2 Chronicles 14:2

KJV

And Asa did [that which was] good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Asa {H609} did {H6213} that which was good {H2896} and right {H3477} in the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068} his God {H430}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Asa did what was good and right from the perspective of ADONAI his God;

Berean Standard Bible

And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.

American Standard Version

And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of Jehovah his God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 14:2 introduces King Asa of Judah with a foundational and highly commendatory statement, declaring that he "did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God." This verse immediately sets the spiritual trajectory for Asa's reign, distinguishing him from many of his predecessors and successors who deviated from divine standards. It highlights his early commitment to God's will, establishing the theological framework for the extensive religious reforms and periods of peace and prosperity that characterized his rule, all attributed to his faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the opening evaluation of King Asa's reign, immediately following the brief and less favorable account of his father, Abijah (2 Chronicles 13). The Chronicler consistently evaluates Judah's kings based on their fidelity to the Mosaic covenant and their commitment to Jerusalem's temple worship. Asa's positive assessment here stands in stark contrast to the negative evaluations often given to other kings (e.g., [Rehoboam](/2-chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Rehoboam's Reign"), [Jehoram](/2-chronicles/21 "2 Chronicles 21 - Jehoram's Reign")), setting the stage for a narrative focused on reform, divine blessing, and military success directly linked to his obedience. The Chronicler's primary purpose is to demonstrate that national well-being is directly tied to the king's spiritual leadership and the nation's adherence to God's laws.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Asa reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah from approximately 913-873 BC. At this time, Judah was a relatively small kingdom, often overshadowed by the larger Northern Kingdom of Israel and vulnerable to regional powers like Egypt and various nomadic groups. Idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah, was a persistent problem, often introduced or tolerated by previous kings and queens, leading to a syncretistic religious landscape. The "high places" (cultic sites often associated with pagan worship or unauthorized Yahwistic worship) were prevalent. Asa's reign, as described in Chronicles, represents a significant period of religious purification and a return to orthodox Yahwism, a critical endeavor for the spiritual survival and distinct identity of Judah amidst surrounding pagan cultures.
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several key themes that permeate the book of Chronicles and Asa's narrative. Firstly, **Righteous Leadership** is paramount, emphasizing that a king's moral and spiritual standing before God directly impacts the nation's welfare, peace, and prosperity (e.g., [2 Chronicles 15:2](/2-chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - The Lord is with you when you are with Him")). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Approval and Accountability** is central, as the phrase "in the eyes of the LORD his God" functions as a recurring evaluative statement, highlighting God's constant observation and judgment of human actions. This underscores the Chronicler's theological perspective that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and their leaders. Finally, the verse foreshadows the theme of **Religious Reform and Purity**, as Asa's "good and right" actions immediately lead to the purging of idolatry and the restoration of proper worship, laying the groundwork for a period of spiritual renewal and national stability (e.g., [2 Chronicles 14:3-5](/2-chronicles/14-3 "2 Chronicles 14:3-5 - Asa's Reforms")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôv_):** This Hebrew term is multifaceted, encompassing moral uprightness, ethical soundness, and general excellence. When applied to human actions in a biblical context, it refers to that which is pleasing to God, aligning with His character and revealed will. It implies not merely the absence of evil, but an active pursuit of what is beneficial, wholesome, and righteous, often in a communal sense.
* **right (Hebrew, _yāšār_):** Meaning "straight," "upright," or "just," this word signifies adherence to a standard, integrity, and rectitude. It suggests a course of action that is not crooked, deviant, or self-serving, but rather direct, honest, and in conformity with divine law. Together with _ṭôv_, it forms a comprehensive description of actions that are both morally excellent and justly executed according to God's perfect standard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Asa did [that which was] good and right":** This clause provides the immediate and primary evaluation of King Asa's conduct. It indicates that his actions, policies, and overall character were aligned with divine expectations. The combination of "good" (_ṭôv_) and "right" (_yāšār_) suggests a comprehensive moral and ethical integrity. It wasn't just that he avoided evil, but that he actively pursued justice, righteousness, and what was pleasing to God, setting a positive example for his kingdom.
* **"in the eyes of the LORD his God":** This crucial phrase specifies the ultimate arbiter of Asa's conduct. It's not human opinion, cultural norms, or political expediency that defines "good and right," but the direct, discerning gaze of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This emphasizes divine sovereignty and accountability, reinforcing that God observes and judges all human actions, especially those of leaders. The phrase "his God" further personalizes the relationship, implying Asa's recognition of Yahweh as his personal deity, not just a national one.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device in this verse is the **Evaluative Formula**. The phrase "did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD" is a standard Deuteronomistic formula used throughout the historical books (especially Kings and Chronicles) to assess the reign of Israelite and Judean monarchs. Its consistent application provides a theological framework for understanding success and failure in the kingdom. This formula implicitly employs **Contrast**, as Asa's positive evaluation stands out against the negative assessments of many other kings who "did evil in the eyes of the LORD." Furthermore, the phrase "in the eyes of the LORD" functions as a form of **Divine Observation** or **Theophany**, emphasizing God's omnipresence and His active role as the ultimate judge and witness of human conduct, particularly that of those in authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 14:2 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that true righteousness is defined by God and that human actions are constantly under His divine scrutiny. Asa's commitment to doing "good and right" in God's eyes establishes a model of leadership and personal conduct where divine approval, not human acclaim, is the ultimate goal. This concept underscores God's moral governance over the world and His expectation of obedience from His people, especially those entrusted with authority. It teaches that faithfulness to God's revealed will leads to blessing, while deviation invites judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 6:18](/deuteronomy/6-18 "Deuteronomy 6:18 - Doing What is Right and Good")
* [1 Kings 15:11](/1-kings/15-11 "1 Kings 15:11 - Asa's Righteousness in Kings")
* [Psalm 19:8](/psalm/19-8 "Psalm 19:8 - The Lord's Precepts are Right")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Asa's example in 2 Chronicles 14:2 challenges believers today to consider the ultimate audience for their lives and actions. In a world that often prioritizes human approval, personal gain, or fleeting trends, Asa's reign begins with a clear declaration that his standard was divine. This verse calls us to examine whether our own choices, decisions, and character are truly "good and right" not merely by societal norms, but by the unchanging, holy standard of God's Word. It reminds us that every aspect of our lives, from our private thoughts to our public conduct, is lived "in the eyes of the LORD our God." This awareness should cultivate a deep sense of accountability, inspiring us to pursue integrity, justice, and obedience, trusting that God's approval is the only true measure of success and the source of lasting blessing and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to seek human approval over God's approval?**
* **How does the awareness that my actions are "in the eyes of the LORD" impact my daily choices and motivations?**
* **What specific steps can I take to better align my definition of "good and right" with God's revealed will in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**What does "good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" truly mean in a practical sense for a king?**

Answer: For a king like Asa, doing "good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" meant governing according to the principles of the Mosaic Law and actively promoting the worship of Yahweh, the one true God, over all forms of idolatry. Practically, this involved dismantling pagan altars, breaking down sacred pillars, cutting down Asherah poles, and removing cult prostitutes, as Asa indeed did (e.g., [2 Chronicles 14:3-5](/2-chronicles/14-3 "2 Chronicles 14:3-5 - Asa's Religious Reforms")). It also meant upholding justice, protecting the vulnerable, and leading the nation in covenant faithfulness. This standard was not subjective but derived from God's revealed commandments and character, signifying a reign characterized by moral integrity, spiritual purity, and obedience to divine authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While King Asa's reign serves as a commendable example of a monarch striving for righteousness, his "good and right" actions ultimately point to the perfect and ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Unlike Asa, whose obedience was imperfect and whose reign eventually saw a decline in faithfulness (e.g., [2 Chronicles 16:7-10](/2-chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-10 - Asa's Failure to Trust God")), Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. He alone consistently did "that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD" without blemish or deviation ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). His entire life, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death, was one of perfect obedience to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning work, Christ not only lived the perfectly "good and right" life we could not, but He also imputes His righteousness to those who believe in Him, enabling them to be seen as "good and right" in God's eyes ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Our Righteousness in Christ")). Thus, Asa's commendable beginning foreshadows the truly righteous reign of the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), in whom all true goodness and rightness are eternally found.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:11

And Asa did [that which was] right in the eyes of the LORD, as [did] David his father.

1 Kings 15:14

But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.

Luke 1:75

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

2 Chronicles 31:20

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God.