2 Crônicas 26
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 26
Morris - Uzziah is the same as Azariah (2 Kings 14:21; 15:1). His name is mentioned by Tiglath-Pilezer on one of the Assyrian inscriptions. (2 Chronicles 26 - Defender's Study Bible) Believer's Study Bible - This event occurred in 792 B.C. when Amaziah was taken captive in Israel (25:23). The unusual expression "took Uzziah ... and made him king" implies an extraordinary measure in a critical situation. MADE HIM KING The unusual phrase here is made him king -(9x in OT - see below) It is not merely saying “he became king,” but that someone actively installed, acclaimed, or caused him to be king. This is why the phrase appears in moments of public action, crisis, or legitimacy, not in routine accessions. The phrase often appears when the throne was contested or interrupted (2Sa 2:9 - Abner installs Ish-bosheth after Saul’s death; 1Ki 12:20 - Northern tribes make Jeroboam king in rebellion; 2Ki 23:30 - People install Jehoahaz after Josiah’s death; 2Ch 36:1 - People enthrone Jehoahaz instead of Egyptian choice). The phrase signals this kingship required human ratification because the line was not automatic. The phrase carries a quiet theology eimphasizing that God is the true King-maker. Even when people “make” a king, Scripture shows Human action ≠ divine approval. Example contrast: People made Jeroboam king → disaster. Priests made Joash king → covenant restoration. In short, “Made him king” is a formal enthronement formula signaling public legitimation—used especially after crisis or contested succession—to show that kingship was a covenantal trust conferred by the people under God, not merely automatic inheritance. INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 15 Raymond Dillard: The earlier history [2 Kings] had reported that Uzziah did “right” and enjoyed one of the longest reigns of the Judean kings. The Chronicler elaborates by demonstrating the tokens of divine blessing that Uzziah enjoyed; divine help, victory in warfare, a large army, wealth, fame, and building programs (2Ch 26:5–15) are all items in the author’s usual repertoire for portraying the blessings that accrue to fidelity. For the Chronicler, however, such a righteous king should not have suffered a debilitating and disgraceful disease. Where the earlier history had reported Uzziah’s leprosy without comment (2 Kgs 15:5), the Chronicler explains the anomaly by reporting Uzziah’s pride and his cultic sin as the inciting reason for his disease. (Borrow 2 Chronicles) John Olley: Military successes, agricultural development, and defense buildup flowed from Uzziah’s decision to “seek God” (using darash; 2Ch 26:5 [2x]), following instruction “in the fear of God” from an otherwise unknown Zechariah (2Ch 26:5–15). At that time, “God helped him” (2Ch 26:7, 15), matching his alternative name, Azariah (“the Lord helped”), so he became “strong” (2Ch 26:8, 15). The contrast is blunt: “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God” (2Ch 26:16). His actions denied his name, Uzziah (“the Lord is my strength”). Then follows an occasion in which “the Lord struck him,” leading to a skin disease (2Ch 26:16–21; cf. 2 Kings 15:5, which gives no reason). When he was rebuked for usurping a priestly function in the temple, he was “angry” (zaʻap, “rage”; 2Ch 26:19). As with his father and grandfather, past faithfulness and success did not guarantee continuing humility before God. God’s word was rejected. (ESV Expository Commentary) Frederick Mabie: The forty-year overlap between the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel indicate a time of significant peace and prosperity for both kingdoms, aided by geopolitical realities such as weakness in Aram and regional distractions in Assyria. In addition to the prosperity of this period, the geographical extent of both Israel and Judah expanded considerably during the long reigns of these kings. In the northern kingdom, Jeroboam II extended the northern border of Israel to Lebo Hamath (including taking Damascus) and recaptured previously lost territory in Transjordan (cf. 2Ki 14:25, 28). In the southern kingdom, Uzziah was able to prevail over several Philistine cities in the west (including Gath and Ashdod), the Ammonites in the east, and Arabians and Meunites in the south. The Chronicler notes that these victories caused Uzziah’s fame to spread “as far as the border of Egypt” (2Ch 26:8). Uzziah also rebuilt the Judean maritime port at Elath (2Ch 26:2; cf. 2Ki 14:22) and fortified the southern Negev and wilderness regions (2Ch 26:10). As a result of these territorial gains by Israel and Judah, the combined geographical extent of the northern and southern kingdoms approximated the extent seen at the height of the united monarchy under David and Solomon. Moreover, the resulting control of trade routes enhanced the prosperity of both Israel and Judah. (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Revised Edition – 1 & 2 Chronicles) Martin Selman: This is the last of three successive reigns which concludes with a period of disobedience and disaster, and it seems that nothing is able to prevent Judah and their kings sliding into sin and judgment. Idolatry, rejection of the prophets, violence, and pride repeat themselves with devastating regularity. Matthew Henry Notes: Chapter: 2Ch 26 This chapter gives us an account of the reign of Uzziah (Azariah he was called in the Kings) more fully than we had it before, though it was long, and in some respects illustrious, yet it was very briefly related, 2 Ki. 14:21; 15:1, etc. Here is, I. His good character in general (2Ch 26:1-5) II. His great prosperity in his wars, his buildings, and all the affairs of his kingdom (2Ch 26:6-15). III. His presumption in invading the priests' office, for which he was struck with a leprosy, and confined by it (2Ch 26:16-21) even to his death (2Ch 26:22, 23). 2Ch 26:1-15 We have here an account of two things concerning Uzziah:- I. His piety. In this he was not very eminent or zealous; yet he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. He kept up the pure worship of the true God as his father did, and was better than his father, inasmuch as we have no reason to think he ever worshipped idols as his father did, no, not in his latter days, when his heart was lifted up. It is said (2Ch 26:5), He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who, some think, was the son of the Zechariah whom his grandfather Joash slew. This Zechariah was one that had understanding in the visions of God, either the visions which he himself was favoured with or the visions of the preceding prophets. He was well versed in prophecy, and conversed much with the upper world, was an intelligent, devout, good man; and, it seems, had great influence with Uzziah. Happy are the great men who have such about them and are willing to be advised by them; but unhappy those who seek God only while they have such with them and have not a principle in themselves to bear them out to the end. II. His prosperity. 1. In general, as long as he sought the Lord, and minded religion, God made him to prosper. Note, (1.) Those only prosper whom God makes to prosper; for prosperity is his gift. (2.) Religion and piety are very friendly to outward prosperity. Many have found and owned this, that as long as they sought the Lord and kept close to their duty they prospered; but since they forsook God every thing has gone cross. 2. Here are several particular instances of his prosperity:- (1.) His success in his wars: God helped him (2Ch 26:7), and then he triumphed over the Philistines (those old enemies of God's people), demolished the fortifications of their cities, and put garrisons of his own among them, 2Ch 26:6. He obliged the Ammonites to pay him tribute, 2Ch 26:8. He made all quiet about him, and kept them in awe. (2.) The greatness of his fame and reputation. His name was celebrated throughout all the neighbouring countries (2Ch 26:8) and it was a good name, a name for good things with God and good people. This is true fame, and makes a man truly honourable. (3.) His buildings. While he acted offensively abroad, he did not neglect the defence of his kingdom at home, but built towers in Jerusalem and fortified them, 2Ch 26:9. Much of the wall of Jerusalem was in his father's time broken down, particularly at the corner gate. But his best fortification of Jerusalem was his close adherence to the worship of God: if his father had not forsaken this the wall of Jerusalem would not have been broken down. While he fortified the city, he did not forget the country, but built towers in the desert too (2Ch 26:10), to protect the country people from the inroads of the plunderers, bands of whom sometimes alarmed them and plundered them, as 2Ch 21:16. (4.) His husbandry. He dealt much in cattle and corn, employed many hands, and got much wealth by his dealing; for he took a pleasure in it: he loved husbandry (2Ch 26:10), and probably did himself inspect his affairs in the country, which was no disparagement to him, but an advantage, as it encouraged industry among his subjects. It is an honour to the husbandman's calling that one of the most illustrious princes of the house of David followed it and loved it. He was not one of those that delight in war, nor did he addict himself to sport and pleasure, but delighted in the innocent and quiet employments of the husbandman. (5.) His standing armies. He had, as it should seem, two military establishments. {1.} A host of fighting men that were to make excursions abroad. These went out to war by bands, 2Ch 26:11. They fetched in spoil from the neighbouring countries by way of reprisal for the depredations they had so often made upon Judah, {2.} Another army for guards and garrisons, that were ready to defend the country in case it should be invaded, 2Ch 26:12, 13. So great were their number and valour that they made war with mighty power; no enemy durst face them, or, at least, could stand before them. Men unarmed can do little in war. Uzziah therefore furnished himself with a great armoury, whence his soldiers were supplied with arms offensive and defensive (2Ch 26:14), spears, bows, and slings, shields, helmets, and habergeons: swords are not mentioned, because it is probable that every man had a sword of his own, which he wore constantly. Engines were invented, in his time, for annoying besiegers with darts and stones shot from the towers and bulwarks, v. 15. What a pity it is that the wars and fightings which come from men's lusts have made it necessary for cunning men to employ their skill in inventing instruments of death. QUESTION - Who was King Uzziah in the Bible?' ANSWER - King Uzziah in the Bible was one of the good kings of Judah. His father was King Amaziah, and his mother was a woman named Jecoliah, from Jerusalem. Uzziah was the father of King Jotham. Ministering during Uzziah’s reign were the prophets Hosea, Isaiah, Amos, and Jonah. The kings in the northern kingdom of Israel during his time were Jeroboam II, Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah, and Hoshea. Uzziah is also called Azariah in 2 Kings 14:21. King Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for 52 years in Judah from approximately 790 to 739 BC. He “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” as his father Amaziah had done (2 Chronicles 26:4). King Uzziah sought the Lord “during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God.” This Zechariah is most likely a godly prophet to whom Uzziah listened. As long as Uzziah made a point to seek God, God made him prosperous (2 Chronicles 26:5). Unfortunately, after Zechariah died, Uzziah made some mistakes later in his life. King Uzziah in the Bible is shown as a wonderfully intelligent and innovative king, under whom the state of Judah prospered (2 Chronicles 26:6–15). He was used by God to defeat the Philistines and Arabs (verse 7), he built fortified towers and strengthened the armies of Judah (verses 9 and 14), and he commissioned skilled men to create devices that could shoot arrows and large stones at enemies from the city walls (verse 15). He also built up the land, and the Bible says he “loved the soil” (verse 10). The Ammonites paid tribute to King Uzziah, and his fame spread all over the ancient world, as far as the border of Egypt (verses 8 and 15). Unfortunately, King Uzziah’s fame and strength led him to become proud, and this led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26:16). He committed an unfaithful act by entering the temple of God to burn incense on the altar. Burning incense on the altar was something only the priests could do. By attempting to do this himself, Uzziah was basically saying he was above following the Law. It was not a humble thing to do. Eighty courageous priests, led by a high priest named Azariah, tried to stop the king: “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God” (2 Chronicles 26:18). Uzziah became angry with the priests who dared confront him. But, “while he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead” (verse 19). Uzziah ran from the temple in fear, because God had struck him (verse 20). From that day to the day of his death, King Uzziah was a leper. He lived in a separate palace and was not allowed to enter the temple of the Lord. His son, Jotham, governed the people in his place. King Uzziah is also mentioned in the book of Matthew as one of the ancestors of Joseph, Jesus’ legal father (Matthew 1:8–9).GotQuestions.org QUESTION - WHO IS AZARIAH? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG? ANSWER - Azariah was a common man’s name in Bible times. The name Azariah means "Yahweh has helped." Names were often given for spiritual reasons. For example, an "ah" added to a name was significant because it was part of Yahweh’s name. When God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah, He was giving them His name as part of His covenant with them (Genesis 17: 4-5, 15-16)..... Another Azariah, also called Uzziah, was a king of Judah (2 Chronicles 26). Historians speculate that he reigned from 783-742 B. C., much of that time as co-regent along with his father, Amaziah. He was 16 years old when he began to reign. He was a good king and helped return the people to the worship of Yahweh alone. For that reason, God allowed him to reign as king for 52 years, significantly longer than most kings ruled. Second Chronicles 26:5 says, "And as long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success." However, in verses 14-16, things changed: "But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." Despite his name and despite his earlier adherence to the laws of God, his heart grew proud. He couldn’t handle the success God gave him and began to believe that he was responsible for the good things in his life. We can learn from Azariah’s name that simply beginning well does not ensure a lifetime of obedience to God. Even having the name of the Lord as part of our heritage does not free us from the responsibility to live up to that name. We may be born into a Christian home, learn about Jesus from nursery school, and walk faithfully for a time, but God places a high value on faithfulness. Enduring to the end is important (Matthew 24:13; James 5:11; 2 Timothy 2:12). When the Lord is part of our identity, we must live out our days in a way that continues to honor His name. James Smith - UZZIAH; or, FAILURE THROUGH PRIDE. 2 Chronicles 26. "The fall thou darest to despise— May be the angel's slackened hand Has suffered it, that he may rise And take a firmer, surer stand; Or, trusting less to earthly things, May henceforth learn to use his wings." —Procter. Uzziah was but a lad of sixteen when he was crowned king of Judah. His reign was a long one, extending over fifty-two years. It was good for him that he came under the godly influence of the clear-visioned Zechariah, the burden of whose message was, "If ye forsake the Lord ye cannot prosper" (chap. 24:20). Who can reckon up the full value of that life, which has been illumined with a definite message from God. Zechariah's word had burned its way into the heart of young Uzziah, for in his days he sought God (2Ch 26:5). The story of his life reveals to us— I. An Encouraging Testimony. The writer of the Chronicles tells us that, "As long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper" (2Ch 26:5). As long as God got His true place in the life and work of Uzziah, there were no interruptions to the steady march of his rising prosperity. All true and abiding prosperity is "God-made," and the condition of it is seeking to know and how to do His will. Mark that it was "as long as he sought the Lord," and no longer that the divine benediction rested on him and his work. It is ours to go on trusting; it is His to go on blessing. II. An Assuring Confirmation. "He was marvellously helped till he was strong" (2Ch 26:15). God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians (2Ch 26:7), to build towers, and to dig many wells (v. 10). He also gave him a great host "that made war with mighty power to help him against the enemy" (2Ch 26:13). The help of God is intensely practical. They are always marvellously helped that are helped of God. It is surely God's purpose to make those strong who seek Him, that His will may be done in them. God will still bear them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts (distributions) of the Holy Ghost (Heb. 2:4). "Be ye strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." III. A Terrible Fall. "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction" (2Ch 26:16). It is a great privilege to be helped of God and made strong, but every privilege has its corresponding temptation and danger. Peter was made strong to walk on the sea, but even then he began to sink. Elijah was made strong to overcome the wicked works of Ahab, yet afterwards he fled before the wrath of Jezebel. Yes, Uzziah fell. 1. THE CAUSE. "His heart was lifted up." Lifted up through pride and self-confidence. As long as he sought the honour of the Lord, God lifted him up, but now that he seeks to honour himself by assuming the priestly office he falls from the grace of God (2Ch 26:18). His position as king gave him no right as priest. A man's worldly position gives him no authority or fitness for the holy ministry. Uzziah, in his presumption, was setting aside the revealed will of God. He must have known that the Levites had been chosen of God from among the children of Israel to do the service of the tabernacle. A solemn warning had also been given: "The stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death" (Num. 18:6, 7). But, in his own name, and in his own strength, he would go, so his pride led to his fall. It is of the nature of self-righteousness to despise the work and office of the Priestly Saviour. 2. THE EFFECT. "He was a leper unto the day of his death" (2Ch 26:21). He was wroth, and would not go back when Azariah the priest remonstrated with him, but when the Lord smote him with leprosy "he hasted to go out" (2Ch 26:20). Instead of his work being accepted of God, he was smitten with a curse, and driven out from His presence with a lifelong brand of sin upon him. Like many other lepers, the plague was in his head. Having been smitten with a sense of his presumption and sin, God did not need to cast him out of His holy place, for he himself hasted to go out. The holy presence of God is no place of comfort and rest for the unforgiven sinner. Heaven is no home for those who ignore the work of Christ, who is our Great High Priest. He is the One Mediator between God and man; the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man can come unto the Father but by Him. It was Uzziah's own sin that "cut him off from the house of the Lord" (2Ch 26:21). It is the sin of putting proud self in the place of the Lord's Anointed that kindles the wrath of God, and cuts that soul off from fellowship with Him. The man who sets aside God's appointed way of life does it to his own destruction. "There is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." John Butler - 2 Chronicles 26—Reign of Uzziah. He was called Azariah in the account of his reign given in Second Kings. This account of his 52 year reign is much fuller than the report in Second Kings. •Faith: he sought the Lord. •Freedom: he freed Israel of many enemies. •Fortifying: he built up defenses in many cities. •Fear: other nations feared him and gave gifts to him. •Farming: Uzziah “loved husbandry [farming]” (v. 10) and did much in this area. •Forces: his armed forces were many and mighty and had the latest equipment. •Fame: “his name was spread far abroad” (v. 15). •Failure: this was the great blot on his life. It includes the place of his sin (he intruded into the priests’ office); the pride for his sin (he was puffed up by his successes and this helped cause his sin); the protest of his sin (Azariah and other priests protested Uzziah’s sinful act); the punishment for his sin (he was made a leper the rest of his life and had to dwell in a separate place because of it). 2 Chronicles 26:2 He built Eloth and restored it to Judah after the king slept with his fathers. Eloth: 2Ch 8:17 2Ki 14:22 2Ki 16:6, Elath restored: 2Ch 25:23,28 Parallel Passage: 2 Kings 14:22+ He built Elath and restored it to Judah after the king slept with his fathers. 2 Kings 16:6+ At that time Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram, and cleared the Judeans out of Elath entirely; and the Arameans came to Elath and have lived there to this day. Eloth (Elath) KING UZZIAH A GREAT BEGINNING He built Eloth and restored it to Judah after the king slept with his fathers - This move signaled that Judah was once again a force to be reckoned with. Uzziah's early obedience and seeking the LORD brought divine blessing. His father Amaziah’s defeat of the Edomites (2Ki 14:7-10+, 2Ch 25:5-14+) allowed his son Uzziah/Azariah to build up Eloth as a strong Judean port which it had been in the days of Solomon (2Ch 8:17+; 2Ch 26:2+) Solomon had even built a naval fleet there (1Ki 9:26-28+). Uzziah’s rebuilding of Eloth is both a symbol of godly beginnings and a warning of how easily blessing can be lost when a heart turns from humble trust in the LORD. Eloth (Elath) was a valuable port on the Gulf of Aqaba (map). It was a strategic commercial link to Edom, Arabia, and even to Africa and India via the sea. During earlier years, Edom had rebelled against Judah’s authority (2Ki 8:20-22+), and Eloth had likely fallen out of Judah’s control. By rebuilding and reclaiming it, young Uzziah re‑established Judah’s southern trade gateway and extended its prosperity and influence. This action symbolized stability returning to the kingdom after a time of political turmoil and Amaziah’s tragic downfall. Bob
2 Crônicas 26
Morris - It is striking that many of Judah's kings, beginning with Solomon and including such stalwarts as Asa, Joash and Amaziah, started their reigns doing "right in the sight of the LORD," then later descended into compromise with paganism or into outright rebellion against God's Word. This same phenomenon is often noted among modern Christian leaders--not only among political leaders--but among religious and educational leaders as well. (2 Chronicles 26 - Defender's Study Bible) According to all that his father Amaziah had done - This is at first glance a somewhat enigmatic description. Why? Amaziah began well but ended poorly. After defeating the Edomites King Amaziah foolishly worshiped the Edomite gods he had just defeated (2Ch 25:14-16). Amaziah also rejected prophetic rebuke, provoked a disastrous war with Israel (2Ch 25:17-22) and ended by being assassinated (2 Ki 14:19). Therefore according to all that his father Amaziah had done clearly refers to the early obedience of Amaziah. On the other hand, there is some resemblance to Amaziah, iin that Uzziah began well but did not end well for he committed a sin that resulted in leprosy removal from the official king's house. Right (03477) yashar from the verb yashar = to be smooth, straight or right) is an adjective that means straight; reliable, level, pleasing; upright; righteous. Yashar only rarely is used literally of that which is straight (Ezek 1:7). Yashar can refer to something physical like a path, but even in those uses is often a metaphorical description of one's conduct or behavior (Ps 107:7). Most uses refer to that which is right in an ethical or an emotional sense, as agreeable or pleasing. It is fitting that God is the standard of yashar (what is "straight") (Ps 92:15, called the "Upright One" - Isa 26:7). God's Word is described as upright (right) (Ps 19:7) as are His judgments (Ps 119:137) and His way (Ps 107:7). "God made men upright (Ge 1:27), but they have sought out many devices." (Eccl 7:29) Yashar is frequently used to describe our moral/ethical heart as "upright in heart" (Ps 7:10, 11:2, 32:11, 36:10, 64:10, 94:15, 97:11, 111:1, 125:4) (See all uses in Psalms and Proverbs below). Indeed, the upright "will behold His face" (Ps 11:7), will experience gladness (Ps 97:11), will be gathered together in the assembly (Ps 111:1), will be blessed (Ps 112:2), will be given light in times of darkness (Ps 112:4), will dwell in God's presence (Ps 140:13, cp Pr 2:21), have access to God's sound wisdom (Pr 2:7), will experience intimacy with the Most High God (Pr 3:32), will be guided by their integrity (Pr 11:3), will be delivered by their righteousness (Pr 11:6), will be delivered by their words (Pr 12:6), will see their tents flourish (Pr 14:11). "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil." (Pr 16:17) YASHAR IN KINGS AND CHRONICLES - 1 Ki. 11:33; 1 Ki. 11:38; 1 Ki. 14:8; 1 Ki. 15:5; 1 Ki. 15:11; 1 Ki. 22:43; 2 Ki. 10:3; 2 Ki. 10:15; 2 Ki. 10:30; 2 Ki. 12:2; 2 Ki. 14:3; 2 Ki. 15:3; 2 Ki. 15:34; 2 Ki. 16:2; 2 Ki. 18:3; 2 Ki. 22:2; 2 Chr. 14:2; 2 Chr. 20:32; 2 Chr. 24:2; 2 Chr. 25:2; 2 Chr. 26:4; 2 Chr. 27:2; 2 Chr. 28:1; 2 Chr. 29:2; 2 Chr. 29:34; 2 Chr. 31:20; 2 Chr. 34:2 Right in the sight - 25x - Deut. 12:25; Deut. 12:28; Deut. 13:18; 1 Ki. 15:5; 1 Ki. 15:11; 1 Ki. 22:43; 2 Ki. 12:2; 2 Ki. 14:3; 2 Ki. 15:3; 2 Ki. 15:34; 2 Ki. 16:2; 2 Ki. 18:3; 2 Ki. 22:2; 2 Chr. 14:2; 2 Chr. 20:32; 2 Chr. 24:2; 2 Chr. 25:2; 2 Chr. 26:4; 2 Chr. 27:2; 2 Chr. 28:1; 2 Chr. 29:2; 2 Chr. 30:4; 2 Chr. 34:2; Acts 4:19; Rom. 12:17 2 Chronicles 26:5 He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God prospered him. He continued to seek God: 2Ch 24:2 Jdg 2:7 Ho 6:4 Mk 4:16,17 Ac 20:30 Zechariah, who had understanding : Ge 41:15,38 Da 1:17 2:19 5:16 10:1 and as long: 2Ch 15:2 25:8 1Ch 22:11,13 Ps 1:3 Related Passages: Hosea 6:3 “So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-2+ (KING ASA A GENERALLY GOOD KING DID NOT LISTEN!) Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah (A DIFFERENT "AZARIAH" OF COURSE) the son of Oded,and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. Joshua 1:8+ (A PATTERN FOR PROSPERITY, ESPECIALLY SPIRITUAL!) “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous (tsalach; LXX - euodoo = literally lead along on a good path) , and then you will have success. UZZIAH SEEKS GOD GOD PROSPERS UZZIAH He continued to seek (baqas; LXX - ekzēteō) God in the days of Zechariah - This verse is the KEY to Uzziah's success. His strength, victories, and prosperity were not rooted in military genius or economic policy, but in a deliberate, ongoing pursuit of the LORD. The Hebrew verb baqas speaks of an earnest, intentional seeking, which is more than casual interest. It describes a heart that inquires, pursues, and depends upon God. The Septuagint’s ekzēteō intensifies the idea for it means to seek out diligently, and to crave direction from God as a continual habit of life. To seek the Lord means going to Him for His wisdom and help so often that you wear a path to God Steven