Who Was Azariah in the Bible?

Azariah, commonly known in the book of Chronicles as Uzziah, was the son of Amaziah and became king of Judah at the young age of sixteen. His reign was one of the longest and most prosperous in Judah's history, spanning fifty-two years. 2 Kings 15:3 records, 'And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.' Under his leadership, Judah regained military strength, fortified Jerusalem, and expanded its territories. However, his story serves as a tragic warning against the dangers of pride. As he grew powerful, his heart was lifted up to his destruction. 2 Chronicles 26:16 states, 'But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense.' Azariah attempted to perform the duties reserved strictly for the priests of the lineage of Aaron. When the priests withstood him, he became wroth, and immediately 'the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord.' Because of this divine judgment, 2 Chronicles 26:21 notes, 'And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death.' He lived the remainder of his life in a 'several house,' cut off from the house of the Lord and his people, illustrating that even the most successful leaders are subject to the holiness and sovereignty of God. His life reflects the biblical proverb that pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.