Uzziah and Jotham

Uzziah, then, the son of Amaziah, succeeded him. For on the side of the ten tribes, Jehoash had reached the end of his days and given way to his son Jeroboam, and after him, in turn, Jeroboam’s son Zechariah began to reign. For these kings, and for all who ruled over Samaria on the side of the ten tribes, we have not thought it necessary to note the dates. Aiming at brevity, we have left out everything unnecessary. And we have thought that the years ought to be traced carefully above all for a knowledge of the times of that part of the Jews which was carried into captivity later than the other, and so lasted longer as a kingdom. [a]

Uzziah, then, having gained the kingdom of Judah, made it his chief concern to know the Lord, and he made great use of the prophet Zechariah. Isaiah too is said to have begun prophesying under this king. Because of this he waged war on his neighbors with the success he deserved, and he also conquered the Arabians. He had already shaken Egypt with the terror of his name. But, puffed up by success, he dared to do what was forbidden: he offered incense to God, a thing that established custom allowed only the priests to do. Rebuked by Azariah the priest and forced to leave the holy place, he burst into a rage, and as he finally withdrew he was covered with leprosy. Under this disease he ended his days, after reigning fifty-two years. Then the kingdom was given to his son Jotham. He is said to have been very devout, and he governed with success. He subdued the nation of the Ammonites in war and forced them to pay tribute. He reigned sixteen years, and his son Ahaz succeeded him.