What does 2 Chronicles 26:16 mean?

"¶ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense." - 2 Chronicles 26:16

2 Chronicles 26:16 - "¶ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense."

The verse 2 Chronicles 26:16 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense."

This verse is part of the account of King Uzziah in the Old Testament. Uzziah became king of Judah when he was just 16 years old, and he reigned for 52 years. The verse is a part of the narrative that describes Uzziah's reign and his actions that led to his downfall.

The verse begins with the statement, "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction." This sets the stage for the events that follow, highlighting the connection between Uzziah's strength and his downfall. Uzziah’s strength is not only meant as his physical strength but also his strength as a ruler and a leader. As he grew in power and influence, he became prideful and self-reliant, leading to his eventual downfall.

The verse continues, "for he transgressed against the Lord his God." This is a key thematic element in this verse. Uzziah's transgression against the Lord and his decision to act in disobedience to God's law is what ultimately leads to his downfall. This theme is a recurring one in the Bible, highlighting the consequences of sin and disobedience. It serves as a warning to the readers of the Bible about the dangers of pride and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

The verse goes on to say, "He went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense." This action is significant because it was a direct violation of the Law of Moses, which reserved the burning of incense for the priests. By taking on this role himself, Uzziah was overstepping his bounds and acting in disobedience to God's law. This act of disobedience ultimately led to Uzziah being struck with leprosy, which he suffered from until the day of his death.

In a broader context, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, disobedience, and the consequences of seeking to take on roles or responsibilities that are not meant for us. Uzziah's downfall is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God. It also serves as a warning about the corrupting influence of power and the need for humility even in times of strength and prosperity.

Symbolically, the temple represents the presence of God, and Uzziah's actions within the temple demonstrate his disregard for the sacred and his presumption of authority not given to him. The burning of incense symbolizes prayer and worship, and by taking on this role, Uzziah was presuming to have a direct connection to God without the proper reverence and humility. The consequences of his actions serve as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with humility and reverence.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 26:16 is a verse that carries important thematic, contextual, and symbolic weight within the larger narrative of King Uzziah's reign. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and disobedience, as well as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God. This verse continues to resonate with readers as a powerful reminder of the consequences of seeking power and authority beyond what is given to us by God.

2 Chronicles 26:16 Artwork

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2 Chronicles 29:26 - "And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets."

1 Chronicles 26:16 - "To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came forth westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by the causeway of the going up, ward against ward."

2 Chronicles 26:2 - "He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."

2 Chronicles 26:7 - "And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims."

2 Chronicles 24:26 - "And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess."

2 Chronicles 35:26 - "Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD,"

1 Chronicles 26:2 - "And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,"

1 Chronicles 2:26 - "Jerahmeel had also another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam."

2 Chronicles 26:4 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did."

2 Chronicles 25:26 - "Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?"

2 Chronicles 26:17 - "And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men:"

2 Chronicles 26:12 - "The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred."

2 Chronicles 13:16 - "And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand."

2 Kings 15:26 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."

2 Chronicles 26:22 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write."

2 Chronicles 30:26 - "So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 9:26 - "¶ And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt."

2 Chronicles 16:13 - "¶ And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign."

2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."

1 Chronicles 1:26 - "Serug, Nahor, Terah,"

2 Chronicles 26:9 - "Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them."

2 Chronicles 26:14 - "And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones."

1 Chronicles 8:26 - "And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,"

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1 Chronicles 2:16 - "Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three."

2 Chronicles 26:8 - "And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly."

2 Chronicles 28:26 - "¶ Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."

2 Chronicles 23:16 - "¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between him, and between all the people, and between the king, that they should be the LORD'S people."