Azariah (also called Uzziah) was king of Judah who had reigned for 52 years. He honored God and did what was right in God’s eyes through most of his reign. God blessed Judah with peace and prosperity. Then he later became arrogant and rebellious before God like his father. He broke the ceremonial law intentionally by burning incense on the altar that only the priests could do (2Ch 26:16). God struck him with leprosy, and Uzziah was confined to a separate house until he died. Uzziah exalted himself, but God humbled him. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Pr16:18).

While Judah enjoyed peace and stability under the godly king Uzziah, northern Israel plunged into political turmoil because it continually embraced idolatry. King Zechariah, son of Jeroboam was assassinated by Shallum after he reigned six months. Shallum could kill him in front of the people who most likely resented Zechariah. Zechariah was the last of Jehu’s descendants to rule according to prophecy. Shallum took over the throne and reigned one month. He was assassinated by Menahem. These two kings reaped what they sowed. God removed his hand of protection. The Northern Kingdom fell into anarchy and God’s judgment.
Application: Lord, raise up humble and God-fearing leaders who can lead people from idolatry to you.
One Word: Idolatry leads to chaos and destruction