Was Uzziah's strength entirely his own doing, or was there a divine component?

While the verse states that Uzziah "strengthened himself exceedingly," the broader context of 2 Chronicles 26 makes it clear that his strength and prosperity were divinely enabled. 2 Chronicles 26:5 explicitly states, "as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper." His military victories, building projects, and widespread fame were all outcomes of God's blessing upon his initial obedience. Therefore, his "exceeding strength" was not merely human might but a robust and vigorous reign empowered by God, a common theme in the Chronicler's portrayal of righteous kings.

What eventually happened to Uzziah, given his great strength and fame?

Despite this period of great success and divine blessing, Uzziah's heart was eventually "lifted up to his destruction" (2 Chronicles 26:16). In his pride, he entered the temple to burn incense on the altar, an act reserved exclusively for the priests. When confronted by the priests, he became angry, and at that moment, leprosy broke out on his forehead. He remained a leper until the day of his death, living in isolation and unable to fulfill his kingly duties (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). His story serves as a powerful warning that even divinely bestowed strength and success can lead to downfall if not coupled with humility and obedience.

26:7 26:7

2 Chronicles 26:8

26:9 26:9

Bible Versions

And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad [even] to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened [himself] exceedingly.

And the Ammonites {H5984} gave {H5414} gifts {H4503} to Uzziah {H5818}: and his name {H8034} spread abroad {H3212} even to the entering {H935} in of Egypt {H4714}; for he strengthened {H2388} himself exceedingly {H4605}.

The 'Amonim brought tribute to 'Uziyahu, and his fame spread abroad as far as the Egyptian frontier, since he kept growing stronger.

The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he had become exceedingly powerful.

And the Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entrance of Egypt; for he waxed exceeding strong.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 17:11

Also [some] of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.
Genesis 19:38

And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same [is] the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
Deuteronomy 2:19

And [when] thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon [any] possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot [for] a possession.
2 Chronicles 20:1

¶ It came to pass after this also, [that] the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them [other] beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
1 Kings 4:31

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.
2 Samuel 8:13

And David gat [him] a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, [being] eighteen thousand [men].

Bible Versions

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