Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 15
Azariah, also called Uzziah, was one of Judah’s greatest kings. He defeated his enemies in war, and he gained great wealth for himself (2 Chronicles 26:6-8). He rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem that Jehoash destroyed during his father’s rule (14:13). Azariah then made Jerusalem’s defences even stronger than they had been previously (2 Chronicles 26:9). He improved the country’s agriculture (2 Chronicles 26:10), and he provided better equipment for Judah’s great army (2 Chronicles 26:11-15).
Many people in Judah at that time had rich, comfortable and successful lives. However, that did not cause them to turn to God in grateful thanks for his goodness to them. Amos gave his prophecies (messages from God) at this time (Amos 1:1). He warned the people in Judah about God’s judgment against their evil deeds (Amos 2:4-5 and 6:1-7). Isaiah also gave prophecies then, and for a long time afterwards. One of his first prophecies was an especially severe message against the important leaders in Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:10-26). It seems that many rich people in Judah were acting in a cruel and evil manner towards poor and weak people. These powerful people were refusing to obey God’s law.
Azariah, however, usually obeyed God’s law for most of his rule. In that, he behaved like his grandfather Joash and his father Amaziah. Under their rule, Judah’s people had known good kings for about 100 years. Azariah had a royal funeral, but the people would not bury him in the kings’ graves. He received a separate grave, because God had acted in judgment against him, because of his evil deed (2 Chronicles 26:23).
Next part: Zechariah, the last king from Jehu's family (2 Kings 15:8-9)
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