II Chronicles 26 Commentary
Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.
He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.
And 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 to prosper.
And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.
And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur–baal, and the Mehunims.
And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.
Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains.
The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.
And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
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.
And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men:
And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God.
Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar.
And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him.
And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.
Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.
So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.
II Chronicles 26 unveils the reign of Uzziah, a king whose story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. His reign, spanning 52 years, was marked by significant successes and a tragic downfall, offering valuable lessons about leadership, humility, and obedience to God.
A Promising Beginning (II Chronicles 26:1-5)
Uzziah ascended to the throne as a young man, likely a teenager. II Chronicles 26:1 notes that "all the people of Judah took Uzziah...and made him king," suggesting a unique circumstance where his father, Amaziah, may not have been directly involved in choosing his successor. Like many kings of Judah, Uzziah started well, doing "what was right in the LORD’s sight" (II Chronicles 26:4).
A key factor in Uzziah’s early success was the influence of Zechariah, a godly mentor described as one who "instructed him in the fear of God" (II Chronicles 26:5). Similar to how Jehoiada guided Joash, Zechariah’s counsel steered Uzziah towards righteousness. The Chronicler emphasizes that "as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper" (II Chronicles 26:5). While the exact timing isn't specified, it's plausible that Uzziah's subsequent pride and punishment coincided with Zechariah's death, highlighting the importance of godly counsel in maintaining spiritual integrity.
Military and Economic Achievements (II Chronicles 26:6-15)
Uzziah's reign was characterized by remarkable achievements in military and economic spheres. He secured victories against the Philistines (II Chronicles 26:6-7), reclaiming territory and breaking their power. His growing strength led the Ammonites, another long-standing enemy, to pay tribute, demonstrating Uzziah's widespread influence that extended as far as Egypt (II Chronicles 26:8).
Beyond military conquests, Uzziah invested in infrastructure and agriculture. He fortified Jerusalem by building defensive towers (II Chronicles 26:9) and actively engaged in farming and animal husbandry (II Chronicles 26:10). Notably, Uzziah was an innovator, designing military devices to launch arrows and large stones from the city's towers (II Chronicles 26:11-15). His engineering prowess and military strategies significantly enhanced Judah's defenses, further contributing to his fame and power. The Bible says that his fame spread far and wide (II Chronicles 26:15).
The Downfall of Pride (II Chronicles 26:16-23)
Tragically, Uzziah's success became the catalyst for his downfall. His power, fame, and prosperity fueled arrogance, leading him to commit an act of profound disobedience. Although his sin might appear less severe compared to the idolatry or immorality of other kings, Uzziah's act of usurping the priestly role to burn incense in the temple was a grave offense against God (II Chronicles 26:16).
A courageous group of eighty priests confronted Uzziah, standing against the king's transgression (II Chronicles 26:17-18). They reminded him that this act was not his prerogative and that he would not be honored by the Lord for it. Their bravery is remarkable, considering the king held the power of life and death.
Instead of heeding their warning and repenting, Uzziah became enraged. However, God intervened immediately, striking him with leprosy (II Chronicles 26:19). This skin disease forced him to live in isolation for the remainder of his life (II Chronicles 26:21), a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience. Uzziah's story serves as a powerful lesson: unchecked pride can lead to ruin, regardless of past achievements or blessings. His isolation underscores the devastating impact of sin, separating us from God and community. Let Uzziah's life be a constant encouragement to maintain humility before the Lord, recognizing that pride precedes a fall.
Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.
He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.
Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.
And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did.
And 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 to prosper.
And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.
And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur–baal, and the Mehunims.
And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.
Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
Moreover Uzziah had an host of fighting men, that went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains.
The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred.
And under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
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.
And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men:
And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God.
Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar.
And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him.
And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.
Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write.
So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, He is a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.
II Chronicles 26 unveils the reign of Uzziah, a king whose story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. His reign, spanning 52 years, was marked by significant successes and a tragic downfall, offering valuable lessons about leadership, humility, and obedience to God.
A Promising Beginning (II Chronicles 26:1-5)
Uzziah ascended to the throne as a young man, likely a teenager. II Chronicles 26:1 notes that "all the people of Judah took Uzziah...and made him king," suggesting a unique circumstance where his father, Amaziah, may not have been directly involved in choosing his successor. Like many kings of Judah, Uzziah started well, doing "what was right in the LORD’s sight" (II Chronicles 26:4).
A key factor in Uzziah’s early success was the influence of Zechariah, a godly mentor described as one who "instructed him in the fear of God" (II Chronicles 26:5). Similar to how Jehoiada guided Joash, Zechariah’s counsel steered Uzziah towards righteousness. The Chronicler emphasizes that "as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper" (II Chronicles 26:5). While the exact timing isn't specified, it's plausible that Uzziah's subsequent pride and punishment coincided with Zechariah's death, highlighting the importance of godly counsel in maintaining spiritual integrity.
Military and Economic Achievements (II Chronicles 26:6-15)
Uzziah's reign was characterized by remarkable achievements in military and economic spheres. He secured victories against the Philistines (II Chronicles 26:6-7), reclaiming territory and breaking their power. His growing strength led the Ammonites, another long-standing enemy, to pay tribute, demonstrating Uzziah's widespread influence that extended as far as Egypt (II Chronicles 26:8).
Beyond military conquests, Uzziah invested in infrastructure and agriculture. He fortified Jerusalem by building defensive towers (II Chronicles 26:9) and actively engaged in farming and animal husbandry (II Chronicles 26:10). Notably, Uzziah was an innovator, designing military devices to launch arrows and large stones from the city's towers (II Chronicles 26:11-15). His engineering prowess and military strategies significantly enhanced Judah's defenses, further contributing to his fame and power. The Bible says that his fame spread far and wide (II Chronicles 26:15).
The Downfall of Pride (II Chronicles 26:16-23)
Tragically, Uzziah's success became the catalyst for his downfall. His power, fame, and prosperity fueled arrogance, leading him to commit an act of profound disobedience. Although his sin might appear less severe compared to the idolatry or immorality of other kings, Uzziah's act of usurping the priestly role to burn incense in the temple was a grave offense against God (II Chronicles 26:16).
A courageous group of eighty priests confronted Uzziah, standing against the king's transgression (II Chronicles 26:17-18). They reminded him that this act was not his prerogative and that he would not be honored by the Lord for it. Their bravery is remarkable, considering the king held the power of life and death.
Instead of heeding their warning and repenting, Uzziah became enraged. However, God intervened immediately, striking him with leprosy (II Chronicles 26:19). This skin disease forced him to live in isolation for the remainder of his life (II Chronicles 26:21), a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience. Uzziah's story serves as a powerful lesson: unchecked pride can lead to ruin, regardless of past achievements or blessings. His isolation underscores the devastating impact of sin, separating us from God and community. Let Uzziah's life be a constant encouragement to maintain humility before the Lord, recognizing that pride precedes a fall.