Uzziah King of Judah

2022-05-25

Uzziah, or Azariah, the son of Amaziah, became king of Judah. He reigned a long reign of 52 years. He had military victories against the Philistines, Arabians, and Mehunims, and Ammon became a vassal state. Uzziah built up Jerusalem, dug wells, and developed quite the infrastructure in the land because of his interest in farming and viticulture. The king also had quite the army and defense system in place. The LORD was with him.

“But 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 upon the altar of incense” (2 Chronicles 26:16). As with any good man, there is a danger to look at the LORD’s blessing, and attribute that ourselves. Uzziah took it on himself to offer incense at the altar, something only the priest was prescribed to do. He wanted more power and influence than he already had. The king only backed down when he was struck with leprosy. He lived alone the rest of his life in a separate house, while his son Jotham ran his affairs.

Uzziah’s warning is our warning. We cannot look at our own accomplishments and our own possessions and say, “I did this.” Remembering that all that we have is from God keeps us humble.

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

This is a part of the Kings of Judah series. To go back to the table of contents, proceed here.