Topical Encyclopedia Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years during the 8th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Chronicles 26 and 2 Kings 15. Uzziah is remembered for his initial faithfulness to God, his military successes, and his eventual downfall due to presumption.Early Reign and Successes Uzziah became king at the age of sixteen following the death of his father, Amaziah. His reign was marked by prosperity and strength, as he sought the Lord and was instructed by Zechariah, a man who had understanding in the visions of God. As long as Uzziah sought the Lord, God made him prosper (2 Chronicles 26:5). Under Uzziah's leadership, Judah experienced significant military victories and territorial expansion. He successfully waged war against the Philistines, broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod, and built cities in the territory of Ashdod and among the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6). Uzziah's fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he became exceedingly strong (2 Chronicles 26:8). Uzziah also focused on fortifying Jerusalem, building towers at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and at the angle of the wall, and he equipped them with engines of war invented by skillful men to shoot arrows and large stones (2 Chronicles 26:9, 15). His agricultural initiatives and the development of a well-trained army further contributed to the prosperity and security of Judah. Presumption and Downfall Despite his successes, Uzziah's reign was marred by a significant act of presumption that led to his downfall. As his power and fame grew, Uzziah's heart became proud, leading to his destruction (2 Chronicles 26:16). In a grave act of presumption, Uzziah entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense, a duty reserved exclusively for the priests, the descendants of Aaron (2 Chronicles 26:16-18). Azariah the priest, along with eighty other courageous priests, confronted Uzziah, warning him that he had trespassed against the LORD and that he would not be honored by God for this act. Despite their warnings, Uzziah persisted in his actions, and as a result, the LORD struck him with leprosy, which appeared on his forehead while he was in the temple (2 Chronicles 26:19-20). Uzziah's leprosy rendered him ceremonially unclean, and he lived in a separate house until his death, cut off from the house of the LORD. His son Jotham took over the governance of the people during Uzziah's isolation (2 Chronicles 26:21). Legacy Uzziah's reign serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of presumption and pride. His initial faithfulness and success were overshadowed by his failure to respect the boundaries set by God, leading to his tragic end. Uzziah's account is a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God's commands, regardless of one's status or achievements. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 26:16But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. Nave's Topical Index Library The Call of Isaiah Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. ) The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation. Resources What are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) Presumptuousness (1 Occurrence) |
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