2 Chronicles 26:5
He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.
He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah,

Uzziah’s early reign was shaped by the counsel of Zechariah, whose godly influence directed the king toward faithful dependence on the Lord. Judah’s prosperity did not arise merely from Uzziah’s ability, military strength, or administrative skill, but from his willingness to seek God under wise spiritual guidance.

Psa 105:4 Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.
1Ch 16:11 Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.
Jer 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me…

who instructed him in the fear of God.

Zechariah taught Uzziah to live in reverent submission to God’s holiness, authority, and covenant commands. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and faithful leaders need instruction that anchors their decisions in God’s truth rather than personal ambition.

Psa 34:11 Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you…
Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,…
Ecc 12:13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter…

And as long as he sought the LORD,

Uzziah’s success was connected to an ongoing posture of seeking God. The later events of his reign warn that spiritual strength cannot be sustained by past obedience; pride and self-reliance bring ruin even to those who have known God’s blessing.

2Ch 15:15 And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn…
Deu 4:29 But if from there you will seek the LORD your God,…
Isa 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him…

God gave him success.

The Lord granted Uzziah military victories, secure borders, building projects, agricultural abundance, and national strength. His achievements displayed God’s faithfulness to bless obedient covenant leadership, while also pointing beyond every earthly king to the greater King who perfectly sought the Father and reigns in righteousness.

Gen 39:2-3 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man…
Jos 1:8 This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth;…
1Sa 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Uzziah
King of Judah who began his reign at the age of 16 and ruled for 52 years. Known for his military successes and innovations, his reign was marked by prosperity as long as he sought the Lord.

2. Zechariah
A spiritual advisor to King Uzziah, who instructed him in the fear of God. His influence was pivotal in Uzziah's early success.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, over which Uzziah reigned. During his reign, Judah experienced significant growth and prosperity.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, whose guidance and favor were crucial to Uzziah's success.

5. Success
The prosperity and victories that Uzziah experienced as a direct result of seeking God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Counsel
Uzziah's success was linked to the godly instruction he received from Zechariah. Surrounding ourselves with wise, God-fearing mentors can guide us in our spiritual journey.

The Fear of the Lord
The fear of God is foundational to wisdom and success. It involves reverence, awe, and obedience to God's commands.

The Conditional Nature of Success
Uzziah's prosperity was conditional upon his seeking the Lord. Our success, too, is often tied to our relationship with God and our obedience to His will.

The Danger of Pride
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Uzziah's later downfall due to pride serves as a warning. We must remain humble and dependent on God, even in times of success.

Consistency in Seeking God
Uzziah's success was as long as he sought the Lord. Consistent devotion and seeking God should be a lifelong pursuit, not just a temporary phase.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Zechariah in Uzziah's life illustrate the importance of having spiritual mentors? Can you identify a mentor in your life who has helped you grow in your faith?

2. Reflect on a time when you experienced success. How did your relationship with God influence that period? What lessons can you learn from Uzziah's example?

3. In what ways can we cultivate the fear of the Lord in our daily lives? How does this fear lead to wisdom and success?

4. How can we guard against pride when we experience success, as seen in Uzziah's later life? What practical steps can we take to remain humble?

5. Consider the phrase "as long as he sought the LORD." What are some practical ways you can ensure that seeking God remains a consistent priority in your life? How does this align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 15
Provides a parallel account of Uzziah's reign, highlighting his accomplishments and eventual downfall due to pride.

Proverbs 9:10
Emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, which aligns with Zechariah's instruction to Uzziah.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God, which parallels the principle of seeking God for success.

Psalm 1:1-3
Describes the blessedness of the man who delights in the law of the Lord, similar to Uzziah's initial devotion.
Destroyed by ProsperityJ. T. Davidson, D. D.2 Chronicles 26:5
Seeing GodW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 26:5
Soul ProsperityJoseph Irons.2 Chronicles 26:5
The Religious Element Necessary in CommonwealthsJ. Parker, D.D.2 Chronicles 26:5
The Rise and the FallW. Mackintosh Arthur, M.A.2 Chronicles 26:5
The Secret of Strength and its PerilsR. W. Moss.2 Chronicles 26:5
Uzziah -- His Sin and PunishmentA. Mackennal, B.A.2 Chronicles 26:5
Premature Responsibility, EtcW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 26:1-5
Uzziah the ProsperousT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 26:1-15
People
Aaron, Amaziah, Ammonites, Amos, Amoz, Arabians, Azariah, Hananiah, Isaiah, Jecholiah, Jecoliah, Jeiel, Jotham, Maaseiah, Maonites, Mehunim, Meunim, Meunites, Uzziah, Zechariah
Places
Angle, Ashdod, Corner Gate, Egypt, Eloth, Gath, Gurbaal, Jabneh, Jerusalem, Shephelah, Valley Gate
Topics
TRUE, Continued, During, Fear, Instructed, Prosper, Prospered, Searching, Seek, Seeking, Sought, Success, Understanding, Vision, Visions, Wise, Zechariah, Zechari'ah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 26:5

     5776   achievement
     5896   irreverence
     5960   success
     8335   reverence, and blessing

2 Chronicles 26:1-23

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 26:3-5

     5302   education
     8351   teachableness

Library
Jabneh. Jamnia.
...Pliny doth dispose the towns here in this order;--"Azotus, the two Jamnes, Joppe."--R. Benjamin, in the order backward, thus,--"Joppah, Jabneh, Azotus." That is Jabneh with this author, that is Jaminia with the other. A remembrance of this place is in 2 Chronicles 26:6: but the chief fame of it is for the Sanhedrim, that was placed there, both before the destruction of Jerusalem and after. Rabban Gamaliel, St. Paul's master, first presided there. Under whom came forth that cursed form of prayer,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
1. Accordingly Simon would not suffer Matthias, by whose means he got possession of the city, to go off without torment. This Matthias was the son of Boethus, and was one of the high priests, one that had been very faithful to the people, and in great esteem with them; he, when the multitude were distressed by the zealots, among whom John was numbered, persuaded the people to admit this Simon to come in to assist them, while he had made no terms with him, nor expected any thing that was evil from
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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