Second Kings Chapters 15-17 Chapter 15 15:1-2 Judah’s tenth king was Azariah, known also as Uzziah. “Azariah had been made coregent at the time of Amaziah’s ill-conceived campaign against Jehoash (14:8-14; 2 Chron. 25:17-24). After Amaziah’s release at the death of Jehoash in 782 B.C. and subsequent assassination in 767, Azariah took the throne in his own right and ruled until 740. Thus, counting his coregencies, Azariah ruled some fifty-two years” (Gaebelein p. 233). His mother’s name was “Jecoliah” (jek uh LIGH uh). 15:3 Azariah (Uzziah) was a very successful ruler and he did what was right in the sight of God. In the parallel account, Second Chronicles tells how he elevated Judah to great earthly power and prosperity, waging successful wars against the Philistines and the Arabs, rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and adding strong towers, constructing watchtowers in the desert, constructing cisterns, and developing vineyards and other agricultural interests (2 Chron. 26:5ff). As with his counterpart in the north (Jeroboam II), life was good for Azariah. The nation of Assyria was in a temporary state of decline, so they didn’t have to worry about this enemy. Relations between Azariah and Jeroboam II were cordial so that together the two nations were able eventually to acquire nearly the same territory as in the days of the united kingdom. Third, and most important, this king was faithful to God (2 Chron. 26:6-15). 15:4 Yet the unauthorized places of worship were tolerated (see 12:3; 14:3-4). “Times of plenty and ease too often lead to spiritual lethargy. God’s abundant blessings can all too readily be taken for granted and become commonplace. In such circumstances a people’s religious experience can degenerate into an empty formalism, or, worse, erupt into open apostasy and moral decadence. So it was in eighth century Israel. Hosea (775-725 B.C.) warned of the misuse of wealth and the twin dangers of apostasy and loose morality. Joel (770-765) cried out against Judah’s superficial religion. Amos (765-755) spoke a similar message” (Gaebelein p. 233).
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