Chapter 25—The Call of Isaiah
The long reign of Uzziah [also known as Azariah] in the land of
Judah and Benjamin was characterized by a prosperity greater than
that of any other ruler since the death of Solomon, nearly two centuries
before. For many years the king ruled with discretion. Under the bless-
ing of Heaven his armies regained some of the territory that had been
lost in former years. Cities were rebuilt and fortified, and the position
of the nation among the surrounding peoples was greatly strengthened.
Commerce revived, and the riches of the nations flowed into Jerusalem.
Uzziah’s name “spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till
he was strong.”
2 Chronicles 26:15
.
This outward prosperity, however, was not accompanied by a cor-
responding revival of spiritual power. The temple services were contin-
ued as in former years, and multitudes assembled to worship the living
God; but pride and formality gradually took the place of humility and
[304]
sincerity. Of Uzziah himself it is written: “When he was strong, his
heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the
Lord his God.”
Verse 16
.
The sin that resulted so disastrously to Uzziah was one of presump-
tion. In violation of a plain command of Jehovah, that none but the
descendants of Aaron should officiate as priests, the king entered the
sanctuary “to burn incense upon the altar.” Azariah the high priest and
his associates remonstrated, and pleaded with him to turn from his
purpose. “Thou hast trespassed,” they urged; “neither shall it be for
thine honor.”
Verses 16, 18
.
Uzziah was filled with wrath that he, the king, should be thus
rebuked. But he was not permitted to profane the sanctuary against the
united protest of those in authority. While standing there, in wrathful
rebellion, he was suddenly smitten with a divine judgment. Leprosy
appeared on his forehead. In dismay he fled, never again to enter the
temple courts. Unto the day of his death, some years later, Uzziah
remained a leper—a living example of the folly of departing from a
plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Neither his exalted position nor his long
195