Jeroboam II and Uzziah

Jeroboam II did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 14:24). However, the LORD saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter and there was no helper for Israel (2 Kings 14:26), He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash (2 Kings 14:27). He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah (2 Kings 14:25).

In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam II, king of Israel, Uzziah became the king of Judah. He did right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done (2 Kings 15:3, 2 Chronicles 26:4). He was successful in his wars and he became very strong (2 Chronicles 26:6-15). But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense (2 Chronicles 26:16). Leprosy broke out on his forehead and he was a leper to the day of his death (2 Chronicles 26:19-21).

What can we learn from these two kings?

First, we learn that God may save through evil kings. Jeroboam II was an evil king who did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat (2 Kings 14:24). But the northern kingdom was at her greatest prosperity under the rule of Jeroboam II. God was hoping that some may repent and He sent the prophets Amos and Hosea to preach to them, not about prosperity, but about the righteousness of God. However, Israel would not repent. The northern kingdom would be destroyed (722 BC) within 40 years after Jeroboam II’s death in 753 BC. Thus when we see some worldly churches prospering and having large numbers, do not think that God is truly blessing the church. God in His mercy is temporarily staying His hand of judgement, hoping that some may repent.

Uzziah was a good king. That meant that he worshipped the true God. His kingdom also prosper, but not as much as Jeroboam II's kingdom. Jeroboam II worshiped the calves set up by Jeroboam the son of Nebat but he died peacefully. Uzziah usurped the priests’ function and he became a leper to the day of his death. Churches led by true Christians may not be as large or as properous as some mega-churches. However, God will still bless them in obvious ways. However, God is stricter with the leaders of these churches. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12:6 KJV). If you are chastened by the Lord, it is a proof that you are His child.