2 Chronicles 26
BSB1 All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 2 Uzziah was the one who rebuilt Eloth and restored it to Judah after King Amaziah rested with his fathers. 3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 4 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God throughout the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success. 6 Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines. 7 God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs living in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites. 8 The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he had become exceedingly powerful. 9 Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them. 10 Since he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields. 11 Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. 12 The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. 13 Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies. 14 Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones. 15 And in Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and catapult large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped tremendously so that he became powerful. 16 But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. 18 They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God." 19 Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. 20 When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. 21 So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace to govern the people of the land. 22 As for the rest of the acts of Uzziah, from beginning to end, they are recorded by the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 23 And Uzziah rested with his fathers and was buried near them in a field of burial that belonged to the kings; for the people said, “He was a leper.” And his son Jotham reigned in his place.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 26
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 26
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 26
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 26
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the accession of Uzziah to the throne of Judah at the age of 16, following the death of his father Amaziah. Uzziah sought God and was blessed with prosperity and military victories, as seen in 2 Chronicles 26:6-8. However, as he grew in power, Uzziah became proud and attempted to burn incense in the temple, a task reserved for the priests. This act of pride and disobedience led to his punishment, as he was afflicted with leprosy until his death, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 26:16-23. The chapter concludes with the accession of Uzziah's son Jotham to the throne. Throughout the chapter, the importance of faithfulness, humility, and obedience to God's commands is emphasized, as seen in the contrast between Uzziah's faithfulness and pride.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the kings of Judah, which is recorded in 1 and 2 Chronicles. The chapter provides a contrast to the faithfulness of earlier kings, such as Jehoshaphat, and serves as a warning to later kings, such as Ahaz. The chapter also highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and idolatry in Judah, which is a major theme throughout the Old Testament. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it points to Christ as the ultimate King of Judah, who will rule with humility and faithfulness.
Heart Application
This chapter challenges us to remain humble and faithful, even in the face of success and power. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the role of proper priestly mediation. As we reflect on Uzziah's story, we are reminded of the dangers of pride and the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in all areas of life. We are also encouraged to trust in Christ, who is the ultimate King of Judah and the perfect example of humility and faithfulness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of Uzziah, a king of Judah who started out well but became proud and was punished by God. We learn that pride is a danger and that we should always stay humble and faithful to God. In 2 Chronicles 26:16-23, Uzziah's punishment for attempting to burn incense in the temple serves as a reminder of the importance of proper worship and the role of the priest, which is fulfilled in Christ. The chapter also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the role of proper priestly mediation.
Voices from the Church
“Pride is the devil's whip, with which he drives men to hell.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The pride of man is a disease, which can only be cured by the humility of Christ.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Uzziah's Accession and Faithfulness (26:1-5) — Uzziah becomes king at 16 and seeks God, leading to prosperity and military victories
- Uzziah's Pride and Punishment (26:16-23) — Uzziah becomes proud and attempts to burn incense in the temple, leading to his punishment and affliction with leprosy
- Uzziah's Reign and Legacy (26:6-15) — Uzziah's military victories and building projects are highlighted, but his pride and disobedience ultimately lead to his downfall
- Jotham's Accession (26:23) — Uzziah's son Jotham becomes king, marking a new beginning for Judah
- Conclusion and Reflection (26:1-23) — The chapter concludes with a reflection on the importance of humility and faithfulness in leadership, as seen in Uzziah's story
Core Doctrines
- The Dangers of Pride
- This chapter teaches that pride is a destructive force that can lead to downfall and punishment, as seen in Uzziah's story
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining humble and faithful, even in the face of success and power
- The Role of Priestly Mediation
- The chapter highlights the importance of proper priestly mediation, as Uzziah's attempt to burn incense in the temple is met with punishment
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over human affairs, as seen in Uzziah's punishment and the accession of Jotham
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 26
- The Dangers of Unchecked Pride — Uzziah's story serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked pride and the importance of humility in leadership
- The Importance of Proper Priestly Mediation — The chapter highlights the importance of proper priestly mediation and the role of the priest in worship and sacrifice
- The Sovereignty of God in Human Affairs — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over human affairs, as seen in Uzziah's punishment and the accession of Jotham
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Uzziah's initial faithfulness and later disobedience
- The Ultimate King of Judah — The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate King of Judah, who will rule with humility and faithfulness
Themes from 2 Chronicles 26
- Faithfulness and Pride — The chapter explores the contrast between faithfulness and pride, highlighting the importance of humility and obedience
- The Role of Priestly Mediation — The chapter highlights the importance of proper priestly mediation and the role of the priest in worship and sacrifice
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over human affairs, as seen in Uzziah's punishment and the accession of Jotham
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining humble and faithful, even in the face of success and power
- The Ultimate King of Judah — The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate King of Judah, who will rule with humility and faithfulness
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that pride can manifest in our lives, and how can we guard against it?
- How does Uzziah's story illustrate the importance of humility and faithfulness in leadership?
- What role does priestly mediation play in this chapter, and what lessons can we learn from it?
- How does this chapter point to Christ as the ultimate King of Judah, and what implications does this have for our lives?
- What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and leadership roles?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Uzziah's Accession and Faithfulness (26:1-5)
| 26:1 | Uzziah becomes king at 16 and seeks God, leading to prosperity and military victories |
| 26:2 | Uzziah's faithfulness is highlighted, as he seeks God and is blessed with prosperity |
2. Uzziah's Military Victories and Building Projects (26:6-15)
| 26:6 | Uzziah's military victories are highlighted, as he defeats the Philistines and other enemies |
| 26:9 | Uzziah's building projects are mentioned, as he builds towers and fortifies cities |
3. Uzziah's Pride and Punishment (26:16-23)
| 26:16 | Uzziah becomes proud and attempts to burn incense in the temple, leading to his punishment |
| 26:19 | Uzziah is afflicted with leprosy, serving as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience |
4. Jotham's Accession (26:23)
| 26:23 | Uzziah's son Jotham becomes king, marking a new beginning for Judah |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Uzziah's greatest mistake?
Uzziah's greatest mistake was his attempt to burn incense in the temple, which was a task reserved for the priests, as seen in 2 Chronicles 26:16-18
What was the result of Uzziah's pride?
The result of Uzziah's pride was his punishment and affliction with leprosy, as seen in 2 Chronicles 26:19-21
What can we learn from Uzziah's story?
We can learn the importance of humility and faithfulness in leadership, as well as the dangers of unchecked pride, from Uzziah's story
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 26:1 → 2 Kings 14:21 | The accession of Uzziah is also recorded in 2 Kings 14:21 |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 26:16 → Numbers 18:7 | The prohibition against non-priests burning incense is found in Numbers 18:7 |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 26:18 → Leviticus 10:1-2 | The story of Nadab and Abihu serves as a warning against unauthorized worship, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2 |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 26:19 → Deuteronomy 24:8-9 | Uzziah's affliction with leprosy is a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:8-9 |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 26:21 → Isaiah 1:1 | The prophet Isaiah ministers during the reign of Uzziah, as seen in Isaiah 1:1 |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 26:22 → Isaiah 6:1 | The prophet Isaiah sees a vision of God during the reign of Uzziah, as seen in Isaiah 6:1 |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 26:23 → Matthew 1:8-9 | Uzziah is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, as seen in Matthew 1:8-9 |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 26:16 → 1 Peter 5:6 | The importance of humility is emphasized in 1 Peter 5:6, as a reminder to leaders to remain humble and faithful |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 26:18 → Hebrews 7:26-28 | The role of priestly mediation is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in Hebrews 7:26-28 |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 26:19 → 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 | The affliction of Uzziah serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 28-36 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Balaam and his donkey from the Bible. Balaam is tempted by the king's offer of wealth and power, but his donkey keeps veering off the |
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Three-Fold Vision - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the need for a three-fold vision in the life of a believer, drawing from the life of King Uzziah, who, despite his initial faithfulness and prosperity, |
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If My People Humble Themselves - Part 2 by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the destructive nature of pride, highlighting personal struggles with pride and the impact it has on relationships, families, and spiritual life. It emphasi |
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The Purposes of Confession by Steve Mays | In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the story of Moses and the consequences of his disobedience. He emphasizes the importance of confession and taking responsibility for ou |
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The Deception of Pride by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of securit |
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He Was Marvellously Helped by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the marvels of God's help and grace, reflecting on how God has shown us loving-kindness and made us heirs with Christ despite our shortcomings. He warns again |
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Uzziah, King of Judah, or the Danger of Success by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside delivers a powerful sermon on King Uzziah of Judah, illustrating the peril of success and pride. Uzziah began his reign by seeking the Lord and prospered greatly, bu |
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Isaiah 6:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's sovereignty over human leaders, using King Uzziah's rise and fall as a cautionary tale. Uzziah, despite his early succe |
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Small Beginnings by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan reflects on the life of King Uzziah, who, despite his young age and inexperience, sought God's guidance and prospered due to his humility. However, as he grew strong, |
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Objections Answered by George Cutting | George Cutting preaches about the importance of aligning our lives with God's Word, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in correcting our ways according to Scripture. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 26
Matthew Henry notes that Uzziah's story serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in leadership. He also highlights the importance of proper priestly mediation and the role of the priest in worship and sacrifice. Henry emphasizes the sovereignty of God in human affairs, as seen in Uzziah's punishment and the accession of Jotham. He also notes that the chapter points to Christ as the ultimate King of Judah, who will rule with humility and faithfulness. In his commentary, Henry encourages readers to remain humble and faithful, even in the face of success and power, and to trust in Christ as the ultimate example of humility and faithfulness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Dangers of Pride
Uzziah's pride led to his downfall, serving as a warning to leaders against the dangers of pride and self-reliance. This is seen in 2 Chronicles 26:16-23, where Uzziah's punishment for attempting to burn incense in the temple is highlighted.
The Importance of Humility
Uzziah's initial humility and faithfulness are contrasted with his later pride, emphasizing the importance of remaining humble and faithful, even in the face of success and power.
The Role of Priestly Mediation
The chapter highlights the importance of proper priestly mediation, as Uzziah's attempt to burn incense in the temple is met with punishment, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands.