Uzziah was a significant figure in Judean history, ascending to the kingship of Judah at a young age and reigning for several decades. His reign is noted for an era of prosperity and military success, as well as his efforts to strengthen the defenses of Judah and his support for agricultural development. Despite his achievements, Uzziah’s reign ended under a shadow due to his attempt to burn incense in the temple, an act reserved for the priesthood, which resulted in his affliction with leprosy and subsequent seclusion until his death (2 Chronicles 26).
In the Book of Mormon, Uzziah’s passing is referenced in the context of visionary experiences of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah’s vision, as recounted in 2 Nephi 16:1, occurred in the year King Uzziah died, marking a significant transition in Judah’s history and setting a prophetic stage. This visionary experience of seeing the Lord is a cornerstone of Isaiah’s prophetic message and is referenced again with emphasis on the time period, delineating the year of Uzziah’s death as a noteworthy point in the narrative (2 Nephi 17:1). Uzziah’s death thus serves as a chronological marker in the scriptural record, linking his earthly rule to a pivotal moment of prophetic revelation.