Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 8th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, with additional insights provided by the prophet Isaiah. Uzziah's reign is noted for its length, prosperity, and eventual downfall due to pride and disobedience.

Background and Reign

Uzziah was the son of Amaziah and became king of Judah at the age of sixteen, reigning for fifty-two years. His reign is marked by a period of relative peace and prosperity for Judah. Under his leadership, the kingdom experienced significant military and economic advancements. Uzziah fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and improved the nation's infrastructure. He also expanded Judah's territory and influence, subduing the Philistines and other neighboring nations.

The biblical account in 2 Kings 15:3-4 states, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there." This indicates that while Uzziah was generally faithful to God, he did not remove the high places, which were centers of unauthorized worship.

Achievements and Innovations

Uzziah's reign is characterized by significant achievements in agriculture and military technology. He developed the land, dug many wells, and had much livestock, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 26:10 : "He built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns, because he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain. He also had farmers and vinedressers in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil."

Uzziah's military innovations included the development of advanced weaponry and the organization of a well-trained army. 2 Chronicles 26:14-15 describes his military prowess: "Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones. He made skillfully designed devices in Jerusalem 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 strong."

Pride and Downfall

Despite his successes, Uzziah's reign ended in tragedy due to his pride. As he grew powerful, 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. This act of disobedience is recounted in 2 Chronicles 26:16 : "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."

The LORD struck Uzziah with leprosy as a consequence of his transgression, and he lived in isolation until his death. His son Jotham took over the responsibilities of governance during Uzziah's illness. Uzziah's leprosy and subsequent isolation are detailed in 2 Chronicles 26:21 : "King Uzziah had leprosy until the day of his death. He lived in a separate house, leprous and excluded from the house of the LORD. So Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land."

Isaiah's Account

The prophet Isaiah provides additional context to Uzziah's reign, particularly in the year of his death. Isaiah 6:1 states, "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple." This vision marks a significant moment in Isaiah's prophetic ministry and underscores the transition from Uzziah's reign to the subsequent period of prophetic activity in Judah.

Uzziah's life serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of obedience to God's commands. His account is a testament to the blessings of faithfulness and the consequences of overstepping divine boundaries.2 Chronicles 26:22
Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 1:1
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

The Greater Prophets.
... reckon from the last year of Uzziah, and some ... Hebrew canon to the third division,
called Hagiographa. ... three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, "in the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... where similar conduct on the part of Uzziah is recorded ... and Hosea (x.5), where Bethel
is called Beth-aven ... of those mentioned in the Chronicles, eg Azariah son of ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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