The people of Judah then took Uzziah, who was only sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. The first thing he did after his father was dead and buried was to recover Elath for Judah and rebuild it. (II Chronicles 26:1,2 The Message)
Fear Not… Then Fix Something
The kingdom of Israel had been in turmoil. For many years, the crown had been coveted by aspirants, conspired about, and fought over. Young Uzziah ascended the thrown with insecurity and perhaps low expectations.
But he got right to work.
Scripture does not divulge Uzziah’s motivation for rebuilding the city of Elath. But some of his reasons are deductible.
First, he rebuilt Elath to reinvigorate Israel’s knowledge of the past. Elath was a key city in the wanderings of God’s people on the way to the promised land. (Deuteronomy 2:8) In a way, it formed a border between wilderness and home. Elath was the sort of city that might have held a monument or two. On the southern border of the Promised Land, Elath was rebuilt to rebuild Judah’s memories of who they had once been, despite how far they had slipped in recent years.
Second, he rebuilt Elath to reinvigorate Judah’s hope for the future. Elath was King Solomon’s shipbuilding port. (I Kings 9:26) Solomon’s world-stretching empire centered in Elath. As Uzziah began his reign, he hoped Judah would be profitable, successful, and notable again.
Uzziah followed God, as King of Judah. Admittedly, he erred. But he gives a good example at the beginning of his rule.
We have things worth fixing, too.
When fear has been overcome, or even diminished, we can repair our relationships, commitments, and dreams. Consider God’s love for us in our past. Remember His blessings with fondness, joy, and excitement. Rebuild some of those broken things from yesteryear. As we begin each day like Uzziah, starting fresh, reclaim our broken past.
When fear has been overcome, or even diminished, we can repair our future. Consider what our intentions were, our plans entailed, and our hopes described. Trust God’s promises enough to know that tomorrow is a good place. Hope for heaven manifested here today. Hope for blessings that are sure. Hope for the increase of God’s kingdom, found among the actions of God’s people.
Fear not, then fix something.