And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the house, judging the people of the land.
The LORD struck the king with leprosy, and he remained a leper until he died. He had to live in a separate house by himself. His son Jotham took over running the royal household and governing the people of the land.
God afflicted King Azariah (also called Uzziah) with leprosy as punishment, forcing him to live in isolation while his son Jotham took over his duties.
📚 Historical Context
This refers to King Azariah (Uzziah) of Judah, who ruled for 52 years and was generally a good king. According to 2 Chronicles 26, he became proud and entered the temple to burn incense, which was forbidden to anyone but priests. As punishment for this prideful act of disobedience, God struck him with leprosy, making him ceremonially unclean and unable to fulfill his royal duties.
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