The Kings of Israel
The Kings of Israel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Nineteen
Uzziah
(2 Chron. 26)

Introduction: 
Uzziah means “strength of the Lord;” his other name, Azariah, means “helped of Jehovah.”  He was elevated to the throne at the age of sixteen, and under his sound leadership the nation took on new life and prosperity.  His longevity with a reign of fifty-two years seems to be God’s endorsement of his life.
 
I.  The influences of his life - vs.1-5

A. Amaziah, his father – vs. 4
It could be argued that Amaziah had his warts, which he certainly did, and that he was never wholehearted in his service to God (25:2).  This is a clear demonstration that doing right has its benefits regardless of the motive – especially regarding our children.

B. Jecoliah, his mother – vs. 3
Mothers are not usually mentioned in Scripture unless they were responsible for either a very good or a very bad influence upon their children.  It’s interesting to note that his grandmother (25:1) and great-grandmother (24:1) are mentioned, denoting a succession of good influences. “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” may be an overstatement, but it cannot be ignored.  Proverbs 31:10-31

C. Zechariah, his spiritual mentor -
We are not told whether Zechariah was a priest or a prophet, but he clearly had some positive spiritual influence on Uzziah. (vs.5)  (2 Tim. 2:1-4; 3:13-15)

II. His colonialist expansion – vs. 6-8 
We are reminded in vs. 5 that God was responsible for the prosperity of Uzziah which included expanding his kingdom.  This, of course, is something modern day liberals loudly denounce.  However, history demonstrates that when a godly country expands itself, the people in the new territory always benefit.

 
III. His military enterprises – vs.11-15
Not only did Uzziah assemble a well-trained army, but he was on the leading edge of new technology with military devices. (vs. 15)  He recognized what some cannot understand, and that is there will always be enemies. (vs. 13)

 
IV. His love of agriculture – vs.10
Uzziah directed the building of water systems for livestock and the establishment of crop growing efforts.  This reminds that we are God’s husbandry (I Cor. 3:9), and anyone willing to labor in the vineyard will be rewarded. (II Tim. 2:6)  God does not let us forget that the source of Uzziah’s blessings was God Himself. (vs. 15)

 
V.  His pride – vs.16-20
Because of Uzziah’s great achievements, he assumed a position that was not his. He wanted to be the mediator.  Pride is exactly the sin that motivates men to assume the same position today.  They want to believe that their achievements warrant them the position that is occupied solely by Jesus Christ. (I Tim. 2:5) Uzziah’s actions flew in the face of Eph. 2:8,9 and a thousand other Scriptures.
For further information about the insidious results of pride, see Prov. 8:13; 11:2; 16:18; 29:23.

 
VI.  His leprosy – vs.20-23
Leprosy is always a picture of sin in the Bible (Lev.13,14); consequently, the leper was commanded to go to the priest, not the physician, for a remedy which was found in the application of the blood. There is no record of Uzziah doing that.  Could it be that his pride kept him from it?

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