Introduction:
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned during the 8th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Uzziah's reign is noted for its length, prosperity, and military success, as well as for his eventual downfall due to pride.

Biblical Account:
Uzziah became king at the age of sixteen following the death of his father, Amaziah. His reign is detailed in 2 Kings 15:1-7 and 2 Chronicles 26:1-23. According to 2 Kings 15:2 , "He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem."

Reign and Achievements:
Uzziah's reign was marked by significant achievements and prosperity for the kingdom of Judah. He was a capable leader who sought to strengthen his nation both militarily and economically. Under his leadership, Judah experienced a period of peace and expansion. Uzziah fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and improved the infrastructure of the kingdom. He also developed a strong army, equipped with advanced weaponry for the time, as noted in 2 Chronicles 26:14-15 : "Uzziah provided the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones. In Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped marvelously until he became powerful."

Religious Observance:
Uzziah is described as having done what was right in the eyes of the LORD, following the example of his father Amaziah. 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 (2 Chronicles 26:5).

Downfall:
Despite his successes, Uzziah's reign ended in tragedy due to his pride. As his power grew, he became arrogant and overstepped his bounds by entering 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 led to his downfall. The LORD struck him with leprosy, and he lived in isolation until his death. 2 Chronicles 26:19-21 recounts this event: "Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. But while he raged against the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the house of the LORD, leprosy broke out on his forehead. When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw that he was leprous on his forehead, they hurried him out. Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the LORD had afflicted him. So King Uzziah had leprosy until the day of his death. He lived in a separate house, leprous and banned from the house of the LORD. His son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land."

Legacy:
Uzziah's reign is remembered for both its achievements and its cautionary tale of pride leading to downfall. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God's commands. Despite his tragic end, Uzziah is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting his place in the Davidic line and the unfolding plan of redemption.