Learn from Uzziah – Humility

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw HaShem sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the Temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is HaShem of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"

And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, HaShem of hosts."

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged."

Isaiah 6:1-7

Introduction

• Uzziah [“My Strength is HaShem”]
• Also known as Azariah.
• 1 Chron 3:12: Grandson of Joash; great-grandfather of Hezekiah.
• Ruled from ~810 BCE to 759 BCE (52 years)
• Began ruling at age 16

Successes                                                             

• 2Chron 26:4-5: He did what was right. He sought HaShem. The prophet Zechariah (not the book) was a positive influence.
• 26:6-8: Military successes, and drives out pagan nations from the Land.
• 26:9:10: Built up fortresses and had farms and vineyards.
• 26:11-15: Reorganized the army, made them well-equipped, and innovated fortress defenses.

Failures                                                           

• 26:16: When he was strong, his heart was lifted up to destruction.
• 26:16-21: Entered the Temple, tried to offer incense, and was struck with leprosy.
• His son Jotham ruled in his place until he died.

Lesson from Uzziah                                                     

• In Scripture, leprosy (not Hanson’s Disease) is somehow associated with jealousy, pride, and evil speech.
• Num 12:1-15: Miriam spoke against Moses – assuming that her prophesy was on par with Moses. G-d reminded her that Moses’ prophesy was superior to all – and that Moses was humble.
• Ex 29:9; 40:15; Num 16:3-26: It is not up to anyone to decide who should offer incense to HaShem – HaShem has already spoken: the descendants of Aaron only.
• 2Chron 16:19: Uzziah’s sin was the sin of pride. He spoke against the anointed priests. Ironically, Isaiah, not a descendant of Aaron, “sees” HaShem after Uzziah dies. He dies during the 14th Jubilee.

Summary                                                              

• When we are strongest, is the time we should be most cautious. Success is established on humility – it is destroyed by pride.
• G-d is not a respecter of persons. He means what He says.