II Chronicles 26: Of Leaps And Lepers

II Chronicles 26 contains a glimpse of technological progress slowly underway in the kingdom of Judah.  Sometimes, as the Bible stories move forward in history, we occasionally spy hints of technological leaps.  And, in this chapter, we also find leprosy, as it breaks out upon the forehead of an overly proud king.

Uzziah is the ruling monarch in this chapter, and it is a long reign.  His kingship lasts 52 years (vs. 3).  Over the course of his administration, some towns are built and rebuilt (Eloth, cities in the territory of Ashdod) and towers are constructed in Jerusalem at the gates and even out in the wilderness.  "He built towers in the wilderness and hewed out many cisterns, for he had large herds, both in the Shephelah and in the plain, and he had farmers and vinedressers in the hills and in the fertile lands, for he loved the soil" (vs. 10).

But Uzziah's greatest technological achievements and leaps came in the art of warfare.  He commanded up to 307,500 soldiers, who were said to be mighty warriors enabling the king to triumph over his enemies.  Moreover, under Uzziah, new advancements were made in machines and preparations for war: "Uzziah provided for all the army the shields, spears, helmets, coats of mail, bows, and stones for slinging.  In Jerusalem he set up machines, invented by skilled workers, on the towers and the corners for shooting arrows and large stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped until he became strong" (vs. 14-15).  You get the sense that Uzziah is ahead of the curve, militarily-speaking, and that these new technologies gave him a competitive advantage against his neighbors.

Alas, it wasn't all great news for Uzziah.  His power led him to experience a downfall resulting from his pride.  He felt that, as king, he should be able to make an offering to the Lord in the Temple.  The priest Azariah, however, warned him that such duties were restricted to the descendants of Aaron, according to the Law.  This enraged the king, and a punishment was immediately dealt him for his obstinacy.  "When he became angry with the priests a leprous disease broke out on his forehead, in the presence of the priests in the house of the Lord, by the altar of incense" (vs. 19).  Sadly, despite being a good king in so many other ways, Uzziah would bear the consequence of his prideful outburst and remain a leper for the rest of his days. Uzziah's son Jotham governed the people while the king lived in seclusion.

Ultimately, Uzziah would be remembered more as a leper than a leaper.