2 Chronicles 26:17

KJV

And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, [that were] valiant men:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Azariah {H5838} the priest {H3548} went in {H935} after {H310} him, and with him fourscore {H8084} priests {H3548} of the LORD {H3068}, that were valiant {H2428} men {H1121}:

Complete Jewish Bible

'Azaryahu the cohen went in after him, and with him were eighty of ADONAI's cohanim, brave men.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him.

American Standard Version

And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of Jehovah, that were valiant men:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 26:17 marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Uzziah of Judah, detailing the courageous and unified response of the Levitical priesthood to the king's presumptuous transgression. After achieving significant military and economic success, Uzziah's heart was lifted in pride, leading him to usurp the sacred duty of burning incense in the Temple, a role exclusively reserved for the consecrated priests. This verse highlights the immediate and decisive intervention of Azariah, the chief priest, accompanied by eighty other valiant priests of the LORD, who boldly confronted the monarch in defense of God's holy ordinances and the sanctity of His house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Chronicler's account of King Uzziah's reign in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of Uzziah"). The chapter initially praises Uzziah's early piety and the prosperity that followed his seeking of the Lord, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:4-5](/2_chronicles/26-4-5 "2 Chronicles 26:4-5 - Uzziah's Early Piety and Prosperity"). However, the narrative takes a sharp turn in [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Transgression"), revealing Uzziah's pride and subsequent transgression—entering the Temple to burn incense. Verse 17 immediately follows this act, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation between the king and the priests, which continues in [2 Chronicles 26:18](/2_chronicles/26-18 "2 Chronicles 26:18 - The Priests Confront Uzziah"), culminating in Uzziah's divine punishment of leprosy in [2 Chronicles 26:19](/2_chronicles/26-19 "2 Chronicles 26:19 - Uzziah Struck with Leprosy"). The Chronicler consistently emphasizes the direct correlation between obedience to God and prosperity, and disobedience and divine judgment throughout the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the roles of king and priest were strictly separated by divine decree, a foundational principle of the Mosaic Law. Kings held political and military authority, while the priesthood, descended from Aaron, was exclusively responsible for Temple service, sacrifices, and the burning of incense, as detailed in [Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - Priestly Duties and Warnings"). This division prevented the concentration of absolute power and underscored God's unique authority over worship. Uzziah's act was not merely a ceremonial error but a profound challenge to God's established order and a usurpation of a sacred office. Unlike some ancient Near Eastern cultures where kings often served as chief priests, Israel's covenant structure maintained a clear distinction, making Uzziah's transgression particularly audacious and sacrilegious in the eyes of the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Uzziah's downfall highlights several crucial themes. First, it powerfully illustrates the danger of **pride leading to downfall**, even for those who have experienced great divine blessing and success, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Second, it underscores the inviolability of **divine boundaries and established order**. God's commands regarding sacred roles and spaces were not to be trifled with, emphasizing the **holiness of God** and the reverence due to Him. Third, the priests' actions exemplify **courage and conviction** in upholding God's law against powerful human authority, demonstrating that faithfulness to God must supersede loyalty to any earthly ruler when divine commands are violated, as they did in [2 Chronicles 26:18](/2_chronicles/26-18 "2 Chronicles 26:18 - The Priests Confront Uzziah"). Finally, the story serves as a stark warning about the **consequences of presumption and disobedience**, leading to immediate and lasting divine judgment, as Uzziah was struck with leprosy and remained isolated until his death ([2 Chronicles 26:21](/2_chronicles/26-21 "2 Chronicles 26:21 - Uzziah's Death")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Azariah (Hebrew, _'Azaryah'_):** Meaning "Jah has helped" or "The LORD has helped." It is profoundly ironic that a priest bearing this name, signifying divine assistance, is confronting a king whose own name, Uzziah ("My strength is Yahweh"), also points to God's help, yet the king is acting in direct defiance of the LORD. The priest Azariah, however, truly embodies the meaning of his name by acting as God's instrument to uphold divine law and bring about His will.
* **fourscore (Hebrew, _shᵉmônîym'_):** This numerical term, meaning "eighty," signifies a substantial and formidable group. It indicates that Azariah was not acting alone but had the unified support of a significant portion of the priesthood. Their collective presence lent considerable weight and authority to their confrontation with the king, demonstrating a united front in defense of God's holiness and the integrity of the Temple service, making their stand undeniable.
* **valiant men (Hebrew, _bên chayil'_):** Literally "sons of strength" or "men of valor/might." This phrase is derived from H1121 (_bên_), meaning "son" or "one," and H2428 (_chayil_), meaning "force, strength, valor, wealth." While _chayil_ is often used in military contexts to describe brave warriors or capable leaders, here its application to priests is highly significant. It does not refer to physical prowess in battle but rather to their moral fortitude, spiritual courage, and resolute determination to stand against the king's unholy act. It emphasizes their readiness to risk royal displeasure, perhaps even their lives, to defend God's honor and the sanctity of His house.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Azariah the priest went in after him":** This clause immediately establishes the priest Azariah's proactive and confrontational leadership. "Went in after him" implies pursuit and immediate intervention, indicating an urgent and direct response rather than a hesitant or delayed one. Azariah, as the chief priest, took the lead in confronting the king, demonstrating his profound responsibility for the sanctity of the Temple and the integrity of divine law.
* **"and with him fourscore priests of the LORD":** This detail highlights the collective and unified nature of the priestly opposition. The presence of eighty priests signifies that this was not an isolated act of defiance but a concerted effort by the religious authorities. Their considerable number underscored the gravity of Uzziah's transgression and the widespread conviction among the priesthood that the king's action was a severe and unacceptable violation of divine law.
* **"[that were] valiant men":** This descriptive phrase emphasizes the character and courage of the priests. They were not merely numerous but possessed the moral and spiritual strength necessary to challenge a powerful monarch. Their "valor" lay in their unwavering commitment to God's commands, prioritizing divine law over human authority, and their willingness to face potential repercussions for their stand, knowing the risks involved in confronting a king.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Chronicles 26:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. There is significant **Dramatic Irony**, as King Uzziah, whose name means "My strength is Yahweh," ultimately acts in a way that defies Yahweh's strength and established order, relying instead on his own perceived power and pride. The Chronicler also uses **Contrast** effectively, juxtaposing Uzziah's initial success and divine favor with his subsequent pride and downfall, and sharply contrasting his royal authority with the superior spiritual authority of the priests who stood against him. The priests' act of confronting the king embodies **Courageous Opposition**, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where God's faithful servants stand against unrighteous rulers or actions. Furthermore, the Temple itself serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's holiness and the sacred boundaries He has established, making Uzziah's unauthorized entry a direct affront to these divine principles. The immediate and united confrontation by the priests also serves as **Foreshadowing** of the swift and severe divine judgment that Uzziah is about to experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The confrontation in 2 Chronicles 26:17 underscores the profound theological principle that God's holiness demands strict adherence to His revealed will and established order. Uzziah's sin was not merely an act of pride but a sacrilegious transgression against the divinely ordained separation of roles between king and priest, a foundational aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that no human authority, regardless of status or past achievements, is exempt from God's law or permitted to usurp sacred functions. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to the sanctity of worship and the severe consequences for those who presume to violate His sacred boundaries. The priests' bold stand demonstrates the importance of spiritual discernment and the courage required to defend God's truth, even when it means confronting powerful figures, prioritizing divine mandates above human power.

* [Numbers 16:1-35](/numbers/16-1-35 "Numbers 16:1-35 - Korah's Rebellion Against Priestly Authority")
* [1 Samuel 13:8-14](/1_samuel/13-8-14 "1 Samuel 13:8-14 - King Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Uzziah's downfall and the priests' courageous intervention offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of pride, reminding us that even after periods of great blessing and success, the human heart remains susceptible to exalting itself above God's will. We are called to cultivate humility in all circumstances, recognizing that all true strength and authority come from the Lord. Furthermore, the narrative emphasizes the critical importance of respecting divinely established boundaries, whether in the church, in society, or in our personal lives. God has ordained order, and presuming to operate outside of our God-given roles or to usurp authority not granted to us can lead to dire spiritual consequences. The priests' unwavering courage in confronting a powerful king also challenges us to stand firm for truth and righteousness, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or carries personal risk. Our ultimate allegiance must always be to God and His Word, above all earthly allegiances or comforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might pride be subtly influencing my actions or attitudes, especially after periods of success or blessing?**
* **How do I demonstrate respect for the spiritual and relational boundaries God has established, both within the church and in my broader community?**
* **What would it look like for me to demonstrate "valiant" courage in upholding God's truth in my current circumstances, even when it is challenging?**
* **Am I prone to presumptuous acts, believing I can bypass God's established order or commands without consequence?**

### FAQ

**Was Uzziah's sin just about burning incense, or was there a deeper issue at play?**

Answer: While the act of burning incense was the immediate transgression, the deeper issue was Uzziah's pride and his usurpation of divine authority. Burning incense was a sacred duty reserved exclusively for the consecrated priests, as ordained by God in the Mosaic Law ([Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - Priestly Duties")). By attempting to perform this ritual, Uzziah was not merely making a ceremonial mistake; he was challenging God's established order, disrespecting the sanctity of the priesthood, and presuming a role that was not his. His sin was fundamentally one of spiritual arrogance and rebellion against God's clear commands, demonstrating a heart lifted up in pride.

**Why were the eighty priests called "valiant men" in this context? Does it imply they were physically strong or ready for battle?**

Answer: The term "valiant men" (Hebrew: _bên chayil_) in this context primarily highlights their moral courage and spiritual fortitude, rather than physical strength or readiness for battle. While the phrase can denote military prowess, here it emphasizes their unwavering determination and boldness in confronting a powerful king. They were "valiant" because they prioritized God's law and the sanctity of His Temple over royal displeasure, risking severe consequences by standing against the monarch's sacrilegious act. Their valor was in their conviction and their readiness to defend God's honor, even at great personal cost.

**What was the ultimate consequence for Uzziah's transgression?**

Answer: The ultimate consequence for Uzziah's presumptuous sin was immediate and severe divine judgment: he was struck with leprosy. As the priests confronted him, leprosy broke out on his forehead ([2 Chronicles 26:19](/2_chronicles/26-19 "2 Chronicles 26:19 - Uzziah Struck with Leprosy")). This made him ceremonially unclean and unfit to rule or even reside among the people. He was forced to live in isolation until his death, and his son Jotham took over the administration of the kingdom ([2 Chronicles 26:21](/2_chronicles/26-21 "2 Chronicles 26:21 - Uzziah's Death and Jotham's Reign")). This served as a stark, visible reminder of the consequences of defying God's holy boundaries and usurping His authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Uzziah's presumptuous act and the priests' valiant stand points forward to the perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Uzziah's sin highlights the inherent limitations and distinct roles within the Old Covenant system, where kings could not be priests and priests could not be kings. This separation underscored the need for a perfect mediator who could bridge the gap between God and humanity without violating divine order. Jesus, uniquely, embodies both the perfect King and the perfect High Priest. As the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), He holds ultimate authority, yet unlike Uzziah, His kingship is never exercised in pride or in violation of God's will. As our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), He entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with presumptuous human hands, but with His own blood, offering the one perfect and eternal sacrifice for sins ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). In Christ, the distinct offices are perfectly united in one person, not through human presumption, but through divine design and perfect obedience. His sinless life and atoning death consecrate a new and living way for us to approach God, transforming believers into a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), allowing us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")), something Uzziah tragically failed to grasp.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 6:10

And Johanan begat Azariah, (he [it is] that executed the priest's office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)

1 Chronicles 26:6

Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, that ruled throughout the house of their father: for they [were] mighty men of valour.

1 Chronicles 12:28

And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.