Uzziah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Uzziah |
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Uzziah from Guillaume Rouillé's Promptuarii Iconum Insigniorum, 1553
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| King of Judah | |
| Reign | 791–750 BC |
| Predecessor | Amaziah |
| Successor | Jotham |
| House | House of David |
| Father | Amaziah |
| Mother | Jecoliah |
Uzziah (also known as Azariah) was the tenth king of the ancient Kingdom of Judah. He was one of Amaziah's sons. Uzziah became king when he was 16 years old and ruled for 52 years. For the first 24 years, he ruled alongside his father, Amaziah.
Historians believe Uzziah ruled from about 791 to 750 BC. Later in his life, Uzziah became sick with leprosy. Because of his illness, his son Jotham took over running the government. Uzziah is also mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew as part of the genealogy of Jesus.
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What Was Uzziah's Name?
Uzziah is called Azariah several times in the Hebrew Bible. Some experts think that Azariah might have been a mistake made by someone copying the texts a long time ago.
Uzziah's Story in the Bible
Uzziah became king at age 16. He ruled for about 52 years. His time as king was very successful, similar to the reign of Solomon. Early in his rule, Uzziah was faithful to God. He "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 26:4–5). This was partly because of a prophet named Zechariah.
Uzziah made Jerusalem stronger. He built special machines for the towers and corners of the city walls. These machines could shoot arrows and throw large stones. According to the Bible, Uzziah defeated the Philistines and the Arabian people. He also received payments from the Ammonites.
He made the country's defenses stronger and organized his army well. He also cared a lot about farming. Uzziah was a strong and capable ruler. His fame spread even to Egypt (2 Chronicles 26:8–14).
Why Did Uzziah Get Sick?
Later, Uzziah's pride led to his downfall. He went into the Temple to burn incense on the altar. This was something only priests were allowed to do. Azariah, the high priest, and eighty other priests stopped him. They told him that only priests, who were from the family of Aaron, could burn incense (2 Chronicles 26:18).
While Uzziah was arguing, he was suddenly struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:19). He was then forced to leave the Temple and live in "a separate house" until he died (2 Kings 15:5). His son Jotham took over the government (2 Kings 15:5). Jotham ruled with his father for the last 11 years of Uzziah's life.
Uzziah was buried in a special grave. It was in the field where kings were buried, but separate from them (2 Kings 15:7). This showed that even kings had to follow God's rules.
Is There Proof of Uzziah's Existence?
Archaeologists have found evidence from ancient Mesopotamia. These findings suggest that Uzziah was a real king. They show that the kingdoms of Assyria and Judah had connections during Uzziah's time. Some old Assyrian records mention a king named "Azaria'u" from "Ya'uda" (Judah). Many believe this refers to Uzziah.
Uzziah's name also appears on two old stone seals. These seals were found in the 1800s. One seal says, "belonging to Abiyah, minister of Uziyah." The other says, "belonging to Shubnayah, minister of Uziyah." If these seals are real, they are important proof of King Uzziah.
In 1931, a stone tablet called the Uzziah Tablet was found. It was discovered by Professor E. L. Sukenik. The tablet has writing in an ancient language called Aramaic. It says, "Here were brought the bones of Uzziah, king of Judah. Not to be opened." This tablet was made around 30-70 AD, which is about 700 years after Uzziah died. It is not clear if this tablet was truly part of Uzziah's tomb. It might mean his bones were moved and reburied later.
The Great Earthquake During Uzziah's Time
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The prophet Amos mentions a very large earthquake. Amos says his prophecy happened "two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah" (Amos 1:1). Many years later, the prophet Zechariah also talked about a future earthquake. He said people would run from it, just like they ran during the earthquake in Uzziah's time (Zechariah 14:5).
Scientists who study the Earth (geologists) believe they have found proof of this earthquake. They found evidence at many places in Israel and Jordan. They saw walls that were broken, leaning, or had fallen apart. This damage happened around the middle of the 8th century BC.
Geologists believe this earthquake was very powerful, possibly a magnitude 7.8 or even 8.2. They think this big natural disaster is the same one mentioned by Amos. Finding the exact date of this earthquake helps historians. It allows them to match events at different ancient sites. Recent studies of sediment layers in the Dead Sea also support that this earthquake happened.
The Bible says the earthquake happened when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam was king of Israel. This helps to narrow down the date. Historians believe the earthquake happened around 760 BC.
See also
- In Spanish: Ozías para niños
