2 Kings 15:5

KJV

And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son [was] over the house, judging the people of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} smote {H5060} the king {H4428}, so that he was a leper {H6879} unto the day {H3117} of his death {H4194}, and dwelt {H3427} in a several {H2669} house {H1004}. And Jotham {H3147} the king's {H4428} son {H1121} was over the house {H1004}, judging {H8199} the people {H5971} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI struck the king, so that he had tzara'at until his dying day, so that he lived in a separate house, while Yotam the king's son ran the king's household and was regent over the people of the land.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a separate house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the household, judging the people of the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:5 succinctly records a pivotal moment in the reign of King Azariah (Uzziah) of Judah, detailing a direct divine judgment upon him: he was afflicted with leprosy until his death. This severe punishment necessitated his isolation in a separate dwelling, leading to the immediate transfer of administrative duties to his son, Jotham, who assumed the role of regent and judge over the people, ensuring the continuity of governance despite the king's incapacitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within the broader historical narrative of the divided kingdom, specifically focusing on the reigns of the kings of Judah and Israel. It immediately follows the introduction of Azariah's (Uzziah's) long and generally prosperous reign of fifty-two years, which is largely praised for his adherence to the ways of his father Amaziah, "save that the high places were not removed" [2 Kings 15:1-4](/2_kings/15-1-4 "2 Kings 15:1-4 - Azariah's Reign in Judah"). The sudden and severe judgment of leprosy upon a king otherwise described positively serves as a jarring interruption, highlighting God's direct intervention in human affairs. While [2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Uzziah's Leprosy") states the *fact* of the smiting, the *reason* for it is explicitly detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Punishment"), providing the crucial theological explanation for this divine act. This literary connection emphasizes that the historical books are not merely chronicles but theological interpretations of Israel's history, demonstrating God's consistent justice and the consequences of violating His sacred ordinances.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) reigned in Judah during the 8th century BC, a period of significant prosperity and military strength for the southern kingdom. His reign saw the expansion of Judah's territory, fortification of cities, and advancements in agriculture and military technology. However, ancient Israelite society placed immense importance on ritual purity and the sanctity of the Temple and its services. The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Leviticus 13-14](/leviticus/13-14 "Leviticus 13-14 - Laws Concerning Skin Diseases"), prescribed strict regulations for those afflicted with *tsara'at* (often translated as "leprosy," though it encompassed various severe skin diseases), requiring their isolation from the community to prevent the spread of impurity. Uzziah's affliction and subsequent dwelling in a "several house" (a house of isolation or quarantine) underscore that even the king was subject to these divine laws and their severe social and religious consequences. The immediate transfer of administrative power to Jotham highlights the established system of regency to maintain governmental stability in the event of a king's incapacitation, ensuring the continuity of the monarchy.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all, including powerful monarchs, and His willingness to intervene directly to enforce His holy standards. This judgment on Uzziah underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience and Pride**, as his leprosy was a direct result of his presumptuous act of entering the Temple to burn incense, a duty reserved exclusively for the Aaronic priests, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:16-19](/2_chronicles/26-16-19 "2 Chronicles 26:16-19 - Uzziah's Usurpation of Priestly Authority"). The emphasis on Uzziah's isolation highlights the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, particularly concerning the sacred space of the Temple and the separation required for those ritually unclean. Finally, the swift transition of power to Jotham reflects the theme of **Continuity of Leadership**, showcasing the resilience of the Judean monarchy in ensuring stable governance and the administration of justice despite unforeseen crises. This narrative serves as a stark reminder that no human authority, however great, is above God's law or immune to His righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, נָגַע, _nagaʿ_):** This verb signifies a direct, forceful, and often punitive striking or touching. In biblical contexts, especially when God is the subject (as indicated by "the LORD smote"), it frequently denotes a divine affliction, plague, or judgment. This emphasizes that Uzziah's leprosy was not a natural illness but a direct, intentional act of God's righteous judgment, conveying immediacy and divine agency.
* **Leper (Hebrew, צָרַע, _tsaraʿ_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be smitten" or "to be diseased," this term refers to the severe skin condition known as *tsara'at*. Beyond its debilitating physical manifestation, *tsara'at* in ancient Israel carried profound ritual impurity, rendering the afflicted person unclean and requiring their isolation from the community and the sanctuary. It was often viewed as a visible sign of divine displeasure or judgment for sin.
* **Several house (Hebrew, בַּיִת חָפְשׁוּת, _bayith chophshûwth_):** This phrase literally translates to "house of freedom" or "house of liberation," but in this context, it is used ironically. It refers to a dwelling where one is "free" from public duties, social interaction, and access to the Temple, effectively a place of quarantine or confinement due to ceremonial impurity. It signifies enforced isolation and exclusion from the normal functions of society and kingship, highlighting the severe social and religious consequences of Uzziah's condition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD smote the king":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine causality and agency. The leprosy that afflicted Uzziah was not a random misfortune or a natural disease process, but a direct, deliberate act of the sovereign God. This emphasizes God's active involvement in the affairs of kings and His ultimate authority over human rulers, demonstrating His readiness to intervene when His sacred boundaries are violated.
* **"so that he was a leper unto the day of his death":** This specifies the nature and duration of the divine judgment. The affliction was leprosy, a highly stigmatized and ritually defiling condition, and it was permanent, lasting for the remainder of Uzziah's life. This signifies the severity, public nature, and enduring consequence of God's punishment for his profound transgression against the divine order.
* **"and dwelt in a several house":** This describes the immediate and legally mandated consequence of Uzziah's leprosy. According to Mosaic Law, individuals with *tsara'at* were ritually unclean and had to live in isolation outside the community. Even as king, Uzziah was subject to this law, forced to withdraw from public life and reside in a separate dwelling, unable to perform his royal duties or enter the Temple, thereby reinforcing the absolute nature of God's law over all.
* **"And Jotham the king's son [was] over the house, judging the people of the land":** This final clause details the administrative solution to the king's incapacitation. Jotham, Uzziah's son, assumed the role of regent, taking over the practical responsibilities of governing and administering justice. This ensured the continuity of the monarchy and the stability of the kingdom, even as the reigning king remained alive but isolated, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of the Judean governmental structure.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Divine Retribution** is central, as God's direct "smiting" of Uzziah with leprosy serves as a clear, immediate, and public consequence for his prideful transgression, as elaborated in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - Uzziah's Reign and Fall"). There is a strong element of **Irony** in a powerful and successful king like Uzziah being reduced to a state of ritual impurity and forced isolation, stripped of his public functions by the very God he sought to honor (albeit presumptuously). The description of his dwelling as a "several house" (literally "house of freedom") is also deeply ironic, as it signifies not liberation but enforced confinement and exclusion from society and the sanctuary. The narrative also uses **Contrast**, juxtaposing Uzziah's earlier prosperity, military success, and long reign with his humiliating and permanent affliction, highlighting the fragility of human power and achievement in the face of divine judgment. This event also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the eventual downfall of the Judean monarchy, demonstrating that even good kings could fall due to unfaithfulness, setting a precedent for the accountability that would eventually lead to exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Uzziah's leprosy in [2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Uzziah's Leprosy") profoundly illustrates God's unwavering holiness and His sovereign rule over all creation, including the most powerful human leaders. It serves as a stark reminder that divine boundaries are not to be transgressed, and that pride, especially in matters pertaining to God's worship and established order, carries severe consequences. Uzziah's attempt to usurp priestly functions, despite his many accomplishments, demonstrated a lack of reverence for God's specific appointments and a dangerous spiritual arrogance. This narrative underscores the principle that privilege and power do not exempt individuals from divine accountability; in fact, they often intensify it. God's judgment is not arbitrary but righteous, ensuring that His sacred spaces and roles are honored and that His people understand the gravity of His commands.

* [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "Uzziah's Presumption and Punishment")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Precedes a Fall")
* [Leviticus 13:46](/leviticus/13-46 "Laws for the Leper's Isolation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of King Uzziah's leprosy, as recorded in [2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Uzziah's Leprosy"), offers timeless lessons for all believers, regardless of their station in life. It powerfully reminds us that genuine humility and reverence for God's established order are paramount. Even a king renowned for his strength and success was brought low by a single act of prideful disobedience. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we tempted to overstep boundaries God has set, whether in our spiritual lives, our relationships, or our professional spheres? Do we presume upon God's grace or our own abilities, believing our past successes grant us immunity from His standards? Uzziah's permanent affliction serves as a sobering warning that while God is gracious, He is also holy and just, holding all individuals accountable for their actions, particularly those in positions of influence. Our walk with God must be marked by a continuous posture of submission and a deep respect for His divine authority, recognizing that true freedom comes from living within His wise and loving boundaries, not from attempting to define our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Uzziah's story challenge our understanding of success and spiritual authority in our own lives or in the church today?**
* **In what areas might we be tempted to overstep boundaries God has clearly set, whether out of ambition, impatience, or a lack of reverence?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate genuine humility, especially when we experience personal or professional success?**
* **How does this passage inform our understanding of God's justice and holiness, and how should that shape our response to His commands?**

### FAQ
**Why was King Uzziah smitten with leprosy, as mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While [2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Uzziah's Leprosy") states the fact of Uzziah's leprosy, the detailed explanation for this severe divine judgment is found in [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16-21 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Presumption and Punishment"). Uzziah, despite his long and prosperous reign, became proud. In his arrogance, he entered the Temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar, a sacred duty reserved exclusively for the priests, the descendants of Aaron. This act was a direct usurpation of priestly authority and a profound violation of God's established order for worship. For this grave sin of presumption and disrespect for divine boundaries, the LORD immediately struck him with leprosy.

**What does "dwelt in a several house" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "dwelt in a several house" (Hebrew: בֵּית הַחָפְשִׁית, _beit hachofshit_) refers to a house of isolation or quarantine. According to the Mosaic Law concerning ritual impurity, particularly for those afflicted with *tsara'at* (leprosy), individuals were required to live apart from the community (see [Leviticus 13:46](/leviticus/13-46 "Leviticus 13:46 - Laws for the Leper's Isolation")). Therefore, Uzziah, despite being king, was compelled to live in a separate dwelling, cut off from public life and the Temple, due to his ritual uncleanness. It signifies a place where one is "free" from public duties and social interaction, implying confinement rather than liberation.

**How does this story relate to God's character?**

Answer: This account powerfully reveals several aspects of God's character. First, it demonstrates His **holiness** and the seriousness with which He guards His sacred boundaries and commands. Second, it highlights His **justice**, showing that He holds even the most powerful human leaders accountable for their actions and will not tolerate pride or disobedience, especially when it involves His worship. Third, it underscores His **sovereignty**, affirming that He is actively involved in human affairs and can intervene directly to enforce His will. Finally, it speaks to His **faithfulness** to His covenant, as He maintains order and purity within His people, even through severe judgment, for their ultimate good and the preservation of His divine standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of King Uzziah's pride and subsequent leprosy, as captured in [2 Kings 15:5](/2_kings/15-5 "2 Kings 15:5 - Uzziah's Leprosy"), finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Uzziah's fatal flaw was his prideful attempt to usurp the priestly function, presuming to bridge the gap between God and man on his own terms. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and perfect High Priest, not by human lineage or presumption, but by divine appointment and an unchangeable priesthood (see [Hebrews 7:24-28](/hebrews/7-24-28 "Hebrews 7:24-28 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Unlike Uzziah, who was struck with impurity for his transgression, Christ, though sinless, willingly took on the impurity of humanity's 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 Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, while Uzziah was permanently isolated by his leprosy, Jesus demonstrated His divine power over sin's physical manifestations by touching and healing lepers, making the unclean clean through His compassionate and authoritative touch (e.g., [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper")). Uzziah's story is a cautionary tale of a king who fell due to pride and presumption; Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, instead exemplified ultimate humility, emptying himself and taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philipians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, where Uzziah failed through presumptuous ambition, Christ perfectly fulfilled the priestly and kingly roles through obedience, self-sacrifice, and divine authority, offering true cleansing, reconciliation, and access to God, which Uzziah's actions only served to defile.

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

Leviticus 13:46

All the days wherein the plague [shall be] in him he shall be defiled; he [is] unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp [shall] his habitation [be].

Numbers 12:14

And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in [again].

2 Samuel 8:15

¶ And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

Deuteronomy 24:8

Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, [so] ye shall observe to do.

2 Samuel 15:2

And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was [so], that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city [art] thou? And he said, Thy servant [is] of one of the tribes of Israel.

2 Samuel 15:4

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

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.