Douglas Jacoby Podcast

OT Characters: Uzziah

Episode Summary

Douglas continues his series on Old Testament Characters now exploring the story of Uzziah. Douglas shares what we can learn from Uzziah’s life as well as what we can learn about God from his story. He also shares ideas for how to share this story with your kids.

Episode Notes

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Hebrew words:

• ‘Uzziyyahu (contraction of Azariah, ‘Azaryah) = “Yah(weh) is my strength.”
• The king is mentioned several dozen times in the Bible.

Further study:

• Our chapter: 2 Chronicles 26.
  • Exodus 28:36-39
  • Leviticus 22:4; Numbers 5:2
  • We also read Deuteronomy 17:18-20.
• A parallel chapter: 1 Kings 15
• Deuteronomy 8. In a microcosm, Uzziah’s life is the experience of Israel: Blessed by God, prosperous, ungrateful, and ultimately suffering enormous loss.
• Compare the lives of two other lepers: Miriam (Numbers 12) and Naaman (2 Kings 5).

Some things we learn about God:

• God and God alone is sovereign. No one is above the rules.
• Leaders form or mentor other leaders, and sometimes when their influence is withdrawn, the depth of conviction in the younger leader is revealed.
• God will work to challenge leaders who need to be reined in through those courageous enough to speak out.

For kids: Click to view the lesson from The One Year Bible for Children.

Key verses:

• 2 Chronicles 26:1 – Uzziah becomes king at age 16.
• 2 Chronicles 26:5,15 – God causes him to prosper, and become powerful.
• 2 Chronicles 26:16 – Pride and arrogance undo him.
• 2 Chronicles 26:19 – Rejecting critique, he suffers the penalty of a lifelong social stigma.

Next lesson: Manasseh