2 Chronicles 26

This chapter recounts the reign of King Uzziah (also known as Azariah), who ruled over Judah for fifty-two years. Uzziah is notable for his accomplishments, particularly in military successes, infrastructure development, and agricultural advancements. However, his reign also highlights the dangers of pride and disobedience to God's commandments, culminating in his tragic downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests.

2 Chronicles 26:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father Amaziah.
2 He built Elath and restored it to Judah, after the king rested with his fathers.
3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem.
4 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.
5 He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.

Uzziah ascended to the throne at a young age, following the reign of his father, Amaziah. His early reign was marked by a desire to follow God, influenced by Zechariah, a prophet with divine insight. Uzziah's commitment to seeking the Lord allowed him to experience significant success and prosperity. This period of stability was essential for Judah, as Uzziah undertook projects that strengthened the kingdom, including the rebuilding of Elath, which expanded Judah's territory and influence.

2 Chronicles 26:6-10 (NKJV)
6 Now he went out and made war against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath, the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities around Ashdod and among the Philistines.
7 God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and against the Meunites.
8 Also the Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah; his fame spread as far as the entrance of Egypt, for he became exceedingly strong.
9 Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and at the Hill Gate; and he fortified them.
10 Then he built towers in the desert; he dug many wells, for he had much livestock, both in the lowlands and in the plains; he also had farmers and vine dressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved the soil.

Uzziah demonstrated military prowess by defeating the Philistines and fortifying Jerusalem with towers, which enhanced the city’s defenses. His victories brought tribute from surrounding nations, including the Ammonites, increasing his reputation and influence. Uzziah's passion for agriculture is evident in his establishment of farms and vineyards, as well as his efforts in irrigation by digging wells. This commitment to agricultural development ensured a prosperous economy, reinforcing his standing as a capable ruler and benefactor to the people of Judah.

2 Chronicles 26:11-15 (NKJV)
11 Moreover, Uzziah had an army of fighting men who went out to war by companies, according to the number of their role, as prepared by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains.
12 The total number of chief officers of the mighty men of valor was two thousand six hundred.
13 And under their authority was an army of three hundred thousand seven thousand five hundred, made ready for war, with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
14 Then Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the army shields, spears, helmets, body armor, bows, and slings to cast stones.
15 And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.

Uzziah organized a well-equipped army, demonstrating his capability as a military leader. The careful preparation and provisioning of his troops with armor and weaponry indicated his strategic foresight. Uzziah's innovative approach extended to the creation of siege engines, further enhancing his military strength. His success and fame grew, attributed to God's favor, as Uzziah was able to lead Judah to military prominence, instilling confidence in his leadership.

2 Chronicles 26:16-20 (NKJV)
16 But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.
17 So Azariah the priest went in after him and with him were eighty priests of the Lord, valiant men.
18 And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the Lord God.”
19 Then Uzziah became furious, and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense. And while he was angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, beside the incense altar.
20 And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and there on his forehead was leprosy! So they thrust him out of that place; indeed, he also hurried to get out because the Lord had struck him.

Uzziah's strength and success led to pride, prompting him to overstep his authority by attempting to burn incense in the temple—a role reserved for the priests. This act of arrogance drew a courageous response from Azariah and eighty priests who confronted him, emphasizing the seriousness of his transgression. In his fury, Uzziah refused to heed their warning, resulting in divine judgment as leprosy appeared on his forehead, a physical manifestation of his sin. This moment highlights the importance of humility and obedience to God's established order.

2 Chronicles 26:21-23 (NKJV)
21 King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He dwelt in an isolated house because he was a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord. Then Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.
22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from first to last, the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, wrote.
23 So Uzziah rested with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of burial which belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” Then Jotham his son reigned in his place.

Uzziah's leprosy resulted in his isolation from society and the temple, a punishment that left a mark on his legacy. His son Jotham took over the responsibilities of ruling while Uzziah lived in seclusion, highlighting the consequences of Uzziah's prideful actions. The record of Uzziah’s reign, including his accomplishments and failures, was documented by the prophet Isaiah, ensuring that his story served as a lesson for future generations. Despite his earlier successes, Uzziah's downfall underscores the critical importance of humility before God.