II Chronicles 26

“As long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him” (v5).  Uzziah was a powerful, productive king who followed God faithfully for much of his life.  Under his reign, towers were built, wells dug, and fields planted (v10), and his soldiers were well-armed.  “His fame spread afar” (v15).  Unfortunately, his pride increased to the point of disregarding the Law (v16).   King Uzziah entered the Temple to burn incense, an act of worship reserved for priests.  Confronted by eighty outraged priests, he was struck with leprosy.

Uzziah’s life illustrates the truth of James’ statement: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).