Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The people of Judah chose Uzziah, who was just sixteen years old, to be their new king after the death of his father Amaziah. Uzziah reigned in Jerusalem for fifty-two years and was the son of Jecoliah, a woman from Jerusalem.

Uzziah did what was right in God's sight, following the example set by his father Amaziah. During the time of Zechariah, who understood God's visions, Uzziah sought God's guidance, and as long as he followed the Lord, He blessed him with success.

Uzziah led his armies against the Philistines, defeating them in battles at Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. He also built new cities near Ashdod to fortify the area. The Philistines' walls were torn down by God's power working through Uzziah.

God also helped Uzziah defeat the Arabians who lived in Gur-baal and the Meunim. As a result of his military victories, the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah, and his reputation spread throughout the land, even into Egypt, where he was known for his incredible power.

Uzziah built towers at strategic locations in Jerusalem, including the corner gate, the valley gate, and the turning of the wall. He also fortified these areas to protect the city from potential threats. In addition, Uzziah dug many wells and built structures in the desert.

He had a large number of cattle both in the lowlands and on the plains, and he employed farmers and vineyard workers in the mountains and on Carmel because he loved agriculture. Uzziah organized his army into groups according to their official records compiled by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the supervision of Hananiah, one of the king's top military leaders.

Uzziah had a strong fighting force consisting of 2,600 chief warriors and an army of 307,500 men who fought bravely on behalf of the king against his enemies. Uzziah prepared for them shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, slings to cast stones, and other military equipment.

Uzziah also built engines in Jerusalem, designed by skilled craftsmen, which were mounted on towers and battlements to shoot arrows and large stones. His reputation spread far and wide because he was greatly helped until he became strong.

However, when Uzziah's power grew, so did his pride. He began to disobey God by burning incense on the altar of incense in the temple, a task reserved for the priests who had been consecrated for this duty.

The high priest Azariah and eighty other valiant priests confronted Uzziah, reminding him that it was not his place to burn incense to the Lord. They told him to leave the sanctuary because he had overstepped his authority.

Uzziah became enraged and defiantly held a censer in his hand as if to continue burning incense. But as he stood before the altar, leprosy suddenly broke out on his forehead in front of them.

The priests immediately recognized Uzziah's condition and swiftly removed him from the temple area. He was forced to leave the sanctuary because the Lord had struck him with leprosy.

Uzziah spent the rest of his life isolated, living in a separate house because he was no longer allowed to be near God's presence. His son Jotham took over as governor and overseer of the people of the land.

The rest of Uzziah's story is recorded by Isaiah the prophet, who noted every detail from start to finish.

Eventually, Uzziah passed away and was buried in a field set aside for kings because he had been deemed unclean due to his leprosy. His son Jotham succeeded him as king.