2 Chronicles 26

CHAPTER 26

Uzziah King of Judah (26:1–23)

(2 Kings 14:21–22)

1–2 See 2 Kings 14:21–22 and comment.

3–5 Uzziah¹³ started out well, as his father Amaziah and his grandfather Joash had done before him. But, like them, Uzziah did not end well. In his early years, he was instructed in the fear of God—in keeping God’s law and commandments—and as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success (verse 5).

6–15 In these verses (and also in verse 2), the writer describes the successes of Uzziah. He was indeed a powerful king and he did much good in Judah.

16–20 However, as is the case with many successful people, Uzziah’s very success caused him to become proud, which then led to his downfall.¹⁴ He took upon himself the priestly prerogative of burning incense in the Holy Place—something only priests were allowed to do (Exodus 30:1–10). When the priests saw Uzziah doing this, they rebuked him and told him to leave the temple (verse 18).

If Uzziah had repented of his rash act, he no doubt would have been forgiven. But instead, he became angry (verse 19). And the Lord struck him with leprosy,¹⁵ thereby rendering him ceremonially unclean and therefore unfit to enter the temple and even to rule (verse 21).

21–23 See 2 Kings 15:1–7 and comment.