2 Chronicles — Chapter 26

EXQUISIVIT DOMINUM IN DIEBUS ZACHARIAE — Zacharias the prophet was like a tutor (paedagogus) to King Ozias, teaching him to worship God devoutly. Lapide identifies this Zacharias with the posthumous son of the martyred Zechariah of 2Chr 24, born after his father's death; and notes that perhaps his daughter Abia was the mother of King Hezekiah.

CUM ROBORATUS ESSET ELEVATUM EST COR EJUS IN INTERITUM SUUM ET NEGLEXIT DOMINUM DEUM SUUM — Lapide quotes St. Chrysostom: \"As from gluttony comes inflation, and from inflation fever, and from fever often death: so here, from the eminence of his deeds arose pride; from pride arose arrogance.\" Excessive power generates excessive pride.

NON EST TUI OFFICII, OZIA — eighty priests confronted the king: \"It is not thy office to burn incense to the Lord, but the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated for this ministry.\" Lapide cites Chrysostom: \"See this freedom! See a mind that knows not how to serve! See a tongue that touches the heavens!\" Kings may not invade priestly rights.

STATIMQUE ORTA EST LEPRA IN FRONTE EJUS — immediately leprosy broke out on Ozias's forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord. Lapide: leprosy was the punishment of sacrilegious persons and those who resisted the Pontiff and priests. Josephus adds that an earthquake split the Temple roof and a ray of sun struck the king's face.