King Uzziah (The Second Book of Chronicles 26:1-23) was the son of
Amaziah, king of Judah. Uzziah became the king of Judah at the age of 16
and ruled it since 783 to 742 B.C. He came to power at very troubled times,
but he managed to make peace with the Jeroboam II, king of Israel, and
both kingdoms profited from it. Uzziah strengthened the military defenses
around Jerusalem, reorganized the army, and gained control over many caravan
routes to the south. But in religious matters he was not so wise, he wanted
to usurp the priestly role, but acted rather straightforward and clumsy.
When reprimanded by priests he became so angry at their lack of respect
that “leprosy broke out on his forehead” (2 Chronicles 26:19). Uzziah then
retired in seclusion and passed his power to his son Jotham.
See: Rembrandt. The
King Uzziah Stricken with Leprosy.