OT Characters: Uzziah

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Hebrew words:

• ‘Uzziyyahu (contraction of Azariah, ‘Azaryah) = “Yah(weh) is my strength.”
• The king is mentioned several dozen times in the Bible.

Further study:

• Our chapter: 2 Chronicles 26.
  • Exodus 28:36-39
  • Leviticus 22:4; Numbers 5:2
  • We also read Deuteronomy 17:18-20.
• A parallel chapter: 1 Kings 15
• Deuteronomy 8. In a microcosm, Uzziah’s life is the experience of Israel: Blessed by God, prosperous, ungrateful, and ultimately suffering enormous loss.
• Compare the lives of two other lepers: Miriam (Numbers 12) and Naaman (2 Kings 5).

Some things we learn about God:

• God and God alone is sovereign. No one is above the rules.
• Leaders form or mentor other leaders, and sometimes when their influence is withdrawn, the depth of conviction in the younger leader is revealed.
• God will work to challenge leaders who need to be reined in through those courageous enough to speak out.

For kids: Click to view the lesson from The One Year Bible for Children.

Key verses:

• 2 Chronicles 26:1 – Uzziah becomes king at age 16.
• 2 Chronicles 26:5,15 – God causes him to prosper, and become powerful.
• 2 Chronicles 26:16 – Pride and arrogance undo him.
• 2 Chronicles 26:19 – Rejecting critique, he suffers the penalty of a lifelong social stigma.

Next lesson: Manasseh