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- Leaders form or mentor other leaders, and sometimes when their influence is withdrawn, the depth of conviction in the younger leader is revealed.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