2 Chronicles 26:8

And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah,.... As tributaries to him, or; however, as desirous to live in friendship with him: and his name spread abroad, even to the entering in of Egypt; so far he carried his arms, and conquered the countries that lay between Palestine and Egypt: for he strengthened himself exceedingly; his kingdom and its coasts from the force of enemies.

26:1-15 As long as Uzziah sought the Lord, and minded religion, God made him to prosper. Those only prosper whom God makes to prosper; for prosperity is his gift. Many have owned, that as long as they sought the Lord, and kept close to their duty, they prospered; but when they forsook God, every thing went cross. God never continues either to bless the indolent or to withhold his blessing from the diligent. He will never suffer any to seek his face in vain. Uzziah's name was famed throughout all the neighbouring countries. A name with God and good people makes truly honourable. He did not delight in war, nor addict himself to sports, but delighted in husbandry.

26:16-23 The transgression of the kings before Uzziah was, forsaking the temple of the Lord, and burning incense upon idolatrous altars. But his transgression was, going into the holy place, and attempting to burn incense upon the altar of God. See how hard it is to avoid one extreme, and not run into another. Pride of heart was at the bottom of his sin; a lust that ruins many. Instead of lifting up the name God in gratitude to him who had done so much for him, his heart was lifted up to his hurt. Men's pretending to forbidden knowledge, and seeking things too high for them, are owing to pride of heart. The incense of our prayers must be, by faith, put into the hands of our Lord Jesus, the great High Priest of our profession, else we cannot expect it to be accepted by God, Re 8:3. Though Uzziah strove with the priests, he would not strive with his Maker. But he was punished for his transgression; he continued a leper to his death, shut out from society. The punishment answered the sin as face to face in a glass. Pride was at the bottom of his transgression, and thus God humbled him, and put dishonour upon him. Those that covet forbidden honours, forfeit allowed ones. Adam, by catching at the tree of knowledge which he might not eat of, debarred himself of the tree of life which he might have eaten of. Let all that read say, The Lord is righteous.

Verse 8. - The Ammonites. This nation lay east of Jordan, north-east of Moab. Note the interesting references, Numbers 21:24 ; Deuteronomy 2:37 . Gave gifts . This expression was found in our 2 Chronicles 17:11 ; 1 Kings 4:21 ; 1 Kings 10:25 . The reference to tribute-payment is evident. The entering in of Egypt . This, of course, marks the breadth of the land, and describes the breadth of Uzziah's sway or influence. 2 Chronicles 26:8

(8) The Ammonites. —Old enemies of Judab ( 2Chronicles 20:1 ). Gave gifts.—Paid tribute. Literally, gave a present, or offering (minchāh). His name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt.—See margin. His name and influence, like Solomon’s, extended to the Egyptian border. He strengthened himself exceedingly.—He showed strength, prevailed, made head (Daniel 11:7; Daniel 11:32). Exceedingly.—See the Notes on 1Chronicles 14:2; 1Chronicles 29:25. Syriac, “because he made much war.”

And the Ammonites also paid him tribute (מנחה), and his name spread abroad even to the neighbourhood of Egypt; i.e., in this connection, not merely that his fame spread abroad to that distance, but that the report of his victorious power reached so far, he having extended his rule to near the frontiers of Egypt, for he was exceedingly powerful. החזיק, to show power, as in Daniel 11:7 .