Topical Encyclopedia Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years, from approximately 792 to 740 BC. His reign is noted for its prosperity and military success, as well as for his eventual downfall due to pride and disobedience to God.Background and Reign Uzziah was the son of Amaziah and became king at the age of sixteen. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 15:1-7 and 2 Chronicles 26. Uzziah was a capable ruler who sought to strengthen the kingdom of Judah. He fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and improved the military by equipping his army with advanced weaponry. Under his leadership, Judah experienced economic growth and expanded its territory. Uzziah's success is attributed to his initial faithfulness to God. 2 Chronicles 26:5 states, "He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success." Pride and Downfall Despite his achievements, Uzziah's pride led to his downfall. In a moment of arrogance, he unlawfully entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. This act of disobedience is recorded in 2 Chronicles 26:16-18: "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." Azariah the priest, along with eighty other courageous priests, confronted Uzziah, warning him of his transgression. Despite their intervention, Uzziah persisted, and as a result, God struck him with leprosy. 2 Chronicles 26:19-20 describes the incident: "Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the LORD’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead." Death and Legacy Uzziah lived the remainder of his life in isolation due to his leprosy, which rendered him ceremonially unclean. His son Jotham took over the responsibilities of governing the people. Uzziah's death is recorded in 2 Kings 15:7: "And Azariah rested with his fathers and was buried near them in the City of David. And his son Jotham reigned in his place." Despite his tragic end, Uzziah is remembered for the prosperity and strength he brought to Judah during his reign. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of obedience to God's commandments. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 15:7So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 26:23 Library Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ... The Kingdom Op Judah. The Call of Isaiah The Greater Prophets. The Old Testament and Archeology Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church. Appendices Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Questions about Isaiah | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Amos - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “here am I; send me” in Isaiah 6:8? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Uzziah: A Priest: Puts Away (Divorced) his Gentile Wife Uzziah: Called Azariah is Presumptuous in Burning Incense; Stricken With Leprosy; Quarantined Uzziah: Called Azariah: An Earthquake Occurred During the Reign of Uzziah: Called Azariah: Death of Uzziah: Called Azariah: Defeats the Philistines Uzziah: Called Azariah: History of, Written by Isaiah, Uzziah: Called Azariah: Jotham Regent During Quarantine of Uzziah: Called Azariah: King of Judah Uzziah: Called Azariah: Military Establishment of Uzziah: Called Azariah: Promotes Cattle Raising and Agriculture Uzziah: Called Azariah: Rebuilds Elath Uzziah: Called Azariah: Reigns Righteously Uzziah: Called Azariah: Strengthens the Fortifications of Jerusalem Uzziah: Called Azariah: Strengthens the Kingdom Related Terms |
    |