Uzziah-A Good King of Judah Until...

By Mary Vee
II Kings 14, II Chronicles 26

From the Journals of Uzziah, King of Judah

Ashdod Photo Courtesy

After my grandfather, Joash died, Judah crowned his son, Amaziah king of Judah. My father, king Amaziah didn't reign long. He was killed in battle. Judah crowned me as the next king when I was only sixteen years old. It was a bit scary having all the responsibilities of a king.

I felt it was important to follow the laws and commands of our God. I listened to the prophets and priests and tried to rule the people in the ways that would please God. 

Zechariah was the one who took me aside and instructed me in the ways to fear the Lord. I went to God and asked His help, His directions, and His blessings often. He did all of these.

I wanted to restore the land and the cities to please God. Elath was the first city on my list to repair. Soon after the buildings were rebuilt, families from Judah moved back into the city.

Next, I went to war to conquer the Philistines and rid Judea of them. Our armies broke down the Philistine walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod and used the materials to rebuild the cities destroyed by the Philistines years ago. 

God helped our troops conquer Philistines and Arabs who lived in Gur Baal and the Meunites. The Ammonites feared our strength and brought us gifts if we spared their lives.

I have been told by my officers that word had travelled as far as Egypt telling of our great conquests. This was good news.

I wanted to do more. I built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, Valley Gate, and at the angle of the wall. I fortified these towers to make them strong against any enemy that might strike.

To protect our people in the desert I had towers built there as well. The number of cattle had grown so great in the foothills and in the plains I ordered more cisterns to be dug to water the herds.

I'd say, all in all, life was pretty good in Judah at this time.

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1. Judah was located south of Israel. The new king of Judah was _____________.
2. Hebrew people lived in Israel and _______________.
3. Uzziah was __________ years old when he became king.
4. Uzziah wanted to please ___________.
5. Uzziah listened to ______________ to learn God's ways.
6. Uzziah was becoming very successful because he obeyed ____________.