Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 15
Azariah, also called Uzziah, was a truly great king, both in what he achieved, and in his relationship with God. However, after Azariah had ruled well for many years, he allowed himself to become proud. The account of what then happened, and of his illness, is in 2 Chronicles 26:16-23.
One of the most holy tasks of the priests was to enter God’s temple (the house of God) to burn incense (a special substance with a sweet smell). God had declared that Israel’s priests must belong to the family of Aaron, part of the tribe (family group) of Levi. Azariah did not belong to that family or even that tribe.
In Numbers chapter 16, there were 250 leaders from different tribes who wanted to offer incense. God’s judgment was against them, and they all died (Numbers 16:35) However, they were not the king. Azariah proudly thought that, as the king, he could offer incense to God. Azariah believed that God would accept him as a priest.
So, Azariah boldly entered the temple to prove that he was right. The priests tried to warn him, but he argued fiercely against them. Then suddenly, while he was still inside the temple, he became ill. He was suffering from leprosy, which caused his skin to turn white. He realised that God had acted against him – so he left the temple at once.
Azariah continued to suffer from leprosy for the rest of his life. He obeyed God’s law which directed him to separate himself from other people (Leviticus 13:46). He handed over his responsibilities as king to his son, Jotham.
Next part: Azariah's greatness, and his death (2 Kings 15:6-7)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 1000+ page course book.
© 2025, Keith Simons.