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A king of Judah who reigned 52 years — but ended as a leper for overstepping into the Temple
Historically Verified
A stone plaque reading 'Hither were brought the bones of Uzziah, king of Judah' was found on the Mount of Olives. Published in 1931, it's now at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
open_in_newAlso called Azariah, he became king at 16 and reigned 52 years in Judah (2 Chronicles 26). He was militarily successful, built towers, dug cisterns, and had a large army. But success went to his head — he entered the Temple to burn incense, which was reserved for priests. When confronted, he became angry, and leprosy broke out on his forehead on the spot. He lived as a leper in isolation until he died. Isaiah's prophetic ministry began 'in the year that King Uzziah died' (Isaiah 6:1).