S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

King Uzziah in the Bible was one of the good kings of Judah. His father was King Amaziah, and his mother was a woman named Jecoliah, from Jerusalem. Uzziah was the father of King Jotham. Ministerin...

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August 20 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Who was King Uzziah in the Bible?

King Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned for 52 years, beginning at age 16. He is known for his long, prosperous reign, marked by military success, rebuilding efforts, and agricultural development, all of which were mainly due to his devotion to God. However, his reign ended in disgrace when his pride led him to illegally enter the temple to burn incense, for which he was struck with leprosy. 

1: Uzziah's Early life and reign:

Uzziah became king of Judah after his father, Amaziah, was assassinated. 

During the first 24 years of his reign, he served as co-regent with his father. 

He was 16 when he became king and reigned for 52 years. 
His mother was Jecoliah. 

2: Success and prosperity:

As long as Uzziah sought the Lord, God gave him success. 

He had a spiritual mentor, Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. 

His kingdom prospered, and he expanded its territory. 

He built up Jerusalem's defences, including towers and war engines. 

He also engaged in agriculture, building cisterns in the desert and loving the soil. 

The Ammonites paid tribute to him. 

3: Uzziah's Downfall:

Uzziah's strength and fame led him to become proud, a key factor in his downfall. 

He became unfaithful to God by entering the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests. 

When the high priest Azariah and other priests confronted him, he became angry. 

God struck him with leprosy at that moment, and he was a leper for the rest of his life. 

Conclusion:

We can learn a lesson from Uzziah's bad decisions. 

King Uzziah was accustomed to having others follow his instructions. Did that make him think he could do anything he wanted? 

One day, Uzziah decided to enter God's temple and presumptuously tried to burn incense on the altar, which kings were not allowed to do. (2 Chron. 26:16-18) High Priest Azariah wanted to correct him, but Uzziah got very angry. 

Sadly, Uzziah ruined his record of faithful service and was punished with leprosy. (2 Chron. 26:19-21) 

How different his life would have turned out had he remained humble!

What is the lesson? We do well to remind ourselves that our blessings and privileges come from God. Rather than boast about our accomplishments, we should give God the credit for what we can do. (1 Cor. 4:7) 

We must humbly realise that we are imperfect and need discipline. 

The reality is that when we fear God and keep a humble view of ourselves, our lives will turn out well.​—Prov. 22:4.

Uzziah's life is presented as a cautionary tale that illustrates that pride leads to downfall and that all human authority must bow to God's law.

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