Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Chronicles 26:15
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.
15. engines ] Cp. 1Ma 6:51-52 and article Engine Hastings’ Bible Dictionary.
bulwarks ] R.V. battlements (lit. “corners”).
helped ] Cp. 2Ch 26:7.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Uzziahs engines seem to have corresponded respectively to the Roman balista and catapulta. The balista, which threw stones, was known to the Assyrians as early as the time of Sardanapalus I, the contemporary of Jehoshaphat. The catapult is not represented either on the Assyrian or the Egyptian sculptures. It would seem on the whole most probable that both kinds of engines were invented in Assyria and introduced from thence into Palestine.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Ch 26:15
For he was marvellously helped till he was strong.
Marvellously helped till strong
Two kinds of help, natural and supernatural.
1. A time when we cannot help ourselves. Infancy.
2. A time of growth, when we can help ourselves. Youth, manhood.
3. When thus strong the supernatural help ceases.
Not less provision made on that account. There is joy and co-operation with God. As an earthly father requires to be obeyed and served, beholds strength and disposition to co-operate, so the heavenly Father, etc. (G. Matheson.)
Prosperity
I. Uzziahs prosperity.
1. The particulars of his prosperity.
(1) He prospered in war. He had an army of 307,500 men, over whom were 2,600 mighty and valorous captains. All were fully equipped for service. With these soldiers Uzziah fought against the Philistines, the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, the Mehunims and the Amorites, and in each case he was victorious.
(2) He prospered in building. He repaired and fortified the walls of Jerusalem, reared towers a hundred and fifty cubits high (Josephus), built walled towns in the desert, and made channels for the conveyance of water.
(3) He prospered in agriculture. He planted it with all sorts of plants, and sowed it with all sorts of seeds.
(4) Uzziahs prosperity appears to have been general. He did not keep up a great military establishment at the expense of other departments. His name spread far abroad, and he was acknowledged to be an illustrious and a highly-favoured prince.
2. The author of his prosperity. This was God (Uzziah signifies strength from Jehovah.) He was marvellously helped. God helped him against his enemies, and in all he undertook. It might have been otherwise. Instead of victory he might have experienced defeat. His building and agricultural schemes might have proved unsuccessful. It is always well to set the Lord at our right hand. We may plough and plant, but He only can cause the seed to germinate, and grow, and fructify. We may contrive and work, but He only can bless our endeavours.
3. The secret of Uzziahs prosperity. It is distinctly set forth in the fifth verse of this (26) chapter, He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and so long as he sought the Lord God made him to prosper. What is there that God cannot do for a man who takes Him into his counsels? He can help him marvellously. He can exalt valleys and level mountains, make crooked places straight and rough places plain. He can bring clients into the office and ready-money customers into the shop. He has the hearts of all men in His hands, and all the forces of the universe; and He can do whatsoever He will.
II. Uzziahs pride.
1. His prosperity made him proud. His heart was lifted up. A great change for the worse was wrought in him. Whether it was brought about suddenly or gradually we are not told. We assume that Uzziah did not become proud all at once. He who had formerly recognised God as the prime cause of his splendid achievements became wilfully blind, and we shall soon see what effect this had upon his conduct.
2. His pride led him into presumption. The tendency of pride is to make men giddy, and as the result their vision is beclouded, their judgment is perverted.
(1) The occasion of his presumption. Josephus tells us that it was a remarkable day, a general festival, and we are left to supply the rest.
(2) The nature of his presumption. He usurped the office of the priest. There are hereditary moral diseases as well as those which are physical and mental. Uzziahs folly was in some respects a reproduction of the folly of which Amaziah his father had been guilty.
III. Uzziahs punishment.
1. He was resisted in his attempt to do that which was unlawful; resisted by the proper guardians of the temple. Azariah, the high priest, seeing what he was about to do, went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, who were valiant men. No time was lost (verse. 18).
2. He was smitten with leprosy. The leprosy rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord. There was the bright scaly spot which told its own terrible tale–the mark of Gods disapprobation, and it was on his brow, where all could see it.
3. He was thrust out of the temple as unclean. It was not necessary, however, to use force; conscious that God had smitten him, he hurried out, self-condemned, probably shrieking out his woe, and cursing his folly.
4. He was separated from society (Lev 13:46).
5. He, being a leper, was buried alone. Josephus tells us that he was buried by himself in his own garden. In all likelihood his resting-place was a field or garden adjoining the usual burial-place of the kings.
Lessons:
1. God is the giver of prosperity.
2. Prosperous men are in danger of becoming proud.
3. Pride is often followed by presumption.
4. Presumption is sure of punishment. (J. Baker Norton.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 15. Engines – to shoot arrows and great stones] The Targum says, “He made in Jerusalem ingenious instruments, and little hollow towers, to stand upon the towers and upon the bastions, for the shooting of arrows, and projecting of great stones.”
This is the very first intimation on record of any warlike engines for the attack or defense of besieged places; and this account is long prior to any thing of the kind among either the Greeks or Romans. Previously to such inventions, the besieged could only be starved out, and hence sieges were very long and tedious. Shalmaneser consumed three years before such an inconsiderable place as Samaria, 2Kg 17:5-6; Sardanapalus maintained himself in Nineveh for seven years, because the besiegers had no engines proper for the attack and destruction of walls, c., and it is well known that Troy sustained a siege of ten years, the Greeks not possessing any machine of the kind here referred to. The Jews alone were the inventors of such engines and the invention took place in the reign of Uzziah, about eight hundred years before the Christian era. It is no wonder that, in consequence of this, his name spread far abroad, and struck terror into his enemies.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
15. he made . . . engines, inventedby cunning men . . . to shoot arrows and great stonesThis isthe first notice that occurs in history of the use of machines forthrowing projectiles. The invention is apparently ascribed to thereign of Uzziah, and PLINYexpressly says they originated in Syria.
he was marvellously helpedtill he was strongHe conducted himself as became the viceroyof the Divine King, and prospered.
2Ch26:16-21. HE INVADESTHE PRIEST’SOFFICE, AND ISSMITTEN WITH LEPROSY.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers, and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal,…. Such as with the Romans were called “catapultae”, “ballistae” u, “scorpiones” w, c. and by this it appears that these were not first invented in Greece and Rome, but in Judea. It is said x, that the Romans received the machine to batter cities from the Greeks, and that the Trojan horse was no other than a battering ram but if they did, the invention of them must be ascribed, not to them, but rather to the Syrians and Phoenicians, according to Pliny y; though others z suppose the Carthaginians, who were a colony of theirs, to be the inventors of them; yet, after all, they seem to be the device of some skilful men among the Jews, in the times of Uzziah; according to Diodorus Siculus a, they were not found out when Nineveh was besieged in the times of Sardanapalus:
and his name spread far abroad; in distant countries, for his warlike dispositions and preparations, which made them stand in fear of him:
for he was helped until he was strong; he was wonderfully helped by the Lord to build fortified places, raise a numerous army, and provide all sorts of armour for them, and invent such machines as would greatly annoy the enemy, whereby he became very potent, and injected dread round about him.
u Cicero. Tusculan. Quaest. l. 2. Tacit. Hist. l. 3. c. 23. w Ammian. Marcellin. l. 23. x Vid. Valtrinum de re militari Roman. l. 5. c. 6. y Nat. Hist. l. 7. c. 56. z Vitruvius de Architectura, l. 10. c. 19. Tertullian. de Pallio, c. 1. & Salmasius in ib. Vid. Turnebi Adversaria, l. 29. c. 18. a Bibliothec. l. 2. p. 113.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Besides this, he provided Jerusalem with machines for defence on the towers and battlements. from , literally excogitata , i.e., machinae , with the addition “invention of the artificers,” are ingenious machines, and as we learn from the following , slinging machines, similar or corresponding to the catapultae and ballistae of the Romans, by which arrows were shot and great stones propelled. Thus his name spread far abroad (cf. 2Ch 26:8), for he was marvellously helped till he was strong.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
(15) Engines, invented by cunning men.The first mention of artillery. Literally, devices, a devising of a deviser. The word engine (i.e., ingenium, which is late Latin for ballista) fairly represents chishshbn. LXX., , Vulg., machinas.
Bulwarks.Pinnth. Zep. 1:16, towers.
To shoot arrows and great stones.So that they were like the well-known catapults and ballisters of Roman warfare. An instrument like the ballista is represented on the Assyrian sculptures, and probably both kinds of artillery passed from Assyria to Palestine.
And his name spread.Went forth (2Ch. 26:8).
He was marvellously helped.The Hebrew phrase only occurs here.
Till.So that he became strong.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
15. Engines to shoot arrows and great stones These must have been of somewhat similar construction to the Roman balista and catapults enormous bows or springs, set in a wooden framework, and so contrived as to hurl with the greatest violence both darts and stones.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Ch 26:15. He made in Jerusalem engines, &c. This is the first time that we read of any machine either for besieging or defending towns; which is plainly the reason why sieges were of so long a continuance before the invention of these. Homer, who is the most ancient Greek writer that we know of who treats of sieges, describes a kind of entrenchment, (though a poor one,) some lines of circumvallation, and a ditch with palisades; but we hear not a word of any machines, such as the ballistae, and catapultae, which were used for the hurling of stones and throwing darts; and therefore we need less wonder that the famous siege of Troy continued so long. Sardanapalus, king of Assyria, maintained himself in Nineveh for seven years, because the besiegers (as Diodorus observes, lib. 2:) wanted such engines as were fit for demolishing and taking of cities, they being not then invented. Salmanezer lay three years before Samaria, 2Ki 17:5-6., and as some say, Psammiticus twenty before Azoth. See Aristeas de LXX Interp. Now, of Uzziah it is said, that he made in Jerusalem engines invented by cunning men, to be on the towers, and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones; so that it must needs be a mistake to attribute the invention of the ballista, the scorpio, or the onager, (whereof Ammianus Marcellinus, lib. 23: cap. 2 has given us the descriptions,) to the Greeks or Romans, because we find them made use of in the east before the Greeks had brought the military art to any great perfection. Uzziah was certainly the first inventor of them; and therefore it is said, that for these and other warlike preparations his name was spread abroad. From this time they began to be employed both in attacking and defending towns; and therefore we find the prophet Ezekiel describing the future sieges of Jerusalem and Tyre, where he makes mention of battering rams and engines of war, or, as it should be rendered, machines of cords, which, in all probability, were what later ages called their ballistae and catapultae.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 418
THE BAD EFFECTS OF PROSPERITY
2Ch 26:15-16. He was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction.
IT not unfrequently happens, that, after the most promising appearances of abundance, the hopes of the harvestman are disappointed: some blast, or some destructive insect cuts off the fruits ere they arrive at maturity, so that the mower fills not his arms with them, neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom. Thus also it is too often found in the moral and religious world: persons begin to run well, and continue for a season; but are at last hindered, and come short of that rest which they had professed to seek. This is particularly found in those whose hopeful conduct has been chiefly occasioned by external influence. We have seen in Joash, that he did that which was right all the days of Jehoiada the priest; but after his decease, he turned aside to wickedness, and brought the heavy judgments of God both on himself and all his people [Note: 2Ch 24:2; 2Ch 24:17-18.]. Thus it was also with his grandson, Uzziah. For many years he sought after God [Note: ver. 5.]; and was very signally blessed, and prospered of the Lord during all that time: yet, through the influence of that very prosperity, he fell, and perished miserably under the hand of an avenging God.
The words of our text will naturally lead us to set before you,
I.
The proper tendency of prosperity
Doubtless, prosperity cheers the mind; but its proper tendency is,
1.
To puff up with pride
[It is difficult to succeed in any enterprise, or any labour, without arrogating to ourselves a considerable portion of credit on account of it: We sacrifice to our own net, and burn incense to our own drag [Note: Hab 1:16.] That this is the common influence of prosperity, appears from the cautions given to the Israelites respecting it, in an instance where it should seem to be impossible for them to do otherwise than give the whole honour to God [Note: Deu 8:11-14.]. But pride, though so unsuitable to a fallen creature, is, alas! too powerful a principle in every child of man. Behold Nebuchadnezzar in the summit of his glory [Note: Dan 4:30-32; Dan 5:20.] or Uzziah, when he had been marvellously helped, till he was strong: how forgetful were they of the obligations which they owed to God! Even the pious Hezekiah fell, through the influence of pride, though afterwards he humbled himself for this transgression. Indeed it is very rare that persons elevated by the acquisition of wealth or honour retain their former simplicity: they rise in their own esteem, in proportion as they are looked up to by others, and account the homage that is paid to them a tribute due to their superior worth.]
2.
To harden in iniquity
[It is not towards men only that prosperity affects our conduct, but even towards God himself. We can scarcely attain any considerable advancement in the world, but presently we become presumptuous, and self-willed: we allow ourselves a greater latitude to follow the inclinations of our own hearts: and, if checked by any faithful monitor, we will not endure his expostulations or reproofs; but, like Uzziah, are wroth with him for performing his duty, instead of being grieved at ourselves for transgressing our own. We think ourselves at liberty to act as we please; and that neither God nor man has any right to call us to account. This is most justly depicted by the Psalmist [Note: Psa 10:4-6; Psa 10:11; Psa 10:13.] and is traced by him to prosperity, as its proper source [Note: Psa 73:3-9; Psa 73:11-12.] Ah! how many such instances have we seen, of men once apparently modest and humble, but afterwards, like Jeshurun, waxing fat and kicking, and forsaking the God that made them, and lightly esteeming the rock of their salvation [Note: Deu 32:15.]! We are apt to envy such persons, when we behold their prosperity: but we shall see little reason to do so, if we duly consider the effects produced by it on their minds [Note: Psa 73:3; Psa 73:16-19.].]
Rarely indeed has any spiritual good arisen from prosperity: but how awful is it to reflect on,
II.
Its frequent termination
Behold how it terminated in the case before us!
[Uzziah, not content with the pomp of royalty, would usurp also the priestly office: and, when reproved for his presumption, was filled with indignation against his reprovers. But whilst ha was wroth with the priests, the leprosy rose up in his forehead [Note: ver. 19.]: and immediately they thrust him out of the temple; yea, himself also hasted to go out, because the Lord had smitten him [Note: ver. 20.]. Thus it is with many who once made a fair shew in the flesh; being lifted up with pride, they fall into the condemnation of the devil [Note: 1Ti 3:6.]. From their scenes of earthly happiness they are cast headlong into the lowest abyss of misery, like the rich man in the parable, whose surviving brethren, misled by his example, were following him thither with hasty strides [Note: Luk 16:22-23; Luk 16:27-28.]. But, if we could conceive by any means that such an one had found his way into heaven, the very transaction that took place in the temple would be renewed there; the inhabitants of those blessed mansions, indignant at his presumption, would instantly thrust him out [Note: Luk 13:28.]; yea, he himself would haste to go out, not being able to endure the countenance of his offended God [Note: Isa 33:14. Compare the three verses following; which shew that the godly alone can dwell with God.]. Let it not be thought that this is an uncommon termination of prosperity: for both Scripture and observation teach us to regard it as its frequent and ordinary result [Note: Pro 1:32, with Mat 19:23-26.].]
Let us learn then from hence,
1.
To be moderate in our desire after earthly things
[We may desire prosperity, because it is a gift of God to men [Note: ver. 5.]; and is particularly promised to those who love him [Note: Psa 1:3; Psa 122:6.]. But we should desire it only in submission to the will of God. We know not what will be its ultimate effect upon our souls. We know not what advantage it will give to our corrupt nature to break forth, and to plunge us into everlasting misery. Let us be diligent in our earthly calling, whatever it may be; but, as to any anxious concern about it, let our moderation be known unto all men [Note: Php 4:5.]. Our affections must not be set on things below, but on those which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.]
2.
To be patient and resigned under any trials that may come upon us
[Trials are not at the present joyous, but grievous; but they are promised by God as the choicest fruit of his paternal love [Note: Heb 12:6-8.]. Even Paul himself needed a thorn in his flesh, lest he should be exalted above measure [Note: 2Co 12:7.]. Who then are we, that we should think trials unnecessary for us? They are the furnace, that is to purify us from our dross [Note: Isa 27:9.], or the pruning-knife, that is to render us more fruitful in good works [Note: Joh 15:2.]. We know how profitable it was to Manasseh to be taken among the thorns [Note: 2Ch 33:11-12.]; and we have reason to hope that our afflictions also shall be sanctified to our good [Note: Heb 12:10.], and that we shall at the close of them adopt the language of David, It is good for me that I have been afflicted [Note: Psa 119:71.].]
3.
To be thankful for the high honour conferred upon us
[To none of the Jewish kings was given the united honour of royalty and priesthood: that was reserved for Christ alone, who was to be a Priest upon his throne [Note: Zec 6:13.]: who yet, though a king, glorified not himself to be made a High-priest, but was called to it of God, as was Aaron [Note: Heb 5:4-5.]. But that honour has our adorable Saviour procured for us: He has loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests unto our God for ever and ever [Note: Rev 1:5-6.]. Yes, we are a royal priesthood [Note: 1Pe 2:9.]; and by the new and living way which he has opened for us through the veil, we may draw nigh even to the very throne of God nimself [Note: Heb 10:19-22.]: and our doing so in faith will rid us from the leprosy, instead of bringing the leprosy upon us; and, instead of arming the angels against us, will make them to rejoice [Note: Luk 15:10; Luk 16:22.]. Let us then improve our liberty, and offer up spiritual sacrifices to our God from day to day, assured, that they are acceptable to him through Jesus Christ [Note: 1Pe 2:5.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
2Ch 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
Ver. 15. And he made in Jerusalem engines. ] These were anciently much in use, but laid by ever since great guns were invented.
Invented by cunning men.
For he was marvellously helped (by God) till he was strong.] And then he served him a slippery trick, as we say. Hypocrites have God in admiration only for advantage; when they have what they would have, they start aside like a broken bow. Hos 7:16 2Ch 12:1
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
engines. The Roman balista, or catapults that would cast stones up to 300 lb. a quarter of a mile.
Cunning. Old Eng. = knowing, or skilful.
marvellously helped: or, marvelled at for being helped.
till he was strong. This is the zone of real danger. When we are weak, then are we strong (2Co 12:9, 2Co 12:10; 2Co 13:4).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
cunning men: 2Ch 2:7, 2Ch 2:14, Exo 31:4
to shoot arrows: These engines, it is probable, bore some resemblance to the baliste and catapulte of the Romans, which were employed for throwing stones and arrows, and were in reality the mortars and carcasses of antiquity. With respect to the towers which Uzziah built in the wilderness – 2Ch 26:10, Mr. Harmer appears to have given a truer view of the subject than commentators in general have done, who suppose that they were conveniences made only for sheltering the shepherds from bad weather, or to defend them from incursions of enemies; for they might rather be designed to keep the nations that pastured there in awe, and also to induce them quietly to pay the tribute to which the 2Ch 26:8, seems to refer. William of Tyre describes a country not far from the Euphrates as inhabited by Syrian and Armenian Christians, who fed great flocks and herds there, but were kept in subjection to the Turks, in consequence of their living among them in strong places.
spread far: Heb. went forth, Mat 4:24
Reciprocal: Deu 20:20 – thou shalt build 2Ch 11:12 – he put shields 2Ch 32:5 – darts Eze 26:9 – General Mar 6:14 – his name