against the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant adversarial group to Israel, often mentioned throughout the Old Testament. They inhabited the coastal regions of Canaan and were known for their advanced iron technology and formidable military presence. Uzziah's victories over the Philistines would have been seen as a continuation of the struggle that began in the time of the Judges and continued through the reigns of Saul and David. This victory is reminiscent of David's triumphs over the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 17, where David defeats Goliath, a Philistine giant.

against the Arabs living in Gur-baal
The Arabs mentioned here likely refer to nomadic tribes inhabiting the desert regions southeast of Judah. Gur-baal is a location not extensively detailed in biblical texts, but it is thought to be a region where these tribes resided. The mention of Arabs indicates the broader geopolitical challenges faced by Uzziah, as he had to secure his kingdom's borders against various groups. This reflects the historical context of the time, where regional powers often clashed over territory and resources.

and against the Meunites
The Meunites, also known as the Maonites, were a group mentioned in the Old Testament as living in the region south of Judah. They are associated with the Edomites and are mentioned in other passages, such as 2 Chronicles 20:1, where they join forces against King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Uzziah's success against the Meunites would have been part of his broader campaign to secure Judah's southern borders. This victory can be seen as part of God's promise to protect and establish Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:7, where God promises to defeat the enemies of Israel.

“God helped him…” (2 Chronicles 26:7). Those opening words frame the whole verse. Uzziah’s military success is not credited to brilliant strategy, bigger armies, or political alliances; it is squarely attributed to the Lord’s active intervention.

• 2 Chronicles 26:5 says, “as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” The help described in verse 7 is the promised result of wholehearted seeking.

• 1 Samuel 7:12—Samuel’s Ebenezer stone—echoes the same truth: “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

• Romans 8:31 carries the principle into the New Testament: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

God’s help is personal, powerful, and sufficient. When He steps in, even long-standing enemies lose their grip.

The Philistines had been Israel’s thorn since the days of Samson and David. Verse 6 notes Uzziah broke down their walls; verse 7 explains why that was possible—God helped him.

• Judges 13:1 shows the cyclic oppression the Philistines exerted.

• 1 Samuel 17 presents David’s victory over Goliath as another moment when divine help toppled Philistine strength.

• 2 Chronicles 21:16 records a previous Philistine raid on Judah; Uzziah reverses that humiliation by relying on God, not merely on military reform.

The lesson is clear: enemies with a long history can still be overcome when God intervenes.

Little is known about Gur-baal, yet its mention tells us Judah faced threats south and southwest as well as west. God’s help reached every front.

• 2 Chronicles 21:16-17 recounts an Arab incursion during Jehoram’s reign; Uzziah now experiences the opposite outcome.

• Psalm 72:9 foresees desert peoples bowing before the messianic king—Uzziah’s victory previews that wider dominion of the Lord.

• Isaiah 21:13 speaks of a “burden against Arabia,” reminding readers that God rules deserts and cities alike.

No opponent is too obscure or remote for God’s protecting hand.

The Meunites (also called Maonites or Meunim) were desert tribes who harassed Judah’s southeast border. God helped Uzziah silence them as well.

• 2 Chronicles 20:1 lists the Meunites among the coalition that attacked Jehoshaphat, only to be routed by divine intervention.

• 1 Chronicles 4:41 records earlier Judean victories over the Meunites “because there was pasture for their flocks there,” showing this conflict spanned generations.

By naming the Meunites last, the writer piles on evidence: whether famous foes like the Philistines or lesser-known raiders, all fell before the Lord’s help.

2 Chronicles 26:7 packages Uzziah’s military record in a single sentence so readers never miss the point: every triumph was God’s doing. He helped the king against famed Philistines, neighboring Arabs, and desert Meunites alike. The same Lord still aids those who seek Him, turning entrenched, varied, and persistent threats into opportunities to showcase His faithfulness.

The Mehunims (Heb., Me'-nim) are the Maonites, or people of Maon (Ma'an), near Mount Seir. (See Note on 2Chronicles 20:1.)

(The Syriac and Arabic omit from "wall of Ashdod" 2Chronicles 26:6, to "gifts to Uzziah," 2Chronicles 26:8.)