2 Kings 15:1-7 | The Way of Scripture

2 Kings 15:1-7

How does Azariah’s illness change the exercise of royal power?

Berean Standard Bible

1 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam’s reign over Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah became king of Judah. 2 He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. 4 Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. 5 And the LORD afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, so that he lived in a separate house while his son Jotham had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land. 6 As for the rest of the acts of Azariah, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 7 And Azariah rested with his fathers and was buried near them in the City of David. And his son Jotham reigned in his place.

What is the context?

Azariah, also called Uzziah in this chapter, rules Judah for fifty-two years. His conduct receives a favorable judgment qualified by the continuing high places.

The Lord afflicts him with leprosy, and he lives in a separate house until death. Jotham his son manages the palace and governs the people. The narrative therefore distinguishes holding the kingship from carrying out its daily responsibilities.

After Azariah dies and is buried in the City of David, Jotham succeeds him. Kings reports the affliction briefly rather than narrating its cause in detail here.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley directs readers to 2 Chronicles 26:16–23, where Uzziah’s pride, attempt to burn incense, confrontation with the priests, and resulting affliction are described. That account supplies the particular wrongdoing; it does not authorize treating every person with a skin disease as guilty of the same sin.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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