Topical Bible: Anger: Uzziah Toward Azariah, the Priest, Because of his Reproof of

◄ Anger: Uzziah Toward Azariah, the Priest, Because of his Reproof of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Context and Background:

Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 8th century BC. His reign is noted for its military successes and infrastructural advancements, as well as his initial faithfulness to God. However, Uzziah's account takes a significant turn when he becomes prideful and oversteps his God-given authority, leading to a confrontation with Azariah the priest.

Biblical Account:

The account of Uzziah's anger toward Azariah the priest is found in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. Uzziah, in his pride, decided to enter the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved exclusively for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. This act was a direct violation of the Levitical law, which clearly delineated the roles and responsibilities within the temple service.

2 Chronicles 26:17-18 states: "Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, 'Uzziah, it is not for you to burn incense to the LORD, but only for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully! You will not receive honor from the LORD God.'"

Uzziah's Reaction:

Uzziah's response to Azariah's reproof was one of anger. Instead of humbling himself and repenting for his transgression, Uzziah became enraged. This reaction is indicative of his hardened heart and unwillingness to submit to God's established order. His anger was not just against Azariah but ultimately against God's authority and commandments.

2 Chronicles 26:19 describes the moment: "Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. But while he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the house of the LORD, leprosy broke out on his forehead."

Divine Judgment:

The immediate consequence of Uzziah's anger and disobedience was the affliction of leprosy, a severe and isolating disease. This judgment from God served as a stark reminder of the seriousness of Uzziah's sin and the importance of adhering to God's commands. The leprosy marked Uzziah for the rest of his life, and he lived in isolation until his death, cut off from the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 26:21 records: "So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in a separate house, leprous and excluded from the house of the LORD. Jotham his son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land."

Theological Implications:

Uzziah's anger toward Azariah highlights the dangers of pride and the refusal to accept correction. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of stepping outside the boundaries set by God. The narrative underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and the recognition of God's sovereign authority over all aspects of life, including the roles and responsibilities within His worship.

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2 Chronicles 26:19
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.
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