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The author says little regarding the prosperity of this monarch’s lengthy reign. Uzziah’s reign was generally positive, but his life ends on a sad note. Like Joash, Uzziah sought the Lord while an influential spiritual advisor lived. God’s vow in 7:14 to bless those who seek him is realized in this king’s life (v.5).
Vv.6-20 are unique to Chronicles. They narrate the two phases of Uzziah’s reign and God’s response to each. The first, vv.6-15, may be summarized as “God helped him” (v.7). Uzziah builds the seaport at Elath and wins victory in war. He inaugurates building projects in the homeland. Uzziah has a huge army. God gives him an extensive reputation. The words “until he became powerful” (v.15) alert the reader to Uzziah’s future downfall.
Uzziah’s pride causes a decisive change (v.16). The chronicler provides a theological explanation for the disease and downfall recorded in 2Ki 15:5. The king becomes unfaithful to the Lord who made him mighty. The author uses the term m'l in a slightly different sense since Uzziah does not forsake the Lord. Rather, he attempts to usurp the priestly office and becomes enraged when confronted by the priests. In response to Uzziah’s arrogance, the Lord afflicts him with a skin disease. Uzziah’s reign ends in disgrace; he loses both his palace and the privilege of temple worship.