Uzziah and Discipline

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. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.

2 Chronicles 26:16-18

Uzziah, king of Judah, was certainly a breath of fresh air for a time, for the Scripture says that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (cf 2 Chron 26:4). He was a contemporary of the prophet Zechariah, and verse 5 tells us, as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper (cf. 2 Chron 26:5). The above passage gives us a proper example of what is not seeking the Lord.

How does King Uzziah, who overall was good, honorable, and successful, end up dying in quarantine (cf. 2 Chron 26:21)? The Word tells us that his strength and his heart were lifted up to his destruction. This is where sin begins with most, but especially amongst those who would be leaders. Uzziah became convinced he was able to do something which he never was qualified to do. The Word says this was sin. This is not the first attempt of unauthorized worship in the Old Testament, nor will it be the last. However, notice how someone who was doing so great was punished for a great sin. He was struck with leprosy.

Sin, even amongst good brethren, is still sin and will be dealt with. The priests understood this, and they withstood Uzziah. They spoke truth to power. They obviously knew their own history and that King Saul had priests executed (cf 1 Samuel 22:6-21). However, surely they remembered the Lord struck down Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron the high priest, over unauthorized fire (Lev. 10:1-2). Out of love these priests were trying to save the king’s life.

This offering was isolated to the priests, and no matter what power Uzziah thought he had, he still had no right. Innovations destroyed the remaining days of a good king; they can cost you your soul. We must always return to the pattern that God has established for all the things we do. If we do not keep to the commandments of the Lord, I hope there are strong members of this royal priesthood that will be willing to withstand us in our day of folly.

Grace and Peace,

R.D. Beavers

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