This outward prosperity, however, was not accompanied by a corresponding revival of spiritual power. The temple services were continued as in former years, and multitudes assembled to worship the living God; but pride and formality 304 gradually took the place of humility and sincerity. Of Uzziah himself it is written: "When he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God." Verse 16.

Den materielle velstand blev dog ikke fulgt op af en tilsvarende fremgang på det åndelige område. Tempeltjenesten fortsattes som tidligere, og folk strømmede til i store skarer for at tilbede den levende Gud, men ydmyghed og oprigtighed veg gradvis pladsen for stolthed og formalisme. Der står om Uzzija selv: "Men da han var blevet mægtig, blev hans hjerte hovmodigt, så han gjorde, hvad fordærveligt var; han handlede troløst mod Herren sin Gud." 2Krøn 26,16.