Rising, Reigning, and Falling: Lessons from the Lives of Amaziah, Uzziah, and Jotham

Be God's Glory
Apr 29
11 min read

Welcome to Day 118 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of 2 Chronicles. In 2 Chronicles 25–27, we follow the reigns of three kings of Judah: Amaziah, Uzziah, and Jotham. Each ruler experiences moments of strength and success when walking with God, but pride and disobedience often lead to downfall and judgment. Amaziah begins with obedience but turns to idolatry after military victory, which brings about his defeat and assassination. Uzziah prospers mightily due to his faithfulness early in life, but pride corrupts his heart, leading him to illegally enter the temple and suffer leprosy as a result. Jotham, though less prominently featured, is portrayed as a faithful and wise king who strengthens Judah because he consciously walked with God. These chapters highlight the crucial connection between humility, obedience, and enduring success.

2 Chronicles 25: Amaziah’s reign reflects a mixture of devotion and compromise. Early in his rule, he seeks God’s guidance and faithfully follows His commands, even dismissing Israelite mercenaries to honor God's will. However, after a great military victory over Edom, Amaziah’s heart turns toward idolatry, and he worships the very gods of his defeated enemies. His arrogance and refusal to listen to rebuke lead him into a disastrous war with Israel, resulting in his defeat and the humiliation of Judah. Ultimately, his reign ends in conspiracy and assassination, a sobering reminder of the dangers of divided loyalty.

2 Chronicles 26: Uzziah ascends the throne after Amaziah’s death and initially seeks the Lord under the influence of the godly priest Zechariah. His faithfulness brings immense success: military victories, fortified cities, and agricultural prosperity. However, as Uzziah grows strong, pride creeps in, leading him to arrogantly enter the temple to burn incense, a duty reserved only for priests. God's judgment falls swiftly, and Uzziah is struck with leprosy, spending the remainder of his life isolated from the temple and public affairs. His life is a powerful lesson that enduring greatness depends on enduring humility.

2 Chronicles 27: Jotham, Uzziah’s son, rules with wisdom and obedience, learning from his father’s mistakes. Although the people remain generally corrupt, Jotham maintains his integrity and strengthens Judah through building projects and military victories. His reign is notably free from scandal, highlighting that personal faithfulness can shine even amid widespread corruption. Jotham grows powerful because he steadfastly walks with God, making his reign one of relative peace and prosperity. His example serves as a quiet but strong testament to the blessings of consistent, humble devotion.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name "Chronicles" comes from the Latin Chronicon, which was adopted from the Greek word Paraleipomenon, meaning "things left out" or "things omitted." This implies that 1 and 2 Chronicles were seen as a supplement or continuation of the historical narratives found in Samuel and Kings. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally a single book called Divrei Hayamim, meaning “The Matters (or Events) of the Days.” This title reflects the book’s role in chronicling the history of Israel, especially from a priestly and spiritual perspective.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Chronicles is to highlight the religious history of Judah, focusing on the temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic line of kings. Unlike the books of Kings, which cover both Israel and Judah, 2 Chronicles centers almost entirely on the kingdom of Judah, tracing its spiritual fidelity or failure to God's covenant. The book was written to encourage and instruct the returning exiles from Babylon, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, the importance of proper worship, and the need for national and spiritual restoration under God's leadership. It serves as a theological reflection—emphasizing that faithfulness to God brings blessing, while rebellion leads to downfall.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The traditional author of 1 and 2 Chronicles is believed to be Ezra the scribe, based on ancient Jewish tradition and internal evidence. This tradition is supported by:

Jewish Talmudic sources (like Baba Bathra 15a), which state that Ezra wrote Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
The similar writing style, genealogical interest, and spiritual themes found in Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles (e.g., emphasis on temple worship, Levitical roles, and the priesthood).
2 Chronicles 36:22–23 ends with the same wording that begins the book of Ezra 1:1–3, suggesting a seamless continuation and possibly the same author or editorial hand.

Though the exact identity of the final compiler isn’t definitively proven, many scholars—both religious and academic—lean toward Ezra or someone in his priestly circle as the most credible authorship.

External References:

The Jewish Encyclopedia and ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) support Ezra's authorship.
Bible commentaries such as those by Matthew Henry, John Gill, and the ESV Study Bible also reflect Ezra as the likely author.
Modern scholars, like those cited in the Anchor Yale Bible Commentary and Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, also affirm Ezra as the most probable candidate, given the shared concerns of Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah.

Key People:

2 Chronicles features numerous significant figures from Israel’s past, but some stand out more than others:

Solomon – Son of David and builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. His wisdom and early devotion to God are foundational to the book.
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son and the first king of Judah after the kingdom divides.
Asa – A king of Judah who led significant religious reforms.
Jehoshaphat – A godly king known for his alliance with Ahab and a strong military.
Hezekiah – A reforming king who reopened the temple and celebrated Passover.
Manasseh – A wicked king who later repents, showing God’s mercy.
Josiah – Known for rediscovering the Book of the Law and restoring temple worship.
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile.
Ezra (possibly) – Though not directly named, if Ezra is the author, his priestly focus shapes the narrative.

Conclusion

The book of 2 Chronicles closes with both a solemn warning and a hopeful promise. It reveals the tragic consequences of Judah’s persistent unfaithfulness to God—despite the reforms of good kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, the nation ultimately falls to Babylon due to generations of disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Yet, even in the final verses, God’s mercy shines through. The decree of King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple, marks a powerful turn in Israel’s story. This moment reminds readers that while sin brings judgment, God’s covenant love remains steadfast.

2 Chronicles ultimately serves as a call to repentance, restoration, and reverence. It urges the people—and us today—to honor God with undivided hearts, to value His presence above all else, and to recognize that true greatness is found in humble worship and faithful obedience. Through kings, priests, and prophets, God revealed His desire for a holy people set apart for His glory. The journey from Solomon’s majestic temple to the destruction and eventual restoration reminds us that God’s purposes will prevail, and His invitation to return to Him is always open.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Chronicles 25, God’s character is revealed as patient, just, and protective of His people. God initially blesses Amaziah’s obedience and grants him victory over Edom, showing that He honors faithfulness. However, when Amaziah turns to idolatry, God responds with righteous anger, sending a prophet to warn him. Even then, God's patience is evident because He offers Amaziah a chance to repent before judgment comes. God’s justice ultimately falls when Amaziah refuses correction, showing that disobedience has serious consequences.

While specific Hebrew names of God are not directly mentioned in this chapter, the actions of God reflect titles like El Elohim ("God of gods") and Jehovah M’Kaddesh ("The Lord Who Sanctifies"). God teaches that wholehearted devotion is critical to sustaining His blessing. The lesson in 2 Chronicles 25 is that partial obedience and divided loyalties will ultimately lead to downfall, while humility and faithfulness secure God’s favor.

In 2 Chronicles 26, God reveals Himself as the source of strength, wisdom, and ultimate authority. Uzziah’s success is directly linked to his dependence on God, showing that prosperity is a result of divine blessing, not human achievement. Yet when Uzziah becomes prideful, God acts swiftly to humble him, underscoring His holiness and intolerance for rebellion against His established order. God's response to Uzziah’s sin shows His desire to protect the sanctity of worship and leadership.

Again, no specific Hebrew names are explicitly mentioned in this chapter, but God’s character reflects Jehovah Sabaoth ("The Lord of Hosts"), emphasizing His power and sovereign rule over all. The lesson in 2 Chronicles 26 is that pride corrupts success, and even great achievements cannot excuse disobedience to God's commands. Staying humble and dependent on God is key to maintaining His blessing throughout life.

In 2 Chronicles 27, God's character is seen in His faithfulness to bless those who walk in obedience. Although the people of Judah are corrupt, God honors Jotham’s personal integrity and grants him success. God’s justice is individual—He does not punish the righteous with the wicked. His willingness to prosper a faithful king amidst widespread rebellion shows His fairness, mercy, and encouragement for those who truly seek Him.

There are no direct mentions of Hebrew names of God in this chapter, but God’s actions align with Jehovah Tsidkenu ("The Lord Our Righteousness"), highlighting that righteousness leads to divine favor. The lesson from 2 Chronicles 27 is that personal faithfulness to God matters greatly, even when the surrounding culture is corrupt. God blesses those who walk uprightly before Him, regardless of the behavior of others.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

How does God's response to Amaziah’s divided loyalty in 2 Chronicles 25 reveal His expectations for wholehearted devotion?
What does God’s patience with Amaziah before judgment teach us about His mercy and justice?
In Uzziah’s story (2 Chronicles 26), how does God show both His willingness to bless and His intolerance of pride?
How is God's holiness highlighted when Uzziah unlawfully enters the temple?
How does God's treatment of Jotham in 2 Chronicles 27 show His fairness and faithfulness to the righteous?
What aspects of God's character are revealed through His willingness to bless individuals even when the nation around them is corrupt?
How does God’s consistent discipline toward disobedient leaders show His love for His people?

Questions About Themes:

How does the theme of "obedience leading to blessing" play out across the reigns of Amaziah, Uzziah, and Jotham?
What role does pride play in the downfall of Amaziah and Uzziah, and how is humility shown to be essential?
How do these chapters show the dangers of partial obedience versus wholehearted obedience?
What lessons about leadership can be drawn from the different outcomes of these three kings?
How does personal faithfulness make a difference even when a society as a whole is corrupt, as seen in Jotham’s reign?
What does the contrast between success and failure in these chapters teach about depending on God versus relying on self?
How does God’s justice and mercy appear consistently through the different reigns?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what areas of my life am I tempted to give God only partial obedience, and how can I surrender more fully?
Are there any victories or successes in my life that have made me complacent or prideful instead of humble before God?
How can I guard against pride creeping into areas where I have been successful or blessed?
What does it look like for me to remain faithful to God even if those around me are not following Him?
When God sends correction—through His Word, circumstances, or other people—how do I typically respond?
How can I cultivate a heart that seeks God's approval more than human approval, as Jotham did?
What practical steps can I take this week to walk in greater humility and obedience to God?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans