Resurrection Life of Jesus Church

The Godhead paused the virtual time run in disgust as the last screenshot showed the corpse of King Amaziah thrown over a horse and arriving in Jerusalem.

It was clear that Lucifer was using the same ploy with each new king by making sure that the high places where the people committed idolatry were never removed. Lucifer did not care if the Godhead was worshiped in the temple at Jerusalem, he was more than happy to offset any loss with worship at the high places.

The high places were not removed for political reasons since the kings depended upon the princes, aristocrats and the people that supported the royals. Most kings felt it would be suicide to clean up idol worship and experience the wrath of the people.

The Godhead had a super weapon in the form of the baptism of the Holy Spirit to use against Lucifer and his minions but it could not be deployed until Jesus completed the atonement and ascended. John 7:37-39

The Godhead limited themselves at the trial of Lucifer and could bring in prophets at this time in history. It was decided that three prophets would operate during the time Azariah – or Uzziah as he is commonly known – served as the next king of Judah. Their names were Hosea, Amos, and Zechariah. Hosea 1:1; Amos 1:1-2

Nothing was written by Zechariah. 2 Chronicles 26:5

KING UZZIAH
One of the first things Uzziah did as king was to lead a military campaign south to the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba and rebuild the sea port of Eloth.¹ This was an area where many battles had been fought against armies of Egypt and Edom. 2 Kings 14:21-22; 2 Chronicles 26:1-3

Uzziah did what was in the sight of the Lord except he failed to remove the high places of Baal worship. 2 Kings 15:3-4; 2 Chronicles 26:4

Uzziah became close to the prophet Zechariah and God prospered him even though he did not fully stamp out idolatry. verse 5

REBUILDING JUDAH
Judah was a rundown during the last years of King Amaziah and Uzziah made the nation to prosper; he conducted a number of small wars that expanded the territory of the realm. verses 6-8

He increased the fortifications of Jerusalem, repaired the 600 foot section of wall that was torn down by King Jehoash of Israel, and built towers in the desert. verse 9

PERSONAL BUSINESS
Uzziah was a cunning businessman and used his office to enrich himself with cattle and wine. He was a skilled manager when it came to the cultivation of crops and breeding animals. verse 10

MILITARY BUILDUP
Uzziah had an officer corps of 2,600 men with 307,500 soldiers. verses 11-13

Uzziah built up arms production in Judah so that they did not have to purchase arms from other nations. verses 14-15

PRIDE COMES BEFORE FALL
Satan was able to take Uzziah down through pride. He did not worship Baal and God had blessed him mightily. He was an intelligent man, gifted in agriculture, able to create an arms industry, design super weapons, and successfully lead a number of military campaigns.

Only ordained Levitical priests were allowed to enter the temple and offer sacrifices. Uzziah decided that he would not withhold that honor from himself and one day he barged into the temple complex intent on doing so. He was confronted by priests and it turned into a huge argument. verses 16-18

Uzziah as king was not used to resistance and became furious as he stood ready to light a fire with the censer in his hand. He could have called in soldiers and they would have slaughtered the priests just like King Saul had done a few hundred years earlier. 1 Samuel 22:16-19

The Godhead watched the screaming and commotion in the temple and dispatched an angel to strike Uzziah with leprosy. 2 Chronicles 26:19

Uzziah realized he had been smitten by the Lord and quickly left the temple grounds.  verse 20

NO CURE FOR LEPROSY
Uzziah could no longer perform the functions of a king while a leper. He was forbidden to return to the palace and his family and a number of houses were built for him. He went from being a mighty king with family and servants to living alone, awaiting the day the disease would kill him. While he still retained the title of king, Jotham became the actual ruler. verse 21

Uzziah was 16 years old when ascended the throne to become king of Judah and ruled for 52 years. He died at the age of 68 and Jotham became the next king. verses 22-23

SUMMARY
There is no doubt in my mind that Azariah believed in God and trusted in the future Messiah as his redeemer. He never worshipped Baal and provided security for the people against Judah’s enemies by building up the military and creating a strong economy.

There was only one thing that was held him back. He was not allowed to perform sacrifices in the temple because this was a role reserved exclusively for the priests. This is how Lucifer got to him, and just like Moses could not enter the Promised Land, Uzziah lost his health and lived a lonely life until his death. Deuteronomy 32:48-52

Make sure that you don’t let Satan steal the victory from you. Don’t let pride, grief, circumstances, or other people steal the crown that is waiting for you. Fight hard and finish strong! Hebrews 12:1-2

1. In 2022 there are three cities very close to each other at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. The city of Taba on the Egyptian side, Eiliat on the Israeli side, and Aqaba on the Jordanian side. Taba and Eliat are tourist attractions where people come from the north during the winter to swim and sunbathe. Aqaba is an important sea port for the nation of Jordan.