2 Chronicles 26 — Uzziah: Strength, Boundary, Fall
Seek Young Uzziah seeks God under a Zechariah who “instructed him in the fear of God,” and everything flourishes—fields, walls, wells, and even military innovation. The Hebrew hints that “devices” were crafted by “skilled thinkers” (hashav—design, artistry), echoing Bezalel’s Spirit-led craft.
Strength The Chronicler’s hinge is stark: when he was strong, his heart was lifted up—to ruin. Earlier we saw a holy version: Jehoshaphat’s “heart lifted up in the ways of the LORD” (2 Chron 17). The verb gābah can describe both worship and pride; trajectory makes the difference.
Boundary Uzziah crosses the priestly threshold to burn incense. In the ancient Near East kings often acted as priests, but Israel guarded the offices. Leprosy blooms on his forehead—the very spot where the high priest wore “Holy to the LORD” (Exodus 28). It is an anti-crown. He finishes in isolation; Jotham co-regents. An inscription from later Jerusalem remembers him: “Here were brought the bones of Uzziah…do not open.”
Savior Kings must not be priests—until the One who rightly is both: “a priest forever” and true David (Psalm 110; Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 7). Success must kneel.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 17:18–20; 1 Samuel 13; 2 Kings 15:1–7; Leviticus 10; Psalm 131; Hebrews 7.
Hymn: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.
Prayer Holy God, lift our hearts in Your ways, not in self. Teach us to honor Your boundaries, receive counsel, and lay every gift at Your feet. Keep us near the Priest-King, Jesus. Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on 2 Chronicles Chapter 26