Uzziah Reigns in Judah 1All the people of Judah took Uzziah,a who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 2Uzziah was the one who rebuilt Elothb and restored it to Judah after King Amaziahc rested with his fathers. 3Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 4And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the feard of God. And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success. 6Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines. 7God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs living in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites. 8The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he had become exceedingly powerful. 9Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them. 10Since he had much livestock in the foothillse and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields. 11Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. 12The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. 13Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. 14Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones. 15And in Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shootf arrows and catapult large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped tremendously until he became powerful. 16But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. 18They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” 19Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosyg broke out on his forehead. 20When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. 21So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace and governed the people of the land. 22As for the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from beginning to end, they are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 23And Uzziah rested with his fathers and was buried near themh in a field of burial that belonged to the kings, for the people said, “He was a leper.” And his son Jotham reigned in his place. Footnotes: 1 a Uzziah is also called Azariah; throughout this chapter; see 2 Kings 14:21. 2 b Eloth is a variant of Elath; see LXX, 2 Kings 14:22, and 2 Kings 16:6. 2 c Literally after the king 5 d Many Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, and Syriac; other Hebrew manuscripts through the vision 10 e Hebrew Shephelah or lowlands; that is, the western foothills of Judea 15 f Or to protect those who shoot 19 g Leprosy was a term used for various skin diseases; see Leviticus 13. 23 h Literally with his fathers Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Chronicles 26 Summary Uzziah Reigns in JudahVerses 1–5 – Uzziah Becomes King and Seeks the LORD Verses 6–8 – Conquest and Rising Fame Verses 9–10 – Building Projects and Prosperity Verses 11–15 – A Well-Trained, Well-Equipped Army Verses 16–18 – Pride and Presumption Verses 19–21 – Judgment: Leprosy and Isolation Verses 22–23 – The Final Record 2 Chronicles 26 takes us through the narrative of Uzziah's reign in Jerusalem. Uzziah, who began his reign at a young age, initially displayed immense wisdom and was guided by God, leading to prosperity and strength in his kingdom. However, as his rule continued, his heart was corrupted by pride, leading to his downfall. This chapter provides a powerful testament to the dangers of pride and arrogance, even in the face of divine blessing and favor. Historical Setting and Chronology • Uzziah (also called Azariah in 2 Kings 14:21–15:7) co-reigns with his father around 792 BC, rules on his own 767–740 BC, and possibly shares a throne with Jotham until 732 BC. • Judah enjoys unusual stability; in the north, Jeroboam II gives Israel parallel prosperity. Assyria is momentarily quiet, allowing both kingdoms breathing room. • Isaiah receives his pivotal call “in the year that King Uzziah died” (Isaiah 6:1), linking the prophet’s vision of God’s holiness to the sobering memory of a leprous monarch who violated it. Political Climate around Judah • Philistine cities regain prominence after centuries of ebbing power; Uzziah’s campaigns suppress them for a time. • Control of Elath (Ezion-geber) on the Gulf of Aqaba restores a southern trade route first opened by Solomon (1 Kings 9:26-28). • Tribute from Ammon indicates eastern border influence, echoing David’s earlier successes (2 Samuel 8:12). Military Innovation and Fortifications • Archaeologists have uncovered ninth- to eighth-century BC towers and walls in Jerusalem’s south-western hill that align with the text’s Corner and Valley Gates. • Uzziah’s “machines” (v. 15) are early catapults or torsion-powered arrow launchers; Greek writers later describe similar engines two centuries afterward. Judah appears ahead of its time. • Defensive towers in the wilderness match fortified outposts along the Judaean Desert ridge, guarding herders and water sources. Agriculture and Water Management • Cisterns carved into limestone collect rain for flocks. Excavations near the Negev town of Kadesh-Barnea reveal eighth-century BC storage pools strikingly like those described. • The king’s love of farming (v. 10) ties to Deuteronomy’s promise that obedience brings “grain, wine, and oil” (Deuteronomy 7:13). • Terraced hillsides, rock-cut wine presses, and olive crushers from the period show Judah’s agrarian boom. Spiritual Lessons: Seeking vs. Straying 1. Dependence: “As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success” (v. 5). Compare 2 Chronicles 15:2: “The LORD is with you when you are with Him.” 2. Pride: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace” (Proverbs 11:2). Uzziah forgot the source of his strength (cf. Deuteronomy 8:17-18). 3. Boundaries: God assigns roles—kings rule, priests minister (Numbers 18:7). Crossing lines invites judgment. 4. Grace and Warning: James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Leprosy in Scripture and Society • Biblical “leprosy” (Hebrew tsaraʿath) covers a range of skin diseases. The Law isolates the afflicted (Leviticus 13–14). • Uzziah’s instant outbreak dramatizes divine intervention; priests act as public-health officers. • His separate house parallels Miriam’s seven-day confinement (Numbers 12:10-15) and Gehazi’s lifelong sentence (2 Kings 5:27). Priestly Authority and Kingly Limits • Incense at the golden altar belongs to Aaron’s line alone (Exodus 30:7-8). • Saul earlier lost his dynasty for an unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14); Uzziah loses public presence. • The Messiah will unite kingly and priestly roles lawfully (Psalm 110:4; Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 7:1-3). Archaeological Notes: Echoes of Uzziah • A stone inscription, now in the Israel Museum, reads: “Here were brought the bones of Uzziah, king of Judah—do not open.” The script is later (first century AD) but preserves early memory of a leprous king buried outside royal tombs. • “LMLK” jar handles stamped with “belonging to the king” cluster in Judean sites from the late eighth century; some scholars attribute at least the earliest batch to Uzziah’s economic reforms. • Red Sea port ruins at Ezion-geber feature eighth-century storage rooms that fit renewed trade during his reign. Scripture Echoes and New Testament Parallels • Isaiah’s vision in chapter 6 contrasts heavenly holiness with Uzziah’s temple trespass. • Hebrews 4:14–16 highlights Jesus, the sinless High Priest, who enters the heavenly sanctuary rightly—opposite of the king’s forbidden approach. • 1 Peter 2:9 reminds believers they are “a royal priesthood,” yet only through Christ’s mediation, not personal presumption. Timeless Principles • Success is a gift to steward, not a pedestal for ego. • God still blesses diligence in work and innovation, yet He demands faithfulness above all. • Healthy boundaries—civil, ecclesiastical, personal—protect community and honor the LORD. • Holiness cannot be sidestepped; reverence matters as much in boardrooms and kitchens as in sanctuaries. The life of Uzziah shines with enterprise and collapses under pride. His account urges every generation: seek God wholeheartedly, remember Who gives strength, and finish well. Connections to Additional Scriptures Proverbs 16:18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Teaching Points Uzziah's Rise to PowerUzziah became king at the age of sixteen and reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done (2 Chronicles 26:4). Divine Favor and Success Uzziah sought God during the days of Zechariah, and as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success (2 Chronicles 26:5). Military and Agricultural Achievements Uzziah's reign was marked by military strength and agricultural prosperity. He built towers, dug cisterns, and had a well-trained army (2 Chronicles 26:9-15). The Downfall of Pride Uzziah's success led to pride, which became his downfall. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God (2 Chronicles 26:16). The Consequence of Disobedience Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense, a duty reserved for priests. As a result, he was struck with leprosy and lived in isolation until his death (2 Chronicles 26:19-21). Practical Applications Seek God in All CircumstancesLike Uzziah, we should seek God earnestly, especially in times of success, to ensure our hearts remain humble. Guard Against Pride Recognize that pride can lead to spiritual downfall. Regularly examine your heart and motives to stay aligned with God's will. Respect God's Boundaries Understand and respect the roles and boundaries God has established, both in spiritual and practical aspects of life. Learn from Others' Mistakes Reflect on the lives of biblical figures like Uzziah to avoid similar pitfalls in your own life. People 1. Uzziah (Azariah)Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was the king of Judah who began his reign at the age of sixteen and reigned for fifty-two years. He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father Amaziah had done. His name in Hebrew, עֻזִּיָּהוּ (Uzziah), means "My strength is Yahweh." 2. Amaziah Amaziah was the father of Uzziah and the previous king of Judah. He is mentioned as having done what was right in the eyes of the LORD, though not wholeheartedly. 3. Zechariah Zechariah was a godly man who instructed Uzziah in the fear of God. His influence is noted as a positive factor in Uzziah's early reign. The Hebrew name זְכַרְיָה (Zechariah) means "Yahweh remembers." 4. Jotham Jotham was the son of Uzziah, who took over the king's duties when Uzziah was struck with leprosy. He later became king after Uzziah's death. 5. Isaiah Isaiah the prophet is mentioned in relation to the acts of Uzziah, as his writings recorded the rest of Uzziah's deeds. Isaiah's Hebrew name, יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yeshayahu), means "Yahweh is salvation." Places 1. JerusalemJerusalem is the capital city of Judah where King Uzziah reigned. It is a central location in the narrative, as Uzziah fortified the city and built towers. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim). 2. Eloth Eloth is a port city on the Red Sea that Uzziah rebuilt and restored to Judah. It was an important location for trade and military strategy. The Hebrew root is "אֵילוֹת" (Eloth). 3. Philistines' Territory Uzziah fought against the Philistines and broke down the walls of several of their cities, including Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. These actions expanded Judah's influence and secured its borders. The Philistines were a significant neighboring group often in conflict with Israel and Judah. 4. Gath Gath is one of the five major Philistine cities. Uzziah's campaign against Gath is part of his efforts to subdue the Philistines. The Hebrew root is "גַּת" (Gath). 5. Jabneh Jabneh, also known as Jabneel, is another Philistine city that Uzziah attacked. It is located near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The Hebrew root is "יַבְנֶה" (Yabneh). 6. Ashdod Ashdod is a significant Philistine city that Uzziah targeted. He built cities in the area around Ashdod to strengthen Judah's control. The Hebrew root is "אַשְׁדּוֹד" (Ashdod). 7. Arabians in Gur-baal Uzziah also fought against the Arabians living in Gur-baal, a region that is less precisely located but indicates his military campaigns extended beyond traditional Philistine territories. The Hebrew root for Gur-baal is "גּוּר בַּעַל" (Gur Baal). 8. Meunites The Meunites were another group that Uzziah subdued. They are associated with the region of Edom or the southern part of Judah. The Hebrew root is "מְעוּנִים" (Meunim). Events 1. Uzziah Becomes KingUzziah, also known as Azariah, becomes king of Judah at the age of sixteen after the death of his father, Amaziah. "Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah." (2 Chronicles 26:1) 2. Uzziah's Reign and Righteousness Uzziah reigns for fifty-two years in Jerusalem and does what is right in the eyes of the LORD, following the example of his father. "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done." (2 Chronicles 26:4) 3. Seeking God and Prosperity Uzziah seeks God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success. "He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success." (2 Chronicles 26:5) 4. Military Success and Fortifications Uzziah wages successful campaigns against the Philistines, Arabs, and Meunites, and strengthens the defenses of Jerusalem by building towers. "He went to war against the Philistines and broke down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines." (2 Chronicles 26:6) 5. Agricultural and Economic Development Uzziah develops agriculture and infrastructure, digging many wells and having much livestock, as he loved the soil. "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." (2 Chronicles 26:10) 6. Military Innovations Uzziah equips his army with shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows, and sling stones, and invents machines to shoot arrows and large stones. "In Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the towers and corners." (2 Chronicles 26:15) 7. Uzziah's Pride and Downfall Uzziah's pride leads to his downfall as he unlawfully enters the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for the priests. "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." (2 Chronicles 26:16) 8. Confrontation by the Priests Azariah the priest and eighty other courageous priests confront Uzziah, warning him that he has trespassed against the LORD. "They confronted King Uzziah and said, 'It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense.'" (2 Chronicles 26:18) 9. Uzziah's Leprosy As Uzziah becomes angry with the priests, leprosy breaks out on his forehead, and he is hurried out of the temple. "While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the LORD’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead." (2 Chronicles 26:19) 10. Uzziah's Isolation and Death Uzziah lives in a separate house, excluded from the temple, until his death, and his son Jotham takes over the king's duties. "King Uzziah had leprosy until the day he died. He lived in a separate house, leprous and excluded from the house of the LORD." (2 Chronicles 26:21) Topics 1. Uzziah's Ascension to the ThroneUzziah becomes king of Judah at the age of sixteen after the death of his father, Amaziah. His reign is marked by seeking God and receiving guidance from Zechariah. ^"All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah."^ (2 Chronicles 26:1) 2. Uzziah's Righteousness and Success Uzziah does what is right in the eyes of the Lord, and as long as he seeks God, he prospers. The Hebrew root for "seek" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent pursuit of God's will. ^"He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done."^ (2 Chronicles 26:4) 3. Military Achievements and Fortifications Uzziah strengthens Judah's military capabilities, builds towers, and equips his army with advanced weaponry. His innovations and fortifications demonstrate his strategic acumen. ^"Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them."^ (2 Chronicles 26:9) 4. Agricultural Development Uzziah promotes agriculture, digging many wells and having much livestock. His love for the soil reflects a commitment to the prosperity of his kingdom. ^"He loved the soil and had farmers and vinedressers in the foothills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil."^ (2 Chronicles 26:10) 5. Uzziah's Pride and Downfall Uzziah's success leads to pride, resulting in his downfall. He unlawfully enters the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests, showing a disregard for God's commandments. ^"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."^ (2 Chronicles 26:16) 6. Judgment and Leprosy As a consequence of his pride, Uzziah is struck with leprosy, a severe punishment that isolates him from the community and the temple. The Hebrew term for leprosy (צָרַעַת, tsara'at) indicates a serious skin disease. ^"The LORD struck him with leprosy on his forehead, and he lived in a separate house, leprous and excluded from the house of the LORD."^ (2 Chronicles 26:20-21) 7. Uzziah's Death and Legacy Uzziah's reign ends with his death, and he is buried in a field for kings, though not in the royal tombs due to his leprosy. His legacy is a mixture of early faithfulness and later pride. ^"Uzziah rested with his fathers and was buried near them in a field for burial that belonged to the kings, for the people said, 'He had leprosy.'"^ (2 Chronicles 26:23) Themes 1. Divine Favor and ProsperityUzziah's reign is marked by divine favor and prosperity as he seeks God. "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success" (2 Chronicles 26:4-5). The Hebrew root for "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent pursuit, indicating Uzziah's earnest devotion. 2. Military Strength and Innovation Uzziah's reign is characterized by military strength and innovation. "Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, at the Valley Gate, and at the angle of the wall, and he fortified them" (2 Chronicles 26:9). The Hebrew word for "fortified" (חָזַק, chazaq) suggests strengthening or making strong, reflecting Uzziah's focus on defense and military prowess. 3. Pride and Downfall Uzziah's pride leads to his downfall. "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense" (2 Chronicles 26:16). The Hebrew term for "pride" (גָּבַהּ, gabah) conveys a sense of arrogance or being lifted up, highlighting the spiritual danger of self-exaltation. 4. Judgment and Consequences Uzziah faces divine judgment for his unfaithfulness. "The LORD struck him with leprosy, and he lived in a separate house—leprous and excluded from the house of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 26:21). The Hebrew root for "struck" (נָגַע, naga) indicates a physical affliction, underscoring the seriousness of Uzziah's transgression and the direct consequences of disobedience. 5. Legacy and Remembrance Despite his downfall, Uzziah's legacy includes his achievements and the impact of his reign. "The rest of the events of Uzziah’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz" (2 Chronicles 26:22). The Hebrew word for "recorded" (כָּתַב, kathab) implies a written account, ensuring that both his successes and failures are remembered for future generations. Answering Tough Questions 1. How do we reconcile 2 Chronicles 26:15’s claim of advanced war machines with the known technologies and archaeological evidence of the era? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Uzziah's life demonstrate the proverb: "Pride comes before a fall"? 2. How did Uzziah misuse his power? How can we guard against similar mistakes in our own lives? 3. What lessons can we learn from Zechariah's role in guiding Uzziah during his early reign? 4. How can we apply the understanding of God's judgment in Uzziah's case to our contemporary society? 5. How does this chapter reflect on the theme of divine punishment in response to human arrogance? 6. How does Uzziah's reign relate to the concept of spiritual leadership? 7. What does this chapter teach us about the division of roles in religious and secular leadership? 8. Discuss how power can corrupt, as evidenced by Uzziah's actions? 9. How do Uzziah’s actions reveal about the relationship between power and responsibility? 10. How can leaders today avoid Uzziah's downfall? How can they stay humble in the face of success? 11. What would you have done differently if you were Uzziah? 12. Can you identify situations in your life or in the world today where someone might be tempted to overstep their bounds, like Uzziah did? 13. How does Uzziah's story influence your understanding of the fear of God? 14. Discuss the role of the priests in this chapter. How does it reflect on the responsibilities of spiritual leaders? 15. What does Uzziah's isolation due to his leprosy symbolize in terms of spiritual conditions? 16. How does Uzziah's death underscore the consequences of his transgressions? 17. Why do you think it was so important that Uzziah not be buried in the tombs of the kings? 18. In what ways does Uzziah’s story relate to contemporary issues of power, pride, and punishment? 19. How can this chapter inspire us to remain humble and respectful towards God's laws? 20. How might you apply the lessons learned from Uzziah’s reign in your own life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |