Because Uzziah took over the duties meant for priests (2 Chronicles 26:16–21), the Lord punished him with leprosy. His son Jotham became co-ruler around 750 BC. Although Uzziah was isolated and could not perform public duties, he might have still held political power. King Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria, who ruled from 744 to 727 BC, during his first western campaign from 744 to 743 BC, mentioned an opponent named Azariau, who many scholars believe was Uzziah.