Journal Through the Bible: Week 96 Thursday

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II Chronicles 26:1-27:9

If you are timeline oriented like I am you will notice that we are now up to the reign of Uzziah, the first king to reign when Isaiah received his prophecy. His was a long reign, encompassing 52 years. It did not end well. He suffered from leprosy toward the end so his son, Jotham was coregent until Uzziah's death. Jotham learned lessons from his father's audacious behavior in the Temple. He behaved himself wisely as a result.

Like his grandfather, Joash, Uzziah (or Amaziah) had a prophet that helped him rule in a Godly manner. Joash had Jehoiada. Uzziah had Zechariah. This Zechariah is not the same as the son of Jehoiada whom Joash put to death nor is the prophet Zechariah that prophesied following the Babylonian exile. We'll examine that book of the Bible at a later date.

Does God issue any commands?

• Not in this passage, however we are told that Uzziah broke one of the LORD'S commands that the priests only be allowed to burn incense upon the altar. (See Numbers 16 for another example of punishment upon those who did not obey.)

Does God make any promises?

• God had promised success to the rulers of Israel and Judah who followed Him. In the early reign of Uzziah he enjoyed great successes as a result of God's fulfilling of these promises. This promise was specifically stated to David, especially concerning Solomon and his offspring. Uzziah even had new inventions made by cunning men of war to help him in his battles. His son, Jotham, also enjoyed great success because he followed the commands of the LORD.

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Although Uzziah began well, his pride caused him to overstep his authority by offering incense as the priests were commanded to do. This is antithetical to the ministry of Jesus. In His public ministry Jesus at first encountered great success but He never overstepped the authority given to Him by His Father, nor was He overcome with pride.He humbly served in the capacity of servant until such time as He became our sacrifice, our offering of incense, and our High Priest.
• Uzziah was guilty of trespass. Jesus died to take away our trespass.
• Because of his leprosy, which was a punishment from God for his trespass, Uzziah was cut off from the house of the LORD. Because of our trespasses Jesus was cut off from God those hours on the cross when God would not look upon Jesus bearing our sin.

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?
Not that I identified.