2 Chronicles 29 2

2 Chronicles 29:2 kjv

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.

2 Chronicles 29:2 nkjv

And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done.

2 Chronicles 29:2 niv

He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.

2 Chronicles 29:2 esv

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.

2 Chronicles 29:2 nlt

He did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight, just as his ancestor David had done.

2 Chronicles 29 verses

2 Chronicles 29 2 Meaning

2 Chronicles 29:2 describes King Hezekiah's initial disposition and actions as pleasing to God. It states that Hezekiah consistently did what was deemed righteous and acceptable by the LORD, demonstrating his alignment with divine standards rather than human opinion. His conduct was not merely subjectively good but objectively in accordance with the Law and God's will. The verse further specifies that his righteousness was measured against the established exemplary standard of his ancestor, King David, implying a revival of the faithful obedience and devotion characteristic of David's reign. This established Hezekiah as a righteous king from the very beginning of his rule, a crucial point for the chronicler.

2 Chronicles 29 2 Context

2 Chronicles 29:2 is positioned at the very beginning of King Hezekiah's reign, immediately after the Chronicler briefly notes his age upon ascending the throne (v.1). This verse serves as a critical theological statement regarding the nature of his kingship, especially when contrasted with the immediately preceding reign of his father, Ahaz, who was notoriously wicked and led Judah into deep idolatry and national humiliation (2 Chr 28). The Chronicler emphasizes Hezekiah's personal piety as foundational to the significant religious reforms and national restoration that characterize his rule, particularly his cleansing of the Temple, reinstitution of proper worship, and celebration of Passover, which unfold in the subsequent verses and chapters. By stating Hezekiah "did what was right," the Chronicler signals a hopeful return to faithfulness to the LORD after a period of widespread apostasy, thereby emphasizing the importance of a king's spiritual orientation for the nation's well-being and blessing. David's inclusion establishes a strong Davidic motif and reinforces the ideal king against which all Judahite kings were measured, reflecting the enduring theological significance of the Davidic covenant in Chronicles.

2 Chronicles 29 2 Word analysis

• And he: This refers directly to King Hezekiah, emphasizing his personal accountability and actions, contrasting sharply with his father, Ahaz.

• did: Hebrew: ‘āśâ (עָשָׂה), meaning to make, do, perform, accomplish. This implies concrete actions and a consistent pattern of behavior, not merely good intentions.

• what was right: Hebrew: hayyāšār (הַיָּשָׁר), from the root yashar (יָשַׁר), meaning straight, upright, proper, pleasing. It denotes moral and ethical correctness, conformity to an established standard, which in this biblical context is divine law and will. It contrasts with actions that are "evil" or "crooked."

• in the eyes of the LORD: Hebrew: bə‘ēnê yhwh (בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה). This is a crucial phrase denoting divine approval and judgment. Actions are not assessed by human standards or popular opinion, but by God's perfect vision and holy requirements. It highlights God's constant scrutiny and His role as the ultimate judge. "LORD" (YHWH) is God's covenant name, signifying His unchanging, relational, and powerful nature.

• according to all that: This phrase, Hebrew kəḵōl-ašer (כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר), means "in accordance with all that" or "exactly as." It signifies a precise adherence and thorough conformity, leaving no room for partial or selective obedience. It emphasizes a complete adoption of the preceding example.

• his father David: David is the unparalleled ideal king in the Chronicler's perspective. Although Hezekiah was David's distant descendant, David is often referred to as a "father" figure for all his successors, serving as the blueprint for righteous Israelite kingship, establishing a moral and religious precedent for the monarchy. This highlights David's enduring spiritual and political legacy.

• had done: Again, from ‘āśâ (עָשָׂה). This perfect tense indicates completed action and established patterns by David, providing a historical standard that Hezekiah faithfully emulated. It underscores the concept of legacy and the responsibility of descendants to follow righteous precedents.

• "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD": This phrase is a common divine assessment formula used throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to evaluate a monarch's reign. Its use for Hezekiah immediately signals his alignment with God's will and foreshadows his blessed reign, contrasting starkly with his unrighteous father, Ahaz. The emphasis is on objective divine standards, not subjective human judgment.

• "according to all that his father David had done": This sets David as the gold standard for all kings in Judah, reflecting the Chronicler's emphasis on the Davidic covenant and the ideal king who consistently walks with God. It implies a restoration of covenant faithfulness and righteous leadership, serving as a beacon of hope for Judah. David's actions provided a tangible model for obedience, temple worship, and reliance on God.

2 Chronicles 29 2 Bonus section

The repeated formula "he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (or "evil in the eyes of the LORD") is a distinctive literary device in Chronicles and Kings. It underscores the Chronicler's theological agenda, consistently measuring a king's reign not by military prowess or economic prosperity alone, but fundamentally by his faithfulness to YHWH and the Mosaic Law. Hezekiah is part of a select group of southern kingdom kings (like Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash (initially), Amaziah (initially), Uzziah (initially), and Josiah) who received this commendation. However, Hezekiah's praise is unique because of the explicit link to David, distinguishing him among other "good" kings and making him perhaps the strongest fulfillment of the Davidic ideal since David himself. This verse also serves an implicit polemical function against contemporary syncretism and idolatry prevalent under Ahaz, affirming YHWH alone as the true God whose standards matter, and implicitly, against any claim that prosperity could be gained through ungodly practices.

2 Chronicles 29 2 Commentary

2 Chronicles 29:2 immediately establishes Hezekiah as a king of great moral and spiritual integrity, setting the stage for the remarkable spiritual revival he leads. The Chronicler, concerned with validating the legitimacy of the post-exilic community by tracing their heritage back to righteous kings and true worship, meticulously notes kings who "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD." Hezekiah, following a notorious period of apostasy under Ahaz, provides a refreshing return to covenant faithfulness. The mention of David is not just a genealogical note but a theological anchor. David represented the ideal king who had "a heart for God" (Acts 13:22), laying the foundation for true worship and national reliance on the LORD. Hezekiah's emulation of David suggests a conscious return to fundamental principles of Israelite faith that had been abandoned. This verse serves as the Chronicler's imprimatur on Hezekiah's reign, marking him as one of the few monarchs who lived up to the high standard of the Davidic covenant, thereby ensuring divine blessing for his efforts in Temple purification and restoration of worship. It also implies that true national prosperity and stability are intrinsically linked to the righteousness of its leaders and their obedience to God.Practical usage examples:

• Leaders setting a righteous example for those they govern.
• The importance of looking back to established godly precedents rather than inventing new paths.
• The call to obey God's commands (His "eyes") rather than following cultural norms.