Old Testament
2 Chronicles 26:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When Azariah the chief priest and all the other priests turned to look at him, they could see the leprosy on his forehead. They rushed him out of the temple immediately, and Uzziah himself hurried to leave, because the LORD had struck him.
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And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.
What 2 Chronicles 26:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, King Uzziah, who had been a powerful ruler, faced a shocking reality. As he entered the temple, he was confronted by Azariah, the chief priest, and other priests. They noticed the leprosy on his forehead, a sign of divine judgment. This condition was serious and meant he could no longer serve in the temple. The priests acted quickly, pushing him out to protect the sanctity of the place. Uzziah, realizing the gravity of his situation, hurried to leave as well. This incident highlights the importance of humility and obedience to God. Uzziah's pride led him to overstep his boundaries, and the consequences were severe. It serves as a reminder that no one is above God's authority, and we must respect the roles and rules set in place. His story teaches us about the dangers of arrogance and the need for accountability in our actions, especially when it comes to our relationship with the divine and our community. We should always strive to remain humble and aware of our limitations.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 26:20 to your life
Reflect on areas in your life where pride may be leading you to overstep boundaries. Consider how you can practice humility and respect for authority. Remember that our actions have consequences, and staying grounded can help us avoid unnecessary pitfalls. Seek guidance and be open to correction from others in your community. This will strengthen your relationships and faith journey.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
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Keep studying 2 Chronicles 26:20
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At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 26:20 mean?
2 Chronicles 26:20 describes the moment when King Uzziah was struck with leprosy as a consequence of his pride and disobedience to God's laws. The chief priest and other priests quickly removed him from the temple to maintain its sanctity, highlighting the seriousness of Uzziah's actions.
What is the significance of leprosy in 2 Chronicles 26:20?
In 2 Chronicles 26:20, leprosy symbolizes divine judgment and the consequences of Uzziah's pride. It served as a visible sign that he had overstepped his authority by entering the temple, which was reserved for the priests.
What lesson can we learn from 2 Chronicles 26:20?
2 Chronicles 26:20 teaches the importance of humility and obedience to God. It reminds us that pride can lead to serious consequences and that we must respect the boundaries set by God and authority figures.
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