2 Chronicles 26:5

Authorized King James Version

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And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙ H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ And he sought H1875
דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ And he sought
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וּבִימֵי֙ and as long as H3117
וּבִימֵי֙ and as long as
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 4 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
זְכַרְיָ֔הוּ of Zechariah H2148
זְכַרְיָ֔הוּ of Zechariah
Strong's: H2148
Word #: 5 of 14
zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites
הַמֵּבִ֖ין who had understanding H995
הַמֵּבִ֖ין who had understanding
Strong's: H995
Word #: 6 of 14
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
בִּרְאֹ֣ת in the visions H7200
בִּרְאֹ֣ת in the visions
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 7 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 8 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וּבִימֵי֙ and as long as H3117
וּבִימֵי֙ and as long as
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 9 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ And he sought H1875
דָּרְשׁ֣וֹ And he sought
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֔ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 12 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הִצְלִיח֖וֹ made him to prosper H6743
הִצְלִיח֖וֹ made him to prosper
Strong's: H6743
Word #: 13 of 14
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃ God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 14 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Cross References

2 Chronicles 15:2And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.2 Chronicles 24:2And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.1 Chronicles 22:13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.Daniel 5:16And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.Genesis 41:15And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.2 Chronicles 25:8But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.Daniel 1:17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.Daniel 2:19Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.Daniel 10:1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.1 Chronicles 22:11Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee.

Analysis & Commentary

King Uzziah's spiritual success is attributed to seeking God: 'And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.' The temporal limitation 'in the days of Zechariah' and 'as long as' foreshadows Uzziah's later downfall (26:16-21). Seeking God (darash Elohim) combined with godly mentorship (Zechariah's instruction) produced prosperity. This demonstrates that spiritual success requires both personal initiative and wise counsel. Tragically, Uzziah's prosperity bred pride, showing that success can be spiritually dangerous. This warns that past faithfulness doesn't guarantee future obedience.

Historical Context

Uzziah reigned 52 years (c. 790-738 BCE), one of Judah's longest reigns. His earlier military and economic successes (26:6-15) came through seeking God, but later pride led to his striking with leprosy when he usurped priestly functions.

Questions for Reflection