2 Chronicles 26

King Uzziah( 2 Chronicles 26) was one of the most successful and influential kings of Judah, who reigned for 52 years from 783 to 740 BC. He is also known as Azariah in the books of Kings and Chronicles. He was a descendant of King David and a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Hosea, Amos, and Micah. In this blog post, we will explore his achievements, his failures, and his legacy.

Political and military contribution

One of the main sources of information about King Uzziah is the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 26. There we read that he became king at the age of 16, after his father Amaziah was killed by conspirators. He followed the example of his father in doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and he sought God’s guidance through the prophet Zechariah. He was successful in war, defeating the Philistines, the Arabians and the Ammonites. He also fortified Jerusalem with towers and walls, and built wells, vineyards, and towers in the countryside. He had a large and well-equipped army, and he made machines for war.

Contribution to the agriculture sector

King Uzziah was also interested in agriculture and livestock. He loved the soil and had many farmers and vinedressers under his supervision. He had flocks of sheep and cattle, and he built towers in the desert for his herds. He was very wealthy and powerful, and his fame spread far and wide.

Uzziah’s fall

However, King Uzziah also had a tragic flaw: he became proud and arrogant because of his success. He forgot that all his achievements were from God’s blessing and grace, and he tried to usurp the role of the priests. He entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar, which was forbidden for anyone but the priests. The high priest Azariah and 80 other priests confronted him and warned him to leave, but he refused and became angry. Then, the Lord struck him with leprosy on his forehead, and he was forced to leave the temple. He remained a leper until his death, and he lived in a separate house, while his son Jotham ruled as co-regent.

King Uzziah’s story is a lesson for us today. It shows us that God is the source of all our success and prosperity, and that we should always give him thanks and glory. It also warns us against pride and presumption, which can lead to disaster and judgment. King Uzziah had a great potential to be a godly leader, but he wasted it by his sin. Let us learn from his example and seek to honor God in all that we do.