Second Chronicles 26 Commentary
This chapter gives us yet another sad ending to what had looked like a great beginning. Reason? Pride.
The Bible repeatedly mentions the help that Uzziah received from the LORD to make his fame spread far and wide. He became powerful. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. You easily understand why some prayers for fame and greatness are never answered. Pride is a serial saint killer.
As the priests of the LORD confronted Uzziah’s irreverence, we know the LORD had His other servants at work within the community. The great prophet Isaiah prophesied during these times. In fact, the human author of this book has indicated his reliance on the records of the prophet Isaiah. The Book of Chronicles is focusing on the wickedness at the palace. But from the Book of Isaiah, we know that the community was just as wicked.
Uzziah’s pride was swiftly punished. The LORD struck him with a skin disease. He was isolated and could not perform his kingly duties. His son Jotham acted on his behalf. The LORD so acted as to make Uzziah see his own pride come to nothing. Banned from the temple of the LORD and from public engagements, Uzziah’s ego was truly clashed and reduced to zero. No one wants to have this kind of ending.
The longevity of his rule, the many successes, and the fear of the LORD in his earlier years; Uzziah’s ending leaves you with a bad feeling. Things shouldn’t end this way. The saint is warned.
Pride is not an ally but a bitter rival sent to destroy every good work in the saint’s life. Jealous is actually God’s name. Exodus 34 verse 14. Maybe the saint should learn to use this name often as a reminder that glory isn’t for mortal man.
Uzziah’s isolation in death, from his ancestors, gives us a picture of the eternal isolation from the presence of the LORD. Pride is a real enemy. LORD, help us to see it for what it is. This should be every saint’s prayer.
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