Overview
Ozias appears in Matthew's genealogical record as a link in the line leading to Jesus Christ. His full reign is detailed in 2 Chronicles 26, where he is portrayed as a king who sought God and was blessed with military success and building projects. However, his story also serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of spiritual pride and presumption.
Key Scriptures
"Uzziah [Ozias] was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 26:3, NASB). "So the Lord struck him, and he was a leper until the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 26:21, NASB). In Matthew's genealogy: "Uzziah fathered Jotham" (Matthew 1:9, ESV).
Application
Ozias' life teaches us that outward success and God's blessing can be forfeited through pride; remaining humble and obedient to God's Word protects us from spiritual downfall.