Topical Bible: Obedience: Uzziah

◄ Obedience: Uzziah ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years during the 8th century BC. His reign is documented in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Uzziah's account is a complex narrative of obedience and disobedience, illustrating the blessings of following God's commandments and the consequences of pride and disobedience.

Early Reign and Obedience

Uzziah became king at the age of sixteen after the death of his father, Amaziah. His early reign was marked by a period of prosperity and military success, attributed to his obedience to God. The Bible records, "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done" (2 Kings 15:3). Uzziah 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).

Under Uzziah's leadership, Judah experienced significant military victories and territorial expansion. He fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and equipped his army with advanced weaponry. His fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped until he became strong (2 Chronicles 26:15). This period of his reign exemplifies the blessings that come with obedience to God's commandments.

Pride and Disobedience

Despite his initial obedience, Uzziah's heart became proud, leading to his downfall. The Bible recounts a pivotal moment of disobedience when Uzziah entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved exclusively for the priests, the descendants of Aaron (2 Chronicles 26:16-18). This act of presumption was a direct violation of God's law, demonstrating a shift from obedience to prideful disobedience.

Azariah the priest, along with eighty other courageous priests, confronted Uzziah, warning him that he had trespassed and that he would not be honored by the LORD God. Despite their warnings, Uzziah persisted in his actions, and as a result, leprosy broke out on his forehead. The LORD struck him with this disease, and he lived in isolation until his death (2 Chronicles 26:19-21).

Lessons from Uzziah's Life

Uzziah's life serves as a powerful lesson on the importance of obedience to God. His early reign demonstrates how seeking the LORD and adhering to His commandments can lead to success and prosperity. However, his later years illustrate the dangers of pride and the severe consequences of disobedience. Uzziah's account is a reminder that no matter one's position or past successes, humility and continued obedience to God are essential for maintaining His favor and blessing.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 26:4,5
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Obedience
... made us accepted in the beloved.' Ephesians 1:6. Not our obedience, but Christ's ...
As, when king Uzziah would offer incense without a priest, God was angry with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm

Vision and SerVice
... I. The Vision."'In the year that King Uzziah died' is more than a date for
chronological accuracy. ... That relation guaranteed defence and demanded obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/vision and service.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... No doubt Rehoboam's obedience saved him from sharing the fate of the other kings
whom ... by rebels in the flower of his age, leaving his son Uzziah, also called ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Dying Men and the Undying Word
... had glided away into the vast unknown, the word remained, lived still, and on his
lips demanded the same obedience as it ... 'In the year that King Uzziah died I ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/dying men and the undying.htm

The Law, and the Prophecy.
... God in his justice requires absolute obedience and purity of heart under promise
of life and ... of God"), who appeared in the last years of king Uzziah, about ten ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 10 the law and.htm

Jotham
... memorable event in his reign is that 'in the year when King Uzziah,' his father ... him,
and make that thought a motive for holiness and loving obedience and effort ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jotham.htm

The Works of John Cassian.
... Of the obedience of a brother who at the Abbot's bidding carried about in public ...
The instance of King Uzziah who was overcome by the taint of the same malady. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cassian/the works of john cassian /

Amos and Obadiah.
... In obedience to this call he went to Bethel, where the sanctuary was, and delivered ...
It was during the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah and of Jereboam II, king ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xix amos and obadiah.htm

The Prophet Hosea.
... of the tribe of Judah as truly his sovereigns, although he yielded civil obedience
to the ... Uzziah, the first in the series of the kings of Judah mentioned by him ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... even as he stood with the censer in his hand, and 'Uzziah the king was a ... do bow in
real though it be sometimes unconscious and sometimes reluctant obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm