Topical Bible: Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Uzziah

◄ Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Uzziah ►

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Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease characterized by skin lesions and nerve damage, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a physical ailment with spiritual implications. In the biblical context, leprosy often symbolizes sin, impurity, and divine judgment. One of the most notable instances of leprosy being sent as a judgment is found in the account of King Uzziah of Judah.

Uzziah's Reign and Pride

Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was the tenth king of Judah and reigned for 52 years during the 8th century BC. His reign is noted for its prosperity and military success, as he fortified Jerusalem, expanded Judah's territory, and improved agricultural productivity. The Bible records that Uzziah "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done" (2 Chronicles 26:4). However, his success led to pride, which ultimately became his downfall.

The Sin of Uzziah

The pivotal moment of Uzziah's transgression is recorded in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. In his pride, Uzziah attempted to usurp the priestly role by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar, an act reserved exclusively for the descendants of Aaron. This violation of the sacred duties was a direct affront to the established order ordained by God.

Divine Judgment

As a result of his disobedience, Uzziah was struck with leprosy. The Bible narrates, "But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and 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). When confronted by the priests, Uzziah became angry, and "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).

Consequences of Uzziah's Leprosy

The leprosy marked Uzziah as ritually unclean, and he was forced to live in isolation for the remainder of his life. "King Uzziah had leprosy until the day of his death. He lived in a separate house, leprous and banned from the house of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 26:21). His son Jotham took over the governance of the kingdom in his stead.

Theological Implications

Uzziah's leprosy serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and disobedience to God's commandments. It underscores the importance of humility and reverence for the divine order. The incident illustrates how even a king, despite his accomplishments and favor, is not above God's law and can face severe repercussions for transgressions.

Legacy

Despite his downfall, Uzziah's reign is remembered for its achievements and contributions to the strength and prosperity of Judah. However, his account is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of adhering to God's established roles and responsibilities. The account of Uzziah's leprosy remains a significant example of divine judgment in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 26:20,21
And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked on him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from there; yes, himself hurried also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Call of Isaiah
... Leprosy appeared on his forehead ... The judgment that befell Uzziah seemed to have a
restraining influence on ... But a seraph was sent to relieve him of his distress ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... of the priests, was smitten with leprosy for his ... the imposition of the bishop's hands,
and sent out His ... them it is said, "Judge righteous judgment;" [2757] and ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

Treatise i. On the Unity of the Church.
... and the holy of the Lord, cannot be sent abroad, nor is ... thus even here, before the
day of judgment, the souls ... upon his forehead by the spot of leprosy: he was ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise i on the unity.htm

Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. )
... place in which Uzziah was smitten with leprosy when he ... had read, leaving to the reader's
own judgment whether it ... chief captain of the band, and was sent by him ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxv a d 404.htm

Of Preparation.
... the ark, and smote Uzziah with a leprosy for meddling ... eat the Lord's Supper, God
had sent that fearful ... unworthy receiver eats his own judgment,"temporal, if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the ... of Uzziah is recorded, and where the
leprosy by which ... But let judgment roll down as waters, and righteousness as a ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... such as feel the plague, and see the leprosy of sin ... on the sea to go to Capernaum,
having sent his disciples ... But as there he saith, "My judgment is with the LORD ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm