- 54-
Important though the reign of Uzziah was - chiefly from a political, but also from a
religious point of view - the writer of the Book of Kings gives only a few and these the
briefest notices of it. In fact, he may be said only to single out the leading characteristics
of that period. As regards political events, he marks the beginning of the recovery of
Judah's power in the occupation of the important harbor of Elath, and the rebuilding of
that town (2 Kings 14:22). This, as we shall show reason for believing, probably in the
early years of the accession of Uzziah.*
- This seems even implied by the otherwise strange addition in 2 Kings 14:22: "after the
king fell asleep." Comp. the same in 2 Chronicles 26:2.
As always, he records the age of the new king and the duration of his reign, as well as the
name of his mother (2 Kings 15:2). If the suggestion previously made is correct, he also
notices the exact time of the recovery of Judaean independence from Israel (2 Kings
15:1). Again, the religious character of this reign is described; while, lastly, the unhappy
fate and end of the king are recorded, although without mention of what led to it.
Manifestly the point of view in the Book of Kings is simply "prophetic" - not, as in
Chronicles, priestly - and the writer hurries over events alike of a political and a personal
character, to indicate what seems to him of main importance' the theocratic relation of the
people to Jehovah.*
- Bahr, u.s., p. 376.
The brief outline in the Book of Kings is amply filled up in that of Chronicles (2
Chronicles 26.). Here, also, the first event recorded is the taking of Elath. This important
harbor, from which, as from the neighboring Ezion-Geber, Solomon had sent his fleet of
traders to Ophir (1 Kings 9:26-28; 2 Chronicles 8:17, 18), lay on the north-eastern end of
the Gulf of Akabah, and at present bears the same name. Of its ancient greatness only a
tower remains for protection of the pilgrims to Mecca.*
- It is the tenth station on the road from Cairo to Mecca.
Around it are ruins and wretched hovels; but abundance of date-palms still betokens the
former fertility. For half-an-hour beyond the town stretch, along the blue gulf, sands
covered with beautiful shells; the view being finally shut off by granite and sandstone
mountains. Such is the present aspect of "Eloth" (or Elath) "the strong trees." There can
be little doubt that when in the days of Joram of Judah "Edom revolted" (2 Kings 8:20-
22), Elath recovered its independence. The conquest of Edom by Amaziah had apparently
only extended as far as Petra, about half, way between the Dead Sea and Elath. In
occupying it again and rebuilding it, Uzziah therefore completed the subjection of the
country by his father. Such an expedition could not, in the state of Edom, have offered
any real difficulty, however much its success must, after the late disasters, have raised the
courage of Judah and inspired the people with confidence. These circumstances, as well
(^)