II Chronicles: Uzziah

The story of Uzziah is a great success story. He was prosperous in every area of life, and his success shines brightly, rising above what had been seen in Judah for many, many years.

The man was a military giant. He had a reasonably-sized army, smaller than that of many preceding kings. It was, however, "an elite army . . . who could wage war with great power" (II Chronicles 26:13). This army, led by "valiant warriors" (26:12), was well-equipped. The soldiers had "shields, spears, helmets, body armor, bows and sling stones" (26:14).

Uzziah's territory was well-protected. He "built towers in Jerusalem" at the gates "and at the corner buttress and fortified them" (26:9). He then "made engines of war invented by skillful men to be on the towers and on the corners for the purpose of shooting arrows and great stones" (26:15). In addition to these formidable machines of warfare in the city, "he built towers in the wilderness" for further protection (26:10).

The preparations of the army and the defenses yielded impressive results. Uzziah "built Eloth and restored it to Judah" (26:2) "He went out and warred against the Philistines" with great success (26:6). He broke down their walls in several cities and even built his own cities within their territory (26:6). He also enjoyed victory over the Arabians and the Meunites. The Ammonites paid tribute to him.

While his military strength was remarkable, the success of Uzziah's kingdom was not limited to that realm. Other resources prospered as well. Uzziah "hewed many cisterns" in the wilderness so that he could properly care for the abundance of his livestock. Additionally, he had agricultural success, with "plowmen and vinedressers" who cared for his "fertile fields" (26:10). His kingdom prospered domestically, and he was able to effectively utilize all sectors of his realm: cities, wilderness, lowland, plain, and hill country.

This military dominance and domestic prosperity did not go unnoticed by surrounding nations. Uzziah "became very strong" in the eyes of other kingdoms, and "his fame extended to the border of Egypt" (26:8). "His fame spread afar" and "he was strong" (26:15).

None of this success happened by accident. Uzziah "did right in the sight of the LORD" (26:4). He sought God, "and as long as he sought the LORD, God prospered him" (26:5). "God helped him" in battle (26:7). In fact, "he was marvelously helped" by God (26:15). God saw Uzziah's heart, and God responded, not in small measure, but with abundant blessing that permeated all of Uzziah's kingdom.

Sadly, Uzziah's success story took a nosedive. "As long as he sought the LORD, God prospered him" (26:5), but the time came when Uzziah stopped seeking. The turning point is linked to the influence of a man named Zechariah; as long as Zechariah lived, Uzziah sought God (26:5). The primary contributing factor to Uzziah's demise, however, was pride.

Uzziah's life was going exceptionally well; he had power, resources, and fame. Everything he did prospered. It seemed that he could not be stopped but just kept progressing toward more and more success. Somewhere in that process, Uzziah's fame went to his head. He forgot that God was the one blessing him. Uzziah began to think of himself as responsible instead, and he became self-important.

"When he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly" (26:16). "He was unfaithful to the LORD his God" (26:16). Uzziah's corruption and unfaithfulness presented themselves in a single rebellious act. He entered into the temple and offered incense. This was no small offense. When King Saul had performed a similar transgression, the kingdom was forever snatched away from his family. It was not Uzziah's place to offer incense, but in his pride, he took it upon himself.

Uzziah was caught in the act and was confronted by eighty-one valiant priests. The priest Azariah declared both the offense and the consequence: "It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD. . . . You have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the LORD God" (26:18). The days of blessing were over. Perhaps something of Uzziah's life could have been salvaged had he responded humbly. Instead, "he was enraged with the priests" (26:19).

God did not tolerate Uzziah's rebellious pride, but immediately smote him with leprosy. The priests quickly removed Uzziah from the temple, and his life was forever changed. He "was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the LORD" (26:21). As an unclean man, Uzziah's fame and success no longer meant much. He lived the rest of his life in isolation and shame, with his son taking over his duties. At the time of Uzziah's death, his leprosy even prevented him from being buried in the royal tomb.

The beginning and end of Uzziah's life show an extreme contrast, from incredible heights of success to dismal depths of isolation. He went from power and respect to weakness and shame - all because his heart became proud and he stopped seeking God. His people still enjoyed the prosperity and benefits achieved through Uzziah's good years, but Uzziah no longer prospered, nor was he able to fully enjoy the fruits of the previous blessing.

Uzziah became the third king in succession that started out well for God but ended in rebellion and alienation. The Bible does not indicate whether Uzziah was aware of this trend, nor whether he was determined to escape it. The truth is evident, however, that man's efforts and intentions are never sufficient. The ability to live a life of continued blessing is dependent upon a humble heart that continually seeks God's help. Regardless of the height of success, no one ever escapes the danger of falling. Uzziah thought he had gained great position, but in so thinking, he actually ended up losing his position. Success and blessing are all by God's grace.