Uzziah

Uzziah (also called Azariah; meaning: the LORD is my strength) was king of Judah for fifty-two years (c. 792–740 B.C.), one of the longest reigns in Judah's history, succeeding his father Amaziah at age sixteen (2 Kings 14:21; 2 Chr. 26:1). During his long reign he strengthened the kingdom militarily, subdued the Philistines and Ammonites, rebuilt Elath, reorganized the army with sophisticated weapons, and promoted agriculture. "His name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong" (2 Chr. 26:15).

Uzziah's downfall came when he presumed to burn incense in the temple — an act reserved for priests — in violation of the Mosaic law. The priests confronted him; he responded in anger; and God struck him with leprosy on his forehead as he stood in the sanctuary. He remained a leper until his death, living in a separate house while his son Jotham co-reigned (2 Chr. 26:16–23; 2 Kings 15:5). Isaiah's inaugural vision came "in the year that king Uzziah died" (Isa. 6:1), marking the end of an era. Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah all prophesied during his reign.