2 Chronicles 26:19

KJV

Then Uzziah was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Uzziah {H5818} was wroth {H2196}, and had a censer {H4730} in his hand {H3027} to burn incense {H6999}: and while he was wroth {H2196} with the priests {H3548}, the leprosy {H6883} even rose up {H2224} in his forehead {H4696} before {H6440} the priests {H3548} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, from beside the incense {H7004} altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This made 'Uziyahu angry as he stood there with a censer in his hand ready to burn incense; and in his anger at the cohanim, tzara'at broke out on his forehead right in front of the cohanim in the house of ADONAI beside the altar for incense.

Berean Standard Bible

Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead.

American Standard Version

Then Uzziah was wroth; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense; and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy brake forth in his forehead before the priests in the house of Jehovah, beside the altar of incense.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 26:19 records the tragic climax of King Uzziah's reign, where his presumptuous act of burning incense in the Temple, a duty reserved for priests, resulted in immediate divine judgment. Despite being confronted by the priests, Uzziah's defiant anger led to leprosy erupting on his forehead, marking him as unclean and demonstrating God's swift and unyielding response to the violation of His sacred boundaries and ordained authority. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the dangers of pride and the inviolable holiness of God's sanctuary and commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic culmination of Uzziah's story, following a detailed account of his initial righteousness and remarkable success. [2 Chronicles 26:1-5](/2_chronicles/26-1-5 "2 Chronicles 26:1-5 - Uzziah's Righteous Beginning") describes his early reign marked by seeking God and consequent prosperity, including military victories, building projects, and agricultural advancements ([2 Chronicles 26:6-15](/2_chronicles/26-6-15 "2 Chronicles 26:6-15 - Uzziah's Prosperity and Achievements")). However, [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride") explicitly states that "when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction." This pride led him to transgress against the Lord by entering the Temple to burn incense, an act forbidden to kings. The immediate confrontation by Azariah and eighty courageous priests ([2 Chronicles 26:17-18](/2_chronicles/26-17-18 "2 Chronicles 26:17-18 - Priests Confront Uzziah")) sets the stage for the divine intervention described in verse 19, which then leads to Uzziah's lifelong isolation and the transfer of regency to his son Jotham ([2 Chronicles 26:20-21](/2_chronicles/26-20-21 "2 Chronicles 26:20-21 - Uzziah's Isolation and Death")). The narrative serves as a stark warning within the Chronicler's broader theological framework, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's law and respect for His established order for the well-being of the monarchy and the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Uzziah (also known as Azariah in [2 Kings 15](/2_kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - Reign of Azariah/Uzziah")) reigned for 52 years (c. 792-740 BC), one of the longest and most prosperous reigns in Judah's history. During this period, Judah experienced significant economic growth, military strength, and architectural innovation. Culturally, the burning of incense on the golden altar within the Holy Place of the Temple was a highly sacred ritual, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God and performed exclusively by the Levitical priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron ([Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Incense Altar Instructions"); [Numbers 16:40](/numbers/16-40 "Numbers 16:40 - Priestly Monopoly on Incense")). A king, though God's anointed, was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi, and had no authority to perform priestly functions. Uzziah's act was a direct violation of this divinely ordained separation of roles, a usurpation of priestly authority that challenged the very structure of Israelite worship and governance established by God. Leprosy (Hebrew: _tsara'at_) in ancient Israel was not merely a physical ailment but often carried strong connotations of ceremonial uncleanness and divine judgment, as seen in cases like Miriam ([Numbers 12:10](/numbers/12-10 "Numbers 12:10 - Miriam's Leprosy")) or Gehazi ([2 Kings 5:27](/2_kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Leprosy")). Its appearance on the forehead made it immediately visible, serving as a public mark of God's displeasure and rendering the individual ritually impure and requiring isolation.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Uzziah's downfall powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **The Danger of Pride**, demonstrating how even great success and divine blessing can lead to a "lifted up" heart, causing one to overstep God's boundaries ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Secondly, it underscores the absolute necessity of **Respect for Divine Authority and Boundaries**. God established clear distinctions between civil and religious authority, and Uzziah's attempt to conflate them was a direct affront to God's sovereign order. This theme resonates with earlier accounts of those who presumed upon priestly roles, such as Korah and his company ([Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")). Thirdly, the immediate onset of leprosy emphasizes **God's Swift and Certain Judgment** against presumptuous sin, particularly when it defiles His sanctuary or disobeys explicit commands. This visible, undeniable judgment serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and His intolerance for unholy acts within His sacred space. Finally, the account reinforces **The Sanctity of the Temple and Priesthood**, emphasizing that the Lord's house and the roles of those who minister within it are consecrated and must be approached with reverence and according to divine prescription.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wroth (Hebrew, _qatsaph'_):** This word signifies intense anger, fury, or indignation. In this context, Uzziah's "wrath" was not merely annoyance but a deep-seated rage directed at the priests who dared to challenge his authority. It reveals a hardened heart, unwilling to repent or submit to divine instruction, even when confronted by those upholding God's law. His anger was a manifestation of his pride, an emotional outburst against the perceived affront to his kingly prerogative.
* **Censer (Hebrew, _miqteret'_):** This refers to a pan or vessel used for burning incense. The presence of the censer in Uzziah's hand is crucial, as it physically represents his usurpation of the priestly office. It was the instrument of his transgression, a sacred implement that he, as a non-Levite, was forbidden to touch for this purpose. His grasping of it symbolized his grasping for a role not divinely appointed to him.
* **Leprosy (Hebrew, _tsara'at'_):** This term encompasses various severe skin diseases in the biblical context, often associated with ritual impurity and, significantly, with divine judgment for specific sins like pride, rebellion, or slander (e.g., Miriam's leprosy in [Numbers 12](/numbers/12 "Numbers 12 - Miriam's Rebellion")). Its sudden appearance on Uzziah's forehead, a highly visible location, was an undeniable, public, and immediate sign of God's judgment, marking him as unclean and unfit for both kingship and worship. It was a physical manifestation of his spiritual defilement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Uzziah was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense":** This clause captures the king's defiant state of mind and action. His "wrath" indicates his furious rejection of the priests' rightful intervention, showcasing his stubborn pride. The "censer in his hand" signifies his active participation in the forbidden act, demonstrating his willful transgression against God's explicit command regarding priestly duties. This was not an accidental or ignorant sin, but a presumptuous act of rebellion.
* **"and while he was wroth with the priests":** This repetition emphasizes the persistence of Uzziah's anger even as divine judgment was imminent. It highlights his unrepentant heart; instead of yielding to the priests' warning, which was a warning from God Himself, he remained consumed by rage. This stubborn resistance to correction underscored the depth of his spiritual rebellion and made the ensuing judgment all the more fitting.
* **"the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar":** This final, powerful clause describes the immediate and precise nature of God's judgment. The leprosy "rose up" instantly, a supernatural manifestation. Its location "in his forehead" made it unmistakably public and visible to all present, particularly "the priests" who had just confronted him. The setting "in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar" is highly significant; the judgment occurred at the very spot of his transgression, in the most sacred space, underscoring the gravity of his sin against God's holiness and His sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Chronicles 26:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its theological message. **Irony** is prominent, as Uzziah, a king who achieved great strength and prosperity through God's blessing, ultimately found his strength leading to his destruction and a humiliating, debilitating disease. His pursuit of glory through forbidden means resulted in public shame and isolation. **Symbolism** is powerfully used with the leprosy itself; it is not merely a disease but a visible, physical manifestation of Uzziah's spiritual uncleanness and God's righteous judgment for his presumptuous sin. The defilement on his body mirrors the defilement of his heart and his attempted defilement of the sacred space. The immediate onset of the disease also creates **Dramatic Impact**, emphasizing the swiftness and certainty of divine retribution for rebellion against God's established order. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Uzziah's initial success, followed by the explicit mention of his pride in [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride"), prepares the reader for the inevitable downfall that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Uzziah's leprosy serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute holiness of God, the inviolability of His divine commands, and the severe consequences of presumptuous sin. God established a clear distinction between the roles of king and priest, a separation designed to maintain order and prevent the concentration of all power in one human office, thereby safeguarding the purity of worship. Uzziah's act was not merely a procedural error but a direct challenge to God's sovereign authority and the sacred covenant order. His pride led him to believe he could transcend the boundaries God had set, a dangerous spiritual arrogance that God met with immediate and visible judgment. This narrative underscores that God's mercy does not negate His justice, and His holiness demands reverence and obedience, especially in matters pertaining to worship and His sanctuary.

* [Numbers 16:1-40](/numbers/16-1-40 "Numbers 16:1-40 - Korah's Rebellion and Usurpation of Priesthood")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic story of King Uzziah offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that prosperity and success, if not handled with humility and gratitude, can become fertile ground for spiritual pride. We must constantly guard our hearts against the temptation to believe that our achievements or positions grant us special privileges to disregard God's clear commands or overstep established boundaries, whether in the church or in our personal lives. God's order, His word, and His appointed authorities are to be respected, not because of human merit, but because they are part of His divine design. Uzziah's immediate judgment underscores the seriousness of sin, particularly presumptuous sin that challenges God's holiness. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, submission to God's will, and a deep reverence for His character and His word. We are reminded that while God is merciful, He is also just, and He will not tolerate unholy acts, especially when they stem from a proud and rebellious heart. Our walk with God must be marked by obedience, recognizing that true freedom and blessing come from living within the parameters He has graciously set.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might success or influence be subtly feeding pride?**
* **How do I respond when my desires or perceived rights conflict with God's clear commands or the authority He has established (e.g., church leaders, civil laws)?**
* **Am I truly humble before God, acknowledging that all blessings come from Him, or do I sometimes take credit for what He has done?**
* **What are the "sacred boundaries" in my life that God has set, and how diligently do I strive to honor them?**

### FAQ

**Why was Uzziah's act so serious, given his long and prosperous reign?**

Answer: Uzziah's act was profoundly serious because it was a direct and presumptuous violation of God's established order for worship and the priesthood. God had explicitly reserved the duty of burning incense on the golden altar for the Aaronic priests alone ([Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Incense Altar Instructions"); [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Priestly Duties")). As king, Uzziah was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi, and therefore had no divine authorization to perform priestly functions. His transgression was an act of pride and rebellion against God's sovereign authority, not merely a ceremonial oversight. It challenged the very distinction God had ordained between the secular and the sacred, and between the roles of king and priest, which was crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the Temple and the purity of Israel's worship.

**Why did God choose leprosy as the form of judgment for Uzziah?**

Answer: God chose leprosy as the form of judgment for Uzziah for several symbolic and practical reasons. Biblically, leprosy (_tsara'at_) was often associated with divine judgment for acts of rebellion, pride, or slander (e.g., Miriam's leprosy in [Numbers 12:10](/numbers/12-10 "Numbers 12:10 - Miriam's Leprosy") for speaking against Moses). It was a highly visible, debilitating disease that rendered the afflicted ceremonially unclean, requiring isolation from the community and the Temple ([Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Laws for Lepers")). By striking Uzziah with leprosy on his forehead, God made his sin and its consequence undeniably public and visible to everyone, especially the priests who had confronted him. This judgment immediately disqualified him from his kingly duties and from entering the Temple, physically enforcing the very boundary he had attempted to cross. The visible decay of his body mirrored the spiritual decay of his heart due to pride and rebellion, serving as a lasting mark of his transgression and a powerful warning to others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of King Uzziah's presumptuous sin and divine judgment in 2 Chronicles 26:19 powerfully foreshadows and highlights the unique qualifications and perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Uzziah, a king, arrogantly attempted to usurp the priestly role, resulting in defilement and judgment. In stark contrast, Jesus is the only true King-Priest, perfectly uniting both offices without any usurpation or defilement. He is the rightful King of kings, descended from Judah, yet also the High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ as Priest after Melchizedek")), appointed by God Himself, not by human lineage or ambition ([Hebrews 5:5-6](/hebrews/5-5-6 "Hebrews 5:5-6 - Christ Appointed by God")). Unlike Uzziah, who sought to offer incense for his own glory, Christ offered Himself as the ultimate, spotless sacrifice, not with physical incense, but with His own blood, once for all, to take away the sin of the world ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Uzziah's pride led to his downfall and isolation, but Christ's profound humility, emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant, led to His exaltation and the redemption of humanity ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Thus, Uzziah's failure underscores the necessity and glory of Christ, who perfectly embodies the roles Uzziah presumptuously sought, offering a true and lasting atonement that no human king or priest could ever achieve.

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

Numbers 12:10

¶ And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam [became] leprous, [white] as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, [she was] leprous.

2 Kings 5:25

But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence [comest thou], Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

2 Kings 5:27

The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper [as white] as snow.

2 Chronicles 16:10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.

2 Chronicles 25:16

And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.