The LORD struck the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house. Jotham, the king’s son, was over the household, judging the people of the land.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 5. A leper. In punishment of his usurping the priestly functions. 2 Chronicles 26:19. Challoner. Worthington.—The priests boldly remonstrated with him, but to no effect; till the king perceived himself stricken with the leprosy. Josephus (ix. 10.) says, a dreadful earthquake was felt at the same time, which is supposed to be that mentioned Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5; (S. Jerom, and so forth) though Usher produces some chronological difficulties against this opinion: but they are founded on error. Calmet.—Free. Par. apart; at a distance from all. Bible.—The like rules were observed in cities, as in the camp. Leviticus 13:46. Menochius.—Ozias was in a manner dead to all civil transactions; and Isaias (6:1) probably refers to this event. Syr. and Arab. “he remained hidden.” Josephus (ibid.) says, “leading a private life.” Thus aiming at too much, he lost all! Bible.