Introduction:
Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a king of Judah whose reign is documented in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. His reign is noted for its length, prosperity, and eventual downfall due to pride and disobedience to God. Azariah's account serves as a significant example of the blessings of obedience and the consequences of pride.

Historical Context:
Azariah was the son of Amaziah and became king of Judah at the age of sixteen. His reign is recorded to have lasted fifty-two years, making it one of the longest in the history of the divided kingdom. His contemporaries included Jeroboam II of Israel, and his reign overlapped with several prophets, including Isaiah, Hosea, and Amos.

Biblical Account:
The account of Azariah's reign is found in 2 Kings 15:1-7 and 2 Chronicles 26. The Berean Standard Bible provides a detailed narrative of his accomplishments and failures.

Achievements:
Azariah's reign was marked by significant military and economic achievements. He fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and developed a strong army. 2 Chronicles 26:6-8 states, "He went out to wage war against the Philistines and tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities in the vicinity of Ashdod and among the Philistines. God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs who lived in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites. The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he became exceedingly powerful."

Azariah also promoted agricultural development, as noted 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 had farmers and vinedressers in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil."

Religious Observance:
Azariah initially did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, following the example of his father Amaziah. 2 Kings 15:3 states, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done." However, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.

Downfall:
Despite his successes, Azariah's reign ended in tragedy due to his pride. 2 Chronicles 26:16 recounts, "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." This act of presumption was a direct violation of the Levitical law, which reserved such duties for the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

As a result of his disobedience, Azariah was struck with leprosy, a condition that rendered him ceremonially unclean and led to his isolation. 2 Kings 15:5 notes, "The LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house. Jotham the king’s son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land."

Legacy:
Azariah's reign is a poignant reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God's commandments. His initial faithfulness brought prosperity and strength to Judah, but his later pride and disobedience led to personal and national consequences. His account is a testament to the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, as articulated in Proverbs 16:18.