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
In the divided kingdom period of ancient Israel, King Uzziah of Judah ruled successfully for many years but overstepped his authority by attempting to burn incense in the temple, a duty reserved only for priests. As a result, God struck him with leprosy as a judgment, forcing him to live in isolation for the rest of his life. His son Jotham then assumed responsibility for governing the people and managing the palace.
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