This chapter recounts a small portion of 2 Kings 15, but most of it offers greater detail in King Uzziah’s life and how power led to his downfall. The chapter begins, “The people of Judah then crowned Amaziah’s sixteen-year-old son, Uzziah, as their next king. After his father’s death, Uzziah rebuilt the town of Elath and restored it to Judah. Uzziah was sixteen when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother was Jecoliah, from Jerusalem. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his father, Amaziah, had done. Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as the king sought the Lord, God gave him success.” (2 Chronicles 26:1-5) (Yes…seeking the Lord = Success!)
Uzziah became very powerful, as God helped him with his wars against various people and regions. His fame spread as far as Egypt. He also built a powerful army, “and he produced machines mounted on the walls of Jerusalem, designed by brilliant men to shoot arrows and hurl stones from the towers and the corners of the wall. (This may be the first time I’ve seen the word “machines” since beginning my study in Genesis. Is this the true time period of the Industrial Revolution?) His fame spread far and wide, for the Lord helped him wonderfully until he became very powerful.” (2 Chronicles 26:15) (Whoa…sounds like power did not work in Uzziah’s favor.)
Uzziah’s Sin and Punishment
“But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall. He sinned against the Lord his God by entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and personally burning incense on the altar. Azariah the high priest went in after him with eighty other priests of the Lord, all brave men. They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is the work of the priests alone, the sons of Aaron who are set apart for this work. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have sinned. The Lord God will not honor you for this!”
Uzziah was furious and refused to set down the incense burner he was holding. But as he was standing there with the priests before the incense altar in the Lord’s Temple, leprosy suddenly broke out on his forehead. When Azariah and the other priest saw the leprosy, they rushed him out. And the king himself was eager to get out because the Lord had struck him. So King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in isolation, excluded from the Temple of the Lord. His son Jotham was put in charge of the royal palace, and he governed the people of the land. (Wow…his powerful pride led to his destruction. God has a way of humbling the proud.)
The rest of the events of Uzziah’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. So Uzziah died, and since he had leprosy, he was buried nearby in a burial field belonging to the kings. Then his son Jotham became the next king.” (2 Chronicles 16-23)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us manage power successfully. Help us remain humble and grounded in you, recognizing that our success is a direct result of your grace, mercy, and favor. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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