2 Chronicles Profiles

UZZIAH

2 Kings 15:1-7

We are never closer to failure than during our greatest successes. If we fail to recognize God’s part in our achievements, they are no better than failures. Uzziah was a remarkably successful king. His achievements brought him fame. He was successful in war and peace, in planning and execution, in building and planting.

Uzziah overestimated his own importance in bringing about the great achievements he experienced. He did so many things well that a consuming pride gradually invaded his life like the leprous disease that finally destroyed his body. In trying to act like a priest, he took on a role that God did not mean for him to have. He had forgotten not only how much God had given him but also that God had certain roles for others that he needed to respect.

Uzziah’s pride was rooted in his lack of thankfulness. We have no accounts of this king’s ever showing appreciation to God for the marvelous gifts he received. Our accomplishments may not compare with Uzziah’s, but we still owe a debt of thanksgiving to God for our very lives. If God is not getting the credit for your successes, shouldn’t you start looking at your life differently?

Strengths and accomplishments	Pleased God during his early years as king Successful warrior and city builder Skillful in organizing and delegating Reigned for 52 years
Weaknesses and mistakes	Developed a prideful attitude due to his great success Tried to perform the priests’ duties, in direct disobedience to God Failed to remove many of the symbols of idolatry in the land
Lessons from his life	Lack of thankfulness to God can lead to pride Even successful people must acknowledge the role God has for others in their lives
Vital statistics	Where: Jerusalem Occupation: King of Judah Relatives: Father: Amaziah. Mother: Jecoliah. Son: Jotham. Contemporaries: Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, Jeroboam, Zechariah, Azariah
Key verses	“And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense” (2 Chronicles 26:15, 16).

Uzziah’s story is told in 2 Kings 15:1–7 (where he is also called Azariah) and in 2 Chronicles 26:1–23. He is also mentioned in Isaiah 1:1; 6:1; 7:1; Hosea 1:1; Amos 1:1; Zechariah 14:5.