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Azariah was 16 years old when he became King (790-739). In general, he was a godly King. He developed agriculture, raised a well-equipped army, strengthen the walls of Jerusalem and led a successful campaign against the Philistines and the Arabians. But all was not well with Azariah. He violated the "priestly code" which led to God's judgment of leprosy, which led to his death. At his death, his son, Jotham, became King of Judah.
Generally speaking, his reign of 52 years was a good reign. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Amaziah. While Zechariah, a man of God, lived, the new king followed the paths of God and prospered. God provided for him victories over the Philistines at their cities of Gath, Jabneh and Ashdod. He also provided victories over the Arabs at Gurbaal and caused the Ammonites to pay an annual tribute to Judah and the fame of Azariah spread even to Egypt for he was very powerful.
Now at this point, Azariah became proud and corrupt. He sinned against the Lord by personally entering the forbidden sanctuary of the Temple and burning incense upon the altar. Azariah, the High Priest. And 80 other Priests went in after Azariah and demanded he cease what he was doing but the King was furious and refused and for this, God struck him with leprosy. When he died, he was buried in Jerusalem inspite of his leprosy and his son, Jotham, became King of Judah.
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