2 Chronicles 26:20

When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him.

Study Bible

When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead
Azariah, the chief priest, represents the spiritual leadership of Israel, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the temple. The presence of multiple priests indicates the seriousness of the situation. Leprosy, a severe skin disease, was considered a sign of divine judgment and impurity, rendering a person ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:45-46). The forehead, being a prominent and visible part of the body, symbolizes the public nature of Uzziah's sin and its consequences. This event underscores the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands, especially for those in leadership.

they rushed him out
The priests' immediate action to remove Uzziah from the temple highlights the urgency and gravity of maintaining the temple's purity. The temple was the dwelling place of God's presence, and any defilement was intolerable. This reflects the broader biblical principle that sin separates humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2). The priests' response also demonstrates their commitment to uphold the law, as outlined in the Torah, which required the exclusion of the unclean from the community (Numbers 5:2-3).

Indeed, he himself hurried to get out
Uzziah's own haste to leave the temple indicates his awareness of the severity of his condition and the divine judgment upon him. This moment of realization can be seen as a turning point, where Uzziah acknowledges his transgression against God's holiness. It serves as a reminder of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Uzziah's reaction also parallels the broader biblical theme of repentance and the need for individuals to recognize their sinfulness before a holy God.

because the LORD had afflicted him
The affliction of leprosy is explicitly attributed to the LORD, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice. This divine intervention serves as a warning against pride and presumption, as Uzziah had unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, a role reserved for the priests (2 Chronicles 26:16-19). The affliction is a direct consequence of Uzziah's disobedience, illustrating the biblical principle that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). This event foreshadows the ultimate judgment and redemption found in Jesus Christ, who bore the afflictions of humanity to restore the broken relationship between God and man (Isaiah 53:4-5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Azariah the Chief Priest
Azariah was the leading priest during King Uzziah's reign. He played a crucial role in confronting Uzziah when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense.

2. King Uzziah
Also known as Azariah, he was the king of Judah who became proud and attempted to perform priestly duties, which led to his downfall and affliction with leprosy.

3. The Priests
The priests, under Azariah's leadership, stood firm in their duty to uphold the sanctity of the temple and the proper roles assigned by God.

4. The Temple
The central place of worship in Jerusalem, where Uzziah unlawfully attempted to burn incense, violating the separation of kingly and priestly duties.

5. Leprosy
A skin disease that symbolized impurity and divine judgment in the Old Testament, marking Uzziah's transgression and God's immediate response.

Teaching Points

Respect for God-Ordained Roles
God has established specific roles and responsibilities within His kingdom. Uzziah's downfall serves as a warning against pride and the presumption of authority not given by God.

The Consequences of Pride
Pride leads to downfall. Uzziah's prideful act of burning incense, a duty reserved for priests, resulted in his affliction with leprosy. We must guard our hearts against pride and seek humility.

The Importance of Accountability
Azariah and the priests exemplify the importance of holding one another accountable to God's standards. In our communities, we should encourage and correct each other in love.

God's Immediate Judgment
God's response to Uzziah's sin was immediate, reminding us that God is holy and just. We should live with a reverent fear of the Lord, understanding that our actions have consequences.

Repentance and Restoration
Although Uzziah was eager to leave the temple, indicating a recognition of his wrongdoing, the account encourages us to seek genuine repentance and restoration with God when we sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Uzziah challenge us to examine our own attitudes towards authority and the roles God has given us?

2. In what ways can pride manifest in our lives, and how can we actively combat it with humility?

3. How can we, like Azariah and the priests, hold each other accountable in our faith communities while maintaining a spirit of love and grace?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of stepping outside of God's will. What did you learn from that experience?

5. How can the account of Uzziah inspire us to seek repentance and restoration with God when we recognize our own sins?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13
Discusses the laws concerning leprosy, highlighting the seriousness of the disease and its implications for ritual purity.

Numbers 16
The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, which similarly illustrates the consequences of overstepping God-given roles and authority.

Isaiah 6
Isaiah's vision of the Lord in the temple, which contrasts Uzziah's unholy intrusion with a vision of God's holiness and rightful worship.

1 Samuel 13
King Saul's unlawful sacrifice, another example of a king overstepping his bounds and facing divine judgment.