2 Chronicles 20 32

2 Chronicles 20:32 kjv

And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:32 nkjv

And he walked in the way of his father Asa, and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:32 niv

He followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:32 esv

He walked in the way of Asa his father and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:32 nlt

Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight.

2 Chronicles 20 verses

2 Chronicles 20 32 Meaning

This verse states that King Jehoshaphat consistently lived in a manner mirroring the righteous reign of his father, Asa. He did not deviate from this course of conduct, continually acting in a way that was approved and considered correct by God. It highlights his steadfastness and faithfulness to the divine standard for a ruler.

2 Chronicles 20 32 Context

Chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles recounts the dramatic account of Jehoshaphat leading Judah to a miraculous victory against a vast allied army of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir. Faced with an overwhelming threat, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast, gathered the people at the Temple, and offered a powerful prayer to the LORD. God answered through the prophet Jahaziel, assuring them the battle was not theirs but His. Judah went forth with worship, and God caused the enemy to turn on themselves. The preceding context establishes Jehoshaphat's deep trust in God, despite his general righteousness. This verse, placed after the account of this mighty deliverance, underscores the consistent character and faith of Jehoshaphat that likely undergirded his actions and God's favor. Historically, Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of the southern kingdom of Judah, following his father Asa. While Asa's reign had some late flaws, this verse emphasizes the righteous foundation his son built upon.

2 Chronicles 20 32 Word analysis

• And he walked: (וַיֵּלֶךְ, vayelekh - "and he went/walked"). This Hebrew verb signifies not just physical movement, but often denotes one's entire conduct, lifestyle, or the course of life pursued. It implies active engagement in a particular way of living.

• in the way of: (בְּדֶרֶךְ, bederekh - "in the way of" or "on the path of"). Derekh (דֶּרֶךְ) means a road, path, or journey. Biblically, it frequently refers to one's moral or spiritual conduct, the manner of life, or a prescribed course of action (e.g., "the way of the LORD," "the way of righteousness"). It implies following an example or adherence to a standard.

• Asa his father: This directly identifies the standard-bearer for Jehoshaphat's conduct. Asa, his father, had largely been a righteous king, though not without his own late-life failings. This connection points to a positive, ancestral spiritual inheritance that Jehoshaphat adopted and maintained.

• and departed not from it: (לֹא סָר מִמֶּנָּה, lo sar mimmennah - "he did not turn aside from it"). This phrase denotes unwavering commitment, steadfastness, and consistency. It indicates a deliberate choice to maintain the prescribed course without deviation or wavering. It speaks of adherence, unlike those who might start well but then turn away.

• doing that which was right: (לַעֲשׂוֹת הַיָּשָׁר, la’asot hayashar - "to do the straight/upright thing"). The verb ‘asah (עָשָׂה) means "to do" or "to make." Hayashar (הַיָּשָׁר) means "the straight," "the upright," "the just," "the pleasing," or "the proper." This phrase is a common biblical expression referring to actions, decisions, and overall conduct that align with God's moral and ethical standards.

• in the sight of the LORD: (בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה, be’eyney Yahweh - "in the eyes of Yahweh"). This specifies the ultimate authority and judge of his actions. His conduct was not measured by human opinion, political expediency, or personal preference, but by divine approval. It signifies God as the ultimate witness and arbiter of what is truly "right."

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it": This cluster emphasizes the direct legacy and unwavering adherence. Jehoshaphat consistently chose to emulate the good examples of his father, displaying continuity and reliability in his reign, a rare consistency among the kings of Israel and Judah.
  • "doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD": This defines the nature of the "way" he walked and "from which he did not depart." It specifies that his conduct was not merely traditional or paternal, but aligned with God's moral expectations. The LORD's perspective was the supreme standard for his kingship.

2 Chronicles 20 32 Bonus section

While 2 Chronicles 20:32 presents an overwhelmingly positive assessment, it is important to note the slight nuance in other parallel accounts or observations about Jehoshaphat's reign. For instance, 2 Chronicles 17:6 and 1 Kings 22:43-44 indicate that the high places (places of illicit worship) were not completely removed, or that the people had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers, despite Jehoshaphat's personal devotion. This indicates that while the king's personal walk was commendable, implementing sweeping national reform and achieving complete faithfulness among the people remained challenging. The verse's praise of his non-departure from Asa's good ways implies that he followed Asa's early and general faithfulness, not necessarily his father's later, less-devoted actions. It stands as a testament to the power of a righteous parental example, and how one can choose to uphold such a legacy, even as human imperfections and the challenges of national leadership persist. This verse points to the essential nature of integrity in the eyes of the LORD as a fundamental attribute for godly leadership.

2 Chronicles 20 32 Commentary

2 Chronicles 20:32 offers a concise and profound summary of Jehoshaphat's character and reign. It affirms his consistent adherence to God's standards, primarily through the positive legacy of his father, Asa. Unlike many kings who succumbed to idolatry or apostasy, Jehoshaphat demonstrated unwavering commitment to walking in the path of righteousness as defined by the LORD. His general disposition towards God set the stage for moments of great faith and divine intervention, such as the miraculous victory in the very chapter this verse concludes. This highlights that faithful, consistent obedience to God is the foundation upon which great acts of deliverance and blessing can be built. Although other scriptures (e.g., 1 Kgs 22:43-44) note that the high places were not removed and there were compromises in alliances, this verse emphasizes the overall, prevailing posture of his heart and life – a life largely characterized by obedience and seeking God's approval.