zziah's good reign in Judah. (1-15) Uzziah's attempt to burn
incense. (16-23)
Verses 1-15: As long as Uzziah sought the Lord, and minded religion,
God made him to prosper. Those only prosper whom God makes to
prosper; for prosperity is his gift. Many have owned, that as
long as they sought the Lord, and kept close to their duty, they
prospered; but when they forsook God, every thing went cross.
God never continues either to bless the indolent or to withhold
his blessing from the diligent. He will never suffer any to seek
his face in vain. Uzziah's name was famed throughout all the
neighbouring countries. A name with God and good people makes
truly honourable. He did not delight in war, nor addict himself
to sports, but delighted in husbandry.
Verses 16-23: The transgression of the kings before Uzziah was,
forsaking the temple of the Lord, and burning incense upon
idolatrous altars. But his transgression was, going into the
holy place, and attempting to burn incense upon the altar of
God. See how hard it is to avoid one extreme, and not run into
another. Pride of heart was at the bottom of his sin; a lust
that ruins many. Instead of lifting up the name God in gratitude
to him who had done so much for him, his heart was lifted up to
his hurt. Men's pretending to forbidden knowledge, and seeking
things too high for them, are owing to pride of heart. The
incense of our prayers must be, by faith, put into the hands of
our Lord Jesus, the great High Priest of our profession, else we
cannot expect it to be accepted by God, (Re 8:3). Though Uzziah
strove with the priests, he would not strive with his Maker. But
he was punished for his transgression; he continued a leper to
his death, shut out from society. The punishment answered the
sin as face to face in a glass. Pride was at the bottom of his
transgression, and thus God humbled him, and put dishonour upon
him. Those that covet forbidden honours, forfeit allowed ones.
Adam, by catching at the tree of knowledge which he might not
eat of, debarred himself of the tree of life which he might have
eaten of. Let all that read say, The Lord is righteous. And when
the Lord sees good to throw prosperous and useful men aside, as
broken vessels, if he raises up others to fill their places,
they may rejoice to renounce all worldly concerns, and employ
their remaining days in preparation for death.
zziah's good reign in Judah. (1-15) Uzziah's attempt to burn
incense. (16-23)