles 26:8).

After dealing with the threats from outside Uzziah focuses on his land. He also starts there with buildings to protect God’s center of worship. Hostile powers are particularly concerned with this. Therefore Uzziah builds some towers in Jerusalem and fortifies them (2 Chronicles 26:9). Towers are lookout points to signal possible danger from afar, so that precautions can be taken. We can compare these towers to the warnings in the New Testament where we are told to look out for or heed people with wrong teachings and practices (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16).

Uzziah is not only active in the city and for God’s sanctuary, but also in the wilderness (2 Chronicles 26:10a). Our lives do not only take place in the sanctuary, but also in the world. Towers are also needed in the wilderness, which means that vigilance is required in our daily lives (1 Peter 5:8). Furthermore, Uzziah hews many cisterns in the wilderness to water the much livestock he has. We also need the refreshment from God’s Word to keep our service to the Lord in offering sacrifices – to which livestock, among other things, serve – fresh. That takes effort, we have to ‘hew’ or dig for it in the Word of God.

The life of Uzziah not only consists of defending and surviving in the wilderness, but his heart also goes out to the hill country and the fertile fields (2 Chronicles 26:10b). His heart goes out to the same as where God’s heart goes out to (Deuteronomy 11:12). He loves God, he loves the land and he loves the people. Uzziah is a king-farmer with farmers and vinedressers he employs on the mountains and in the fertile fields. It is his concern to harvest the rich fruit of the land as a sacrifice to God (Deuteronomy 26:6-11) and as food for the people (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

In this way the Lord also wants to use us as farmers and vinedressers. This happens when we occupy ourselves with His Word in order to gather from it the rich fruit for which we want to worship Him and share it with His own. This works food and joy.

Then the chronicler returns to Uzziah’s army (2 Chronicles 26:11). Thereby the reference to Uzziah’s love of agriculture is enclosed by two communications about his military strength. It tells us that we can only enjoy the riches of the land, the fruits it produces – these are for us the blessings of the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) – if we are capable fighters for the truth. We must be strong “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1) and “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3) fight the battle.

In battle, “the total number of the heads of the households” (2 Chronicles 26:12) is needed, no one may be missing, no one may evade it. These are those who occupy a responsible place in God’s people. They are themselves valiant warriors and have command over “an elite army …, who could wage war with great power” (2 Chronicles 26:13). It is also important in the spiritual struggle we are facing that there are good examples and good followers. The entire army must “help the king against the enemy”. Thus the Lord Jesus uses the believers to resist the enemy in his attempts to attack the church and deprive it of its blessings.

Uzziah has prepared for all the army – it says emphatically “all the army” – with all possible weapons to defend and attack (2 Chronicles 26:14). The weapons made available to us by the Lord Jesus are not carnal, but spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18). Uzziah pays special attention to Jerusalem in order to strengthen the city with engines of war (2 Chronicles 26:15a). Jerusalem is the center of worship and therefore the great target of enemy attacks. Uzziah realizes that and for that reason makes a fortress of the city. A place of worship is therefore also a protected and therefore safe place.

The tools of war are “invented by skillful men”. It requires a special ability to devise a spiritual defense system for attacks on the center of Christian life, the worship of the Father. This defense system is found in the Word of God. If we arm ourselves with God’s Word, we will see the attacks coming and we will also know how to repel them. Every believer must know his own weaknesses and be particularly vigilant there.

All the activities of Uzziah that we have seen before, give him a fame that is widely known. He owes this not to himself and his efforts, but to the LORD Who “marvelously helped” him. That has brought him to a height of fame and power. The last words of 2 Chronicles 26:15b, introduced with the word “until”, are a turning point and herald a dramatic change.