Definition: And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son [was] over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it piece by piece. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a period in Israel’s history when King Uzziah was incredibly unwell and lived a very isolated life. Let’s unpack each part: “And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death…” - This means Uzziah, who was the king at this time, suffered from a severe skin condition called leprosy. Leprosy is a disease that causes a discolored and swollen rash on the skin. It was considered a spiritual affliction in ancient times. The verse says he was so afflicted that he lived his entire life in a state of isolation – he wasn’t allowed to be part of the royal household. “…and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD.” - This is the key part. "Cut off from the house of the Lord" means Uzziah was essentially estranged from God's presence and guidance. He wasn’t allowed to participate in the religious rituals or worship that were central to the Jewish people's identity. It suggests a deep spiritual separation. “And Jotham his son [was] over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.” - This tells us that Uzziah’s son, Jotham, took over as king and ruled the land. He was responsible for overseeing the kingdom and making decisions about how to govern it. The word “[was]” emphasizes that he inherited the responsibilities and burdens associated with being king. He was tasked with guiding the people – essentially, ruling them. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of a time when Uzziah experienced significant spiritual distress and isolation. It highlights a period where his relationship with God was strained, leading to a separation from the divine presence and the responsibilities of leadership. It’s often seen as a moment of repentance or a turning point in the history of Israel. In essence, it tells us about a king who struggled with a spiritual affliction that impacted his ability to fulfill his duties as a leader. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect this verse to a specific event or historical period in Israel’s history? Discuss the symbolism behind the image of a leper?