Well, this is confusing... Azariah or Uzziah...? The translation (NIV) that I am using uses Azariah and Uzziah interchangeably in this chapter. I believe they are the same person. I'm also trying to research on a little eee-pad. It's not working real well. Anyway, 2 Chronicles 26 has more on this king. Seems Azariah did what was right in the sight of the LORD. He was a good king and prospered. But, then he got big-headed and went and offered incense on the altar of incense. Offerings are good, but, offering them is the place of the priest not the king. And.. to add to my confusion. According to 2 Chron 26:17, the priest's name, who corrects him, is Azariah. While still in the temple Azariah, the king, is afflicted with leprosy. He lives the rest of his life separated from his family in a separate house. Even in death, he is not buried with his fathers, but near them.
In spite of his affliction, Azariah, the king of Judah, outlives many kings of Israel who continue in the way of their fathers doing doing what is evil in the site of the LORD. Of course, 2 Kings really doesn't say that Shallum did evil. He only lived as king for 1 month so it was pretty hard to judge that reign.
Jotham, who has pretty much run the kingdom since his father, Azariah, was afflicted with leprosy succeeds his father as king of Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father had. But, again.... he also failed to remove the high places.
I think I like this King Azariah. He does what is right in God's eyes and when he really messes up, he accepts his consequences. Neither in 2 Kings or 2 Chronicles do I see him complaining that God is unfair. According to 2 Chronicles, when he is afflicted he leaves the temple in a hurry, without any arguing with the priest. He knows and accepts that the LORD has afflicted him. May we all have the knowlede and strength to recognize our sin.
In spite of his affliction, Azariah, the king of Judah, outlives many kings of Israel who continue in the way of their fathers doing doing what is evil in the site of the LORD. Of course, 2 Kings really doesn't say that Shallum did evil. He only lived as king for 1 month so it was pretty hard to judge that reign.
Jotham, who has pretty much run the kingdom since his father, Azariah, was afflicted with leprosy succeeds his father as king of Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father had. But, again.... he also failed to remove the high places.
I think I like this King Azariah. He does what is right in God's eyes and when he really messes up, he accepts his consequences. Neither in 2 Kings or 2 Chronicles do I see him complaining that God is unfair. According to 2 Chronicles, when he is afflicted he leaves the temple in a hurry, without any arguing with the priest. He knows and accepts that the LORD has afflicted him. May we all have the knowlede and strength to recognize our sin.
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