Even Kings Die

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” (Isaiah 6:1)

This was a big day for Judah, and the southern kingdom.  King Uzziah had helped the people thrive greatly during his fifty-two year reign.

He had assumed leadership at the young age of sixteen after his father, Amaziah, was killed.

Uzziah successfully led military campaigns, fortified Jerusalem, built cities, brilliantly equipped an army of over 300,000 men, and even employed skillful inventors who crafted defense machines. (See 2 Chronicles 26:5-15)

In short, he oversaw wonderful years in Judah.  But, unfortunately for both King Uzziah and his people, he did not heed the “fear of God” in which he had been instructed. (See 2 Chronicles 26:5; 2 Chronicles 26:16)

Uzziah seemed able to accomplish anything he set his hand to, but he “…became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16)

While this may not seem so bad, it was contrary to God’s command that Aaron and the priests after him would be set aside to worship God in that way. (See Exodus 30:7, 8)  But, Uzziah was a builder of cities and the master of a great army, and he believed himself to be above God’s Word.

Uzziah entered arrogantly into the Temple and was struck with leprosy until the day he died. No matter how great any person is, they are never above the Word of God.  Uzziah failed to realize that regardless of his accomplishments, God was greater and more powerful.  This day, in the “…year that King Uzziah died,” Isaiah “…saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted.”

Even though the people of Judah would mourn the loss of their renowned king, and leadership passed to his son Jotham, there was someone who remained on an everlasting throne.  And ultimately, the reign of Jesus is the only one in which we can find our security & direction.

Remember, even kings die; don’t put your trust in men.

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