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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 15 - Verse 5

15:5
And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.

Meaning

This verse from 2 Kings 15:5 speaks of the consequence of King Azariah's pride and disobedience towards God. The LORD smote the king, causing him to be afflicted with leprosy until his death. Leprosy was considered a severe and contagious skin disease in ancient times, leading to isolation and stigmatization. As a result, King Azariah was forced to live in a separate house away from the rest of society. His son, Jotham, took over the responsibilities of ruling and judging the people of the land. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience in the eyes of God. It also illustrates the consequences of pride and disobedience, as King Azariah faced a debilitating illness as a result of his actions. Jotham's role in overseeing the kingdom highlights the continuity of leadership and governance during a time of crisis. Overall, this verse conveys a powerful message about the consequences of sin and the importance of following God's will.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we witness the divine judgment of the king by the LORD, who struck him with leprosy until his death. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and sin before God. Leprosy in the Bible is often associated with a symbol of uncleanness and separation from society. The king's affliction also led him to live in a separate house, emphasizing his isolation and the severity of his punishment. The mention of Jotham, the king's son, taking on the role of overseeing the house and judging the people further highlights the consequences of the king's actions on his family and the nation. It underscores the importance of wise and just leadership in God's eyes, as Jotham was entrusted with the responsibility of ruling the land in his father's absence. This story provides a powerful lesson on the importance of obedience to God's commands and the enduring impact of one's actions on oneself and future generations.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a separate house. And Jotham the king's son was over the household, judging the people of the land.
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