The motif of Uzziah’s צרעת‎ in the Deuteronomistic History, Chronicles, and beyond

Abstract

This article explores how the motif of Uzziah’s צרעת‎ in 2 Kgs. 15:1-7 has inspired the Chronicler, Josephus, and rabbinic commentators. In the Book of Kings, Uzziah’s disorder is used to explain an abnormal political arrangement in which the crown prince served as co-regent. The Chronicler, by contrast, takes Uzziah’s disorder as an opportunity to expound on the king’s sacrilegious behavior. The Chronistic tradition is further developed by Josephus and the rabbis who reinterpret Uzziah’s צרעת‎ as sign of an abnormal emotional life. Consequently, each source displays its own understanding of צרעת‎ and its implications concerning the king’s conduct and character. These differences in the depiction of Uzziah’s disease point to dissimilar frameworks of interpretation which are motivated by different attitudes toward the temple and the Davidic Dynasty.