Topical Bible: Seeking God: Uzziah

◄ Seeking God: Uzziah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years during the 8th century BC. His reign is documented in 2 Kings 15:1-7 and 2 Chronicles 26. Uzziah is remembered for his initial faithfulness to God and the prosperity that followed, as well as his eventual downfall due to pride.

Early Reign and Faithfulness

Uzziah became king at the age of sixteen after the death of his father, Amaziah. His early reign was marked by a commitment to seeking God, which brought about significant success and prosperity for Judah. 2 Chronicles 26:4-5 states, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. 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."

Under Uzziah's leadership, Judah experienced military victories, economic growth, and infrastructural development. He fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and dug cisterns to support agriculture. His army was well-organized and equipped, contributing to his military strength. The prosperity of his reign is attributed to his dedication to seeking God, which aligns with the biblical principle that obedience to God brings blessings.

Pride and Downfall

Despite his successful reign, Uzziah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. As his fame and power grew, Uzziah's heart became proud, leading to his downfall. 2 Chronicles 26:16 records, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense."

Uzziah's attempt to perform priestly duties, which were reserved for the descendants of Aaron, was a direct violation of God's commandments. This act of presumption resulted in God striking him with leprosy, a condition that remained with him until his death. He lived in isolation, and his son Jotham took over the responsibilities of governance.

Legacy and Lessons

Uzziah's reign is a powerful illustration of the blessings that come from seeking God and the perils of pride and disobedience. His life underscores the importance of humility and adherence to God's commands. The narrative of Uzziah serves as a reminder that no matter one's achievements or status, seeking God and maintaining a humble heart are paramount in the life of faith.

The account of Uzziah is a testament to the biblical truth found in Proverbs 16:18 : "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." His account encourages believers to continually seek God, remain humble, and recognize that all success and prosperity are gifts from the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 26:5
And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Trial of Saul.
... hand withered, and was punished in his family; and Uzziah was smitten ... feel that the
only way of gaining it was seeking it in the way which God had appointed ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iii the trial of.htm

Israel's Hope; Or, the Centre of the Target
... In seeking the Lord Jesus, a man finds escape from punishment, and much more ... Recollect
what happened to Uzziah. He was a man of God, and a king; but when he had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/israels hope or the centre.htm

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... Israel as constituting together the covenant people of God. ... the twenty-six remaining
years of Uzziah's reign, the ... his writings when Hoshea was seeking the help ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
... their own shewing, in that they were seeking what they ... and Hosea 54ed in the days
of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz ... for before the foundation of the world God prepared it ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/councils of ariminum and seleucia.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... find myself, having begun in the Spirit, seeking to be ... said, "This is not thy portion,
O Uzziah;" and you ... incense as a priest before the Lord God; and whilst ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the work of the holy.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... him in the same place in which Uzziah was smitten with ... also say, "My heart is fixed,
O God, my heart ... with their minds set upon peace, [1910] seeking even amid ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... to learn just what our God is seeking to have ... Isaiah, fresh from the presence of
God, is talking out of ... beginning in the prosperous reign of Uzziah and running ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... 43:23, 24), and to the sin of seeking heathen alliances ... we reckon from the last year
of Uzziah, and some ... sins, and to forewarn them of God's impending judgments ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... do you design the glory of God, in the salvation of your soul? ... condemned sinner as
he was, to proceed still in this his way of self-seeking, saying, "Believe ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... It can scarcely be doubted that the earthquake under Uzziah, the fearfulness of ...
circumstance of their having been committed against the hidden God only, while ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm