Topical Encyclopedia Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years during the 8th century BC. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 15:1-7 and 2 Chronicles 26. Uzziah's reign is marked by both remarkable achievements and a tragic downfall due to pride.Early Reign and Achievements Uzziah ascended to the throne at the age of sixteen following the death of his father, Amaziah. His reign is noted for its prosperity and military success. Under Uzziah's leadership, Judah experienced significant economic growth and territorial expansion. He fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and improved the nation's infrastructure. Uzziah's military campaigns were successful, and he subdued the Philistines, Arabs, and Meunites, extending Judah's influence and securing its borders. 2 Chronicles 26:5 highlights Uzziah's early devotion to God: "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." This verse underscores the principle that Uzziah's prosperity was directly linked to his faithfulness to God. Technological and Agricultural Advancements Uzziah was also known for his innovations in agriculture and military technology. He developed new methods of farming and constructed machines for war, as noted in 2 Chronicles 26:15: "In Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful." The Sin of Pride Despite his accomplishments, Uzziah's heart became proud, leading to his downfall. 2 Chronicles 26:16 states, "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." This act was a direct violation of the Law, which reserved the priestly duties for the descendants of Aaron. Uzziah's prideful intrusion into the temple was met with resistance from the priests, led by Azariah, who confronted him. Despite their warnings, Uzziah persisted, and as a result, God struck him with leprosy. 2 Chronicles 26:19-20 describes the moment: "Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. 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." Consequences and Legacy Uzziah's leprosy rendered him ceremonially unclean, and he lived in isolation until his death. His son Jotham took over the responsibilities of governance during Uzziah's remaining years. Uzziah's pride and subsequent punishment serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the importance of humility before God. Despite his tragic end, Uzziah is remembered for his contributions to Judah's prosperity and strength. His reign is a testament to the blessings that come from seeking God, as well as the perils of allowing pride to overshadow one's devotion to the Lord. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 26:16-19But 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 on the altar of incense. Nave's Topical Index Library The Instance of King Uzziah who was Overcome by the Taint of the ... The Call of Isaiah Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ... Entire Sanctification in Prophecy. Messianic Predictions in the Prophets. The Kingdom Op Judah. Chronicles The Works of John Cassian. The Twelve Minor Prophets. Amos and Obadiah. Resources What does the Bible say about hubris? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is pride a sin? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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