2 Chronicles 26:20

KJV

And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he [was] leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Azariah {H5838} the chief {H7218} priest {H3548}, and all the priests {H3548}, looked {H6437} upon him, and, behold, he was leprous {H6879} in his forehead {H4696}, and they thrust him out {H926} from thence; yea, himself hasted {H1765} also to go out {H3318}, because the LORD {H3068} had smitten {H5060} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Azaryahu the chief cohen and all the cohanim stared at him -there he was, with tzara'at on his forehead! Quickly they threw him out of there; and indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because ADONAI had struck him.

Berean Standard Bible

When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him.

American Standard Version

And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out quickly from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because Jehovah had smitten him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 26:20 vividly recounts the immediate and public divine judgment upon King Uzziah. Having presumptuously entered the temple to burn incense—a sacred duty reserved exclusively for the Levitical priesthood—Uzziah was instantly afflicted with leprosy on his forehead. This visible manifestation of God's wrath, witnessed by Azariah the chief priest and his courageous colleagues, led to Uzziah's swift expulsion from the sanctuary and his subsequent isolation, serving as a stark testament to the inviolable holiness of God and the severe consequences of defying His established order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the climactic moment of King Uzziah's downfall, immediately following his act of pride and defiance described in [2 Chronicles 26:16-19](/2-chronicles/26-16-19 "2 Chronicles 26:16-19 - Uzziah's Pride and Transgression"). The narrative begins by highlighting Uzziah's long and initially prosperous reign, during which he sought the Lord and was blessed with military success, building projects, and a strong kingdom. However, his success led to pride, causing his heart to be "lifted up to his destruction" as stated in [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2-chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride"). His transgression involved entering the temple to burn incense, a priestly function clearly forbidden to kings. The priests, led by Azariah, bravely confronted him, urging him to leave. It is in this moment of Uzziah's anger and defiance that [2 Chronicles 26:20](/2-chronicles/26-20 "2 Chronicles 26:20 - Uzziah Struck with Leprosy") describes the instant divine judgment. The subsequent verse, [2 Chronicles 26:21](/2-chronicles/26-21 "2 Chronicles 26:21 - Uzziah's Isolation and Death"), details Uzziah's lifelong isolation due to his leprosy, confirming the permanence of the judgment and the end of his active reign. This account serves as a powerful cautionary tale within the broader Deuteronomistic history, illustrating the principle that even powerful kings are subject to God's law and face severe consequences for disobedience, particularly in matters pertaining to His holiness and worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the roles of king and priest were distinct and divinely ordained. The king held civil authority, while the priesthood, descended from Aaron, was exclusively responsible for mediating between God and the people through sacrifices, incense offerings, and maintaining the sanctity of the temple. This separation was foundational to the Mosaic Law, as detailed in books like [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - Duties of the Levites") and [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties of Priests and Levites"). Any attempt to usurp priestly functions was considered a grave offense against God's established order, as seen with Nadab and Abihu's unauthorized fire in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire") and King Saul's unlawful sacrifice in [1 Samuel 13:8-14](/1-samuel/13-8-14 "1 Samuel 13:8-14 - Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice"). Furthermore, leprosy (Hebrew: _tzara'at_) in the Old Testament was not merely a physical disease but carried profound ceremonial uncleanness, as outlined in [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13-14 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"). It often symbolized sin and was sometimes a direct divine punishment, as in the case of Miriam in [Numbers 12:9-10](/numbers/12-9-10 "Numbers 12:9-10 - Miriam Struck with Leprosy"). Its manifestation on Uzziah's forehead, a highly visible location, ensured that his sin and its consequence were undeniable and publicly shaming. The immediate expulsion from the temple was in strict accordance with the law regarding those afflicted with such uncleanness.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Uzziah's leprosy powerfully underscores several key themes. First, it highlights **Divine Holiness and Boundaries**, emphasizing that God's sacred space and ordained roles are inviolable. Uzziah's presumption was a direct affront to God's majesty and the order He established for worship. Second, it illustrates the severe **Consequences of Pride and Presumption**. Uzziah's success led to an inflated sense of self, causing him to overstep his God-given authority, resulting in swift and public judgment. This serves as a perpetual warning against spiritual arrogance. Third, the account showcases the **Courage and Faithfulness of the Priesthood**. Azariah and the eighty priests demonstrated remarkable integrity by prioritizing God's command over the king's power, even at personal risk, upholding the sanctity of the temple and the distinct roles within God's covenant. Finally, the use of **Leprosy as a Symbol of Sin and Judgment** is prominent. The visible, debilitating, and isolating nature of leprosy served as a potent physical manifestation of Uzziah's spiritual uncleanness and the alienation from God and community that sin brings, echoing its symbolic use in other biblical narratives like that of Gehazi in [2 Kings 5:27](/2-kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Leprosy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Leprous (Hebrew, _tsara'_):** This verb, from `H6879 (tsâraʻ)`, means "to be stricken with leprosy." In the context of Uzziah, its instantaneous appearance signifies a direct divine act, transforming a physical affliction into a profound spiritual and public judgment. The term often carried the implication of ritual uncleanness and divine displeasure in the Old Testament, making its manifestation on Uzziah a clear mark of his defilement and presumption.
* **Forehead (Hebrew, _mêtsach'_):** The Hebrew term `H4696 (mêtsach)` refers to the "forehead," specifically highlighting it as an "open and prominent" part of the face. Its conspicuous nature is crucial in this verse, as Uzziah's leprosy appeared precisely here, making his divine judgment undeniable and publicly visible. This prominent location ensured that his sin and its immediate consequence were openly displayed for all to witness, emphasizing the public shame and divine retribution.
* **Smitten (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** This verb, `H5060 (nâgaʻ)`, means "to touch," but also "to strike" or "to smite," often with the implication of a violent or punitive act. In this context, the phrase "the LORD had smitten him" explicitly denotes a direct, intentional, and punitive act by God. It leaves no ambiguity that Uzziah's affliction was not a natural illness but a supernatural, immediate, and intentional divine judgment, underscoring God's active involvement in upholding His holiness and covenantal boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he [was] leprous in his forehead":** This clause highlights the immediate discovery of Uzziah's affliction. The priests, who had just bravely confronted the king, now witness the undeniable sign of divine intervention. The phrase "behold, he was leprous" conveys the suddenness and shock of the manifestation, particularly its location on his forehead, making it impossible to conceal. This public display served as a clear vindication of the priests' stand and a powerful demonstration of God's power and justice.
* **"and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out":** The priests, upon seeing the leprosy, immediately acted in accordance with the Law, which mandated the expulsion of anyone with such an affliction from the holy place and the community, as detailed in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Law for the Leper"). The phrase "yea, himself hasted also to go out" indicates that Uzziah, despite his earlier defiance, recognized the divine hand in his affliction. His haste suggests a sudden, terrifying realization of his grave error and the reality of God's judgment, prompting a swift, though forced, submission.
* **"because the LORD had smitten him":** This concluding phrase provides the definitive theological explanation for Uzziah's leprosy and his subsequent expulsion. It unequivocally states that his affliction was not accidental or coincidental but a direct, intentional act of divine judgment. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to upholding His holiness and the sacred order He established, even when it involves punishing a powerful king.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Uzziah's judgment in [2 Chronicles 26:20](/2-chronicles/26-20 "2 Chronicles 26:20 - Uzziah Struck with Leprosy") is rich with literary devices that amplify its impact. **Irony** is profoundly present: Uzziah, seeking to elevate himself and usurp priestly authority, is instead publicly humiliated and debased by a debilitating disease that renders him unclean and isolated. His attempt to gain glory results in profound shame and the loss of his active reign. **Symbolism** is also key, with leprosy serving as a powerful visual symbol of sin, spiritual uncleanness, and divine judgment. Its manifestation on the forehead, a highly visible part of the body, symbolizes the undeniable nature of Uzziah's transgression and the public declaration of God's verdict. The narrative also employs **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of Uzziah's impending doom due to his pride and transgression, while Uzziah himself, in his arrogance, remains oblivious until the moment of divine intervention. Finally, the swift and direct nature of the judgment, "the LORD had smitten him," exemplifies **Divine Retribution**, showcasing God's immediate and decisive response to desecration and defiance of His holy ordinances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Uzziah's leprosy is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's holiness, the inviolability of His established order, and the consequences of human pride and presumption. It underscores that even those in positions of immense power are subject to divine law and judgment. God's character demands reverence and obedience, particularly in matters of worship and sacred roles. The distinct separation of kingly and priestly functions in the Old Covenant served to highlight God's sovereignty over all aspects of life and the danger of blurring divinely ordained boundaries. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that while God is gracious, He is also just, and His holiness cannot be trifled with.

* [Numbers 12:9-10](/numbers/12-9-10 "Miriam's Leprosy for Disrespecting Moses")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [1 Samuel 13:8-14](/1-samuel/13-8-14 "Saul's Presumptuous Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of King Uzziah serves as a potent and enduring lesson for all believers, transcending the specific Old Testament context of kings and priests. It calls us to a profound humility before God, recognizing that our gifts, talents, and positions of influence are given by Him and are to be exercised within the boundaries He has established. Pride, as Uzziah's downfall illustrates, is a dangerous spiritual cancer that can lead us to overstep our God-given roles, presume upon His grace, or attempt to manipulate spiritual authority for personal gain or glory. We are reminded that God is holy and His commands are to be taken seriously; willful disobedience, especially in matters of worship and service, carries consequences. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a deep reverence for God's holiness, to understand and respect the spiritual order He has established within the church, and to faithfully serve within the calling He has given us, always acknowledging His supreme authority. While not all sin results in immediate physical affliction like Uzziah's, this account powerfully reminds us that sin has consequences, both temporal and eternal, urging us to live lives of obedience, humility, and reverence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to act presumptuously or overstep boundaries God has established?**
* **How does Uzziah's story challenge my understanding of humility and pride in my walk with God?**
* **What does this account teach me about the importance of respecting spiritual authority and discerning God's established order?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness in my daily life and worship?**

### FAQ

**Was King Uzziah also known by another name, and why was he called Azariah here?**

Answer: Yes, King Uzziah is indeed referred to as Azariah in some biblical texts, particularly in [2 Kings 15](/2-kings/15 "2 Kings 15 - Reign of Azariah (Uzziah) and Other Kings"). This is a common occurrence in ancient Near Eastern naming conventions, where individuals might have multiple names or variations of the same name. In the context of [2 Chronicles 26:20](/2-chronicles/26-20 "2 Chronicles 26:20 - Uzziah Struck with Leprosy"), the "Azariah" mentioned is specifically "Azariah the chief priest," who bravely confronted King Uzziah. The text is careful to distinguish between the king (Uzziah) and the chief priest (Azariah), even though the king himself is sometimes called Azariah elsewhere. This ensures clarity in the narrative about who is acting in this pivotal moment.

**Why was leprosy the specific punishment for Uzziah's sin?**

Answer: Leprosy (_tzara'at_) was a particularly fitting and symbolic punishment for Uzziah's sin for several reasons. Firstly, it was a highly visible and undeniable affliction, especially on the forehead, making Uzziah's judgment public and impossible to conceal. This served as a clear mark of divine displeasure, vindicating the priests who had confronted him. Secondly, leprosy rendered a person ceremonially unclean, requiring their expulsion from the community and, crucially, from the temple and holy places, as outlined in [Leviticus 13:45-46](/leviticus/13-45-46 "Leviticus 13:45-46 - Law for the Leper"). Uzziah's sin was an act of defilement within the temple; his punishment was to be permanently defiled and excluded from it, a direct consequence mirroring his transgression. Thirdly, leprosy in the Old Testament often carried symbolic weight as a physical manifestation of sin or divine judgment, as seen with Miriam in [Numbers 12:9-10](/numbers/12-9-10 "Numbers 12:9-10 - Miriam's Leprosy") and Gehazi in [2 Kings 5:27](/2-kings/5-27 "2 Kings 5:27 - Gehazi's Leprosy"). It represented a deep spiritual impurity, making it a powerful and appropriate consequence for a king who presumed to violate God's sacred boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Uzziah's presumptuous act and swift divine judgment finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct parallel, but in a striking contrast that illuminates the unique person and work of Jesus Christ. Uzziah, a king, attempted to usurp the priestly office, leading to his defilement and expulsion. In stark contrast, Jesus is the one true King and the perfect High Priest, who did not usurp but perfectly embodies both roles in His divine person. Unlike Uzziah, who sought to enter the holy place in pride and presumption, Christ, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He entered the true heavenly sanctuary not to offer incense for Himself, but to offer Himself as the ultimate, spotless sacrifice, thereby cleansing us from all defilement ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, while Uzziah was struck with leprosy for his sin, Jesus, the Holy One, touched lepers and healed them, demonstrating His authority over sin and its consequences ([Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper")). He took upon Himself the defilement of our sin, becoming "sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Uzziah was thrust out from the temple; Christ, though innocent, was thrust out of the city and crucified, bearing our judgment outside the gate ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice enable all who believe to draw near to God with confidence, not through our own presumptuous acts, but through His completed work as our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Christ Our High Priest")). Thus, Uzziah's tragic story serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious and humble fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Christ shines all the more brightly.

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

Esther 6:12

¶ And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

Deuteronomy 28:22

The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.

Deuteronomy 28:35

The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.

Leviticus 14:34

When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;