2 Chronicles 26:3
Uzziah 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.
Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, ascended to the throne of Judah at a young age, highlighting the early responsibility placed on him. This reflects the practice of young kings in the ancient Near East, where royal succession often occurred at a young age due to the untimely death or deposition of a predecessor. His youth may have required him to rely heavily on advisors, including the prophet Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God (2 Chronicles 26:5).

and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years
Uzziah's long reign was one of the most prosperous in Judah's history, marked by military successes, economic growth, and infrastructural development. His reign is notable for its length, second only to Manasseh's in Judah. This period of stability allowed for significant advancements, including fortifications and agricultural innovations. However, his reign ended in tragedy due to his pride and subsequent leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem
Jecoliah's mention indicates her importance in Uzziah's life and possibly her influence in his early years. Being from Jerusalem, she was likely well-acquainted with the religious and cultural traditions of Judah, which may have shaped Uzziah's initial adherence to God's ways. The inclusion of maternal lineage in the biblical narrative often underscores the role of mothers in the spiritual and moral upbringing of kings.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Uzziah
Also known as Azariah, Uzziah was a king of Judah who began his reign at the young age of sixteen. His reign was marked by prosperity and military success, but also by a tragic downfall due to pride.

2. Jecoliah
The mother of Uzziah, mentioned here to highlight her role in his life. Her name means "Yahweh is able," which may reflect the faith background she provided for Uzziah.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Uzziah reigned. It was the political and spiritual center of the kingdom.

4. Reign of Fifty-Two Years
Uzziah's long reign is significant, as it indicates a period of stability and growth for Judah, though it ended with his downfall due to pride.
Teaching Points
The Importance of a Godly Heritage
Uzziah's mother, Jecoliah, is mentioned, suggesting the influence of a godly upbringing. Parents and guardians should strive to instill faith and values in their children.

Youth and Leadership
Uzziah became king at sixteen, showing that God can use young people in significant ways. Young believers should be encouraged to seek God's guidance and wisdom in their endeavors.

The Dangers of Pride
Uzziah's reign ended in tragedy due to his pride. Believers must remain humble and recognize that all success comes from God.

Longevity in Leadership
Uzziah's fifty-two-year reign suggests the potential for long-term impact. Leaders should aim for faithfulness and integrity throughout their tenure.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the mention of Uzziah's mother, Jecoliah, influence our understanding of his early life and reign?

2. In what ways can young people today be encouraged to take on leadership roles within their communities and churches?

3. How does Uzziah's account illustrate the biblical principle that pride comes before a fall? Can you think of other biblical examples?

4. What lessons can current leaders learn from Uzziah's long reign, both in terms of successes and failures?

5. How does the transition from Uzziah's reign to Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:1 reflect the broader theme of God's sovereignty in times of change?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 15:1-7
This passage provides a parallel account of Uzziah's reign, offering additional details about his accomplishments and his eventual downfall due to leprosy.

Isaiah 6:1
The prophet Isaiah's vision of the Lord occurs in the year of King Uzziah's death, marking a significant transition in Judah's history and highlighting the impact of Uzziah's reign.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is a key lesson from Uzziah's life.
Premature Responsibility, EtcW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 26:1-5
Uzziah the ProsperousT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 26:1-15
People
Aaron, Amaziah, Ammonites, Amos, Amoz, Arabians, Azariah, Hananiah, Isaiah, Jecholiah, Jecoliah, Jeiel, Jotham, Maaseiah, Maonites, Mehunim, Meunim, Meunites, Uzziah, Zechariah
Places
Angle, Ashdod, Corner Gate, Egypt, Eloth, Gath, Gurbaal, Jabneh, Jerusalem, Shephelah, Valley Gate
Topics
Fifty, Fifty-two, Jechiliah, Jecholiah, Jecoliah, Jecoli'ah, Jerusalem, Mother's, Reign, Reigned, Reigning, Ruling, Sixteen, Uzziah, Uzzi'ah
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 26:3

     7240   Jerusalem, history

2 Chronicles 26:1-23

     5366   king

2 Chronicles 26:3-5

     5302   education
     8351   teachableness

Library
Jabneh. Jamnia.
...Pliny doth dispose the towns here in this order;--"Azotus, the two Jamnes, Joppe."--R. Benjamin, in the order backward, thus,--"Joppah, Jabneh, Azotus." That is Jabneh with this author, that is Jaminia with the other. A remembrance of this place is in 2 Chronicles 26:6: but the chief fame of it is for the Sanhedrim, that was placed there, both before the destruction of Jerusalem and after. Rabban Gamaliel, St. Paul's master, first presided there. Under whom came forth that cursed form of prayer,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
1. Accordingly Simon would not suffer Matthias, by whose means he got possession of the city, to go off without torment. This Matthias was the son of Boethus, and was one of the high priests, one that had been very faithful to the people, and in great esteem with them; he, when the multitude were distressed by the zealots, among whom John was numbered, persuaded the people to admit this Simon to come in to assist them, while he had made no terms with him, nor expected any thing that was evil from
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Obedience
Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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