2 Chronicles 31:20 kjv
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.
2 Chronicles 31:20 nkjv
Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the LORD his God.
2 Chronicles 31:20 niv
This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.
2 Chronicles 31:20 esv
Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.
2 Chronicles 31:20 nlt
In this way, King Hezekiah handled the distribution throughout all Judah, doing what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.
2 Chronicles 31 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Ki 18:3 | "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done." | Hezekiah's righteousness. |
| 2 Chr 29:2 | "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done." | Parallel to 2 Kings 18, commending Hezekiah. |
| 2 Chr 31:21 | "And every work that he undertook… he did it with all his heart and prospered." | Success stemming from wholehearted obedience. |
| Deut 6:18 | "And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD..." | Call to Israel for righteous obedience. |
| Deut 12:28 | "...that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God." | Blessing promised for righteous conduct. |
| Psa 15:2 | "He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;" | Characteristics of one dwelling with God. |
| Prov 2:7 | "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity," | Wisdom and protection for the righteous. |
| Prov 21:2 | "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart." | Emphasizes divine evaluation of sincerity. |
| 1 Chr 29:17 | "I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness..." | God desires integrity and truth. |
| 2 Chr 15:2 | "The LORD is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you..." | Divine presence linked to seeking God. |
| 2 Chr 20:3 | "Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD..." | Seeking God in crisis. |
| 1 Sam 16:7 | "...for the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” | God's ultimate perspective. |
| Heb 4:13 | "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." | All actions are transparent before God. |
| Rom 12:2 | "...be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." | Believer's walk and discerning God's will. |
| Phil 4:8 | "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable..." | Call to righteous thinking. |
| Col 3:23-24 | "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward." | Motivation for Christian labor. |
| Tit 2:7-8 | "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works... speaking sound speech that cannot be condemned..." | Living an exemplary life. |
| Eph 4:25 | "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." | Practical truthfulness among believers. |
| Jas 1:22 | "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." | Emphasizes action alongside hearing. |
| Isa 3:10 | "Tell the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds." | Promise of blessing for righteous living. |
| Mic 6:8 | "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" | God's core requirements for His people. |
2 Chronicles 31 verses
2 Chronicles 31 20 Meaning
Hezekiah acted consistently throughout the kingdom of Judah, and all his deeds were righteous, upright, and faithful in the sight of the Lord his God. This verse serves as a profound summary and commendation of Hezekiah's comprehensive commitment to God's will in both his public actions and personal integrity, affirming divine approval of his diligent reforms and administration.
2 Chronicles 31 20 Context
2 Chronicles 31:20 is a summary statement within a larger account of King Hezekiah's reforms. Chapters 29-31 detail his extensive efforts to restore proper worship in Judah after the idolatrous reign of his father, Ahaz. Specifically, Chapter 29 describes the cleansing and rededication of the Temple, and the reinstitution of Levitical service. Chapter 30 recounts a kingdom-wide Passover celebration. Chapter 31, immediately preceding this verse, details the people's spontaneous dismantling of idolatrous pillars, the organization of priestly and Levitical duties, and the establishment of support for them through tithes and offerings. Verse 20 provides a theological evaluation and divine commendation of all these actions, encapsulating Hezekiah's character and the efficacy of his work. Historically, Hezekiah ruled during a critical period, with the Northern Kingdom of Israel already fallen to Assyria. His reforms were vital for the spiritual survival of Judah and the preservation of pure Yahwistic worship.
2 Chronicles 31 20 Word analysis
- "And thus did" / וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן (vayya'as ken): The verb "did" (עָשָׂה - 'asah) signifies purposeful action, not mere intention. The adverb "thus" (כֵּן - ken) implies that his actions conformed to a standard, specifically referring to the comprehensive and orderly reforms described in the preceding verses. It suggests continuity and thoroughness in execution, echoing God's previous instructions and the spirit of the reforms.
- "Hezekiah" / יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ (Yekhizqiyahu): Means "The LORD strengthens" or "God strengthens." His name itself serves as a testament to the divine source of his strength and resolve in undertaking massive religious and administrative reforms against prevalent idolatry and corruption.
- "throughout all Judah": This phrase emphasizes the extensive scope and reach of Hezekiah's reforms. It wasn't merely confined to Jerusalem or the Temple but extended to every corner of his kingdom, indicating strong, effective, and broadly accepted leadership. This points to the systematic nature of his return to covenant faithfulness.
- "and did what was good" / וְהַטּוֹב (vəhaṭṭov): "Good" (טוֹב - tov) here carries a robust moral and ethical dimension. It means inherently excellent, right, or beneficial from God's perspective. It describes actions that align with God's perfect will and design, promoting well-being and blessing. It contrasts sharply with the "evil" done by many preceding kings.
- "and right" / וְהַיָּשָׁר (vəhayyashar): "Right" (יָשָׁר - yashar) implies uprightness, straightness, justice, and integrity. It refers to conduct that adheres to established laws and principles, particularly those of the Mosaic covenant. It suggests Hezekiah's decisions and administration were just and equitable, embodying God's standards for societal and spiritual order.
- "and true" / וְהָאֱמֶת (vəha'emet): "True" (אֱמֶת - 'emet) signifies truthfulness, faithfulness, reliability, and steadfastness. It denotes actions that are genuine, sincere, and consistent with the divine covenant, standing in stark contrast to the falsehoods of idolatry and deception. This speaks to the integrity and authenticity of Hezekiah's faith.
- Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "did what was good and right and true": This triadic phrase is a comprehensive biblical idiom for complete and exemplary righteousness. It covers moral character ("good"), ethical conduct/justice ("right"), and faithful adherence/integrity ("true"). This is not merely human perception but a divine assessment, underscoring Hezekiah's thorough obedience. This phrase is often found in Deuteronomistic theology, describing ideal covenant living.
- "before the LORD his God": This is a critical theological descriptor. It signifies accountability, divine presence, and motivation. Hezekiah's actions were not merely for public approval or political gain, but performed consciously in the omniscient sight of God. The phrase "his God" underscores a personal, covenant relationship that grounded Hezekiah's faithfulness and through which he sought God's approval above all else. This stands in polemic opposition to rulers who pursued personal gain or served other gods.
2 Chronicles 31 20 Bonus section
- The Chronistic Ideal: The Chronicler heavily emphasizes the piety and righteousness of kings, especially concerning the Temple and proper worship. Hezekiah is presented as an exemplar, perhaps second only to David, fulfilling the ideal of a king who walks entirely according to God's will. This verse encapsulates that Chroniclistic emphasis.
- Holistic Obedience: The repeated emphasis on "good, right, and true" points to a comprehensive righteousness, encompassing personal character, public justice, and faithful commitment. It suggests that Hezekiah's reforms were deeply ingrained and not superficial.
- The Source of Prosperity: The following verse, 2 Chronicles 31:21, directly links Hezekiah's "wholehearted" dedication (doing it "with all his heart") to the prosperity he experienced. Verse 20, therefore, establishes the moral and spiritual foundation for that blessing, showing that divine favor is a consequence of complete obedience and integrity before God.
2 Chronicles 31 20 Commentary
2 Chronicles 31:20 offers a powerful divine summary of Hezekiah's reign as presented by the Chronicler. It emphasizes not merely his ceremonial acts of restoration but his profound moral and spiritual integrity across all facets of his leadership. The triadic "good and right and true" signifies a comprehensive, unwavering commitment to God's standards – morally pure, ethically just, and faithfully sincere. Crucially, his actions were "before the LORD his God," highlighting that his primary audience and motivation was the Almighty. This indicates genuine, heart-level obedience rather than mere outward compliance. This level of wholehearted dedication, detailed throughout his reforms in Chapters 29-31, provides the theological basis for the prosperity and success that would characterize his later reign (31:21 and beyond). It sets Hezekiah apart as a paradigm of righteous leadership and devotion.