2 Chronicles 24:2

KJV

And Joash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joash {H3101} did {H6213} that which was right {H3477} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068} all the days {H3117} of Jehoiada {H3077} the priest {H3548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yo'ash did what was right from ADONAI's perspective throughout the lifetime of Y'hoyada the cohen.

Berean Standard Bible

And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

American Standard Version

And Joash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 24:2 encapsulates the initial, commendable phase of King Joash's reign in Judah, highlighting his adherence to righteous conduct "in the sight of the LORD." This period of integrity was directly attributable to the profound and consistent influence of Jehoiada the priest, who served as Joash's guardian, mentor, and spiritual guide from the king's earliest years. The verse subtly yet powerfully underscores the critical role of godly mentorship in leadership, while simultaneously foreshadowing the tragic decline of Joash's character and reign once this vital external influence was removed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Joash's miraculous preservation and ascension to the throne. [2 Chronicles 22](/2_chronicles/22 "2 Chronicles 22 - Athaliah's Reign and Joash's Rescue") details the wicked reign of Athaliah, who massacred the royal seed, and the clandestine rescue of the infant Joash by Jehoshabeath and Jehoiada the priest, who hid him in the temple for six years ([2 Chronicles 22:10-12](/2_chronicles/22-10 "2 Chronicles 22:10-12 - Joash Hidden in the Temple")). [2 Chronicles 23](/2_chronicles/23 "2 Chronicles 23 - Jehoiada's Coup and Joash's Coronation") narrates Jehoiada's courageous coup, the overthrow of Athaliah, and the coronation of Joash at the age of seven. Following Joash's enthronement, Jehoiada led the people in a covenant renewal with the LORD and the destruction of Baal worship ([2 Chronicles 23:16-17](/2_chronicles/23-16 "2 Chronicles 23:16-17 - Covenant Renewal and Idolatry Destroyed")). Thus, 2 Chronicles 24:2 describes the initial fruit of this restoration, setting the stage for Joash's early, positive actions, particularly the repair of the temple, before the narrative takes a tragic turn after Jehoiada's death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately preceding Joash's reign was marked by severe apostasy and political instability in Judah. Athaliah, the queen mother, had usurped the throne and promoted the worship of Baal, bringing the kingdom to a spiritual low point. The temple, though still standing, had fallen into disrepair and its sacred practices neglected. Jehoiada, as the high priest, held a position of immense spiritual and cultural authority, especially given his age and long service. His decision to hide Joash in the temple and later orchestrate his enthronement was a daring act of faith and political maneuvering, restoring the Davidic line and the legitimate worship of Yahweh. In a culture where kings often derived their legitimacy from divine favor and their actions were seen as reflections of their piety, Jehoiada's mentorship of the young king was crucial for establishing a righteous foundation for the kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **power of godly mentorship and influence**, demonstrating how Jehoiada's consistent presence and guidance were instrumental in shaping Joash's early righteous reign. This underscores the biblical principle that "where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Importance of Counsel")). Secondly, the phrase "all the days of Jehoiada the priest" introduces the theme of **conditional obedience and the fragility of external righteousness**. It subtly foreshadows a tragic decline in Joash's character and reign after Jehoiada's death, revealing that Joash's righteousness was largely dependent on external influence rather than a deep, personal conviction, as seen in [2 Chronicles 24:17-19](/2_chronicles/24-17 "2 Chronicles 24:17-19 - Joash's Apostasy"). Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **divine approval and the nature of true kingship**, where "doing right in the sight of the LORD" signifies adherence to God's covenant and law, earning divine favor and blessing for the kingdom during this period.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right (Hebrew, _yāšār_):** This adjective, meaning "straight," "upright," "just," or "pleasing," is a common descriptor in the Deuteronomistic history (Kings and Chronicles) for kings who adhered to the covenant stipulations of the LORD. When applied to a king's reign, "doing what was right in the sight of the LORD" signifies actions that aligned with God's law, particularly concerning the exclusive worship of Yahweh and the maintenance of justice. It contrasts sharply with those kings who "did evil in the sight of the LORD" by promoting idolatry or injustice. For Joash, it meant supporting the temple, upholding the covenant, and ruling justly, at least initially.
* **All the days of Jehoiada the priest (Hebrew, _kol-yəmê Yəhôyādāʿ haKōhēn_):** This seemingly simple temporal phrase is profoundly significant and serves as a crucial qualifier. It indicates that Joash's righteous conduct was not a result of an internal, unwavering commitment to God, but rather a direct consequence of Jehoiada's living presence and guidance. The phrase acts as a narrative hinge, subtly foreshadowing the tragic shift in Joash's character and actions that would occur upon Jehoiada's death. It highlights the conditional nature of Joash's piety, distinguishing him from kings whose righteousness stemmed from a deeper, personal conviction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD":** This clause describes the positive moral and spiritual assessment of King Joash's early reign. "Did right" (Hebrew: _yāśar_) indicates that his actions and policies were in alignment with God's will and the covenant established with Israel. This included the restoration of temple worship, the eradication of Baal worship, and the general administration of justice in the kingdom. The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes that this righteousness was not merely humanly perceived but divinely approved, signifying that his conduct met God's standards.
* **"all the days of Jehoiada the priest":** This critical qualifier immediately places a boundary on Joash's righteous behavior. It specifies that his upright conduct persisted only as long as Jehoiada, his mentor and guardian, was alive and actively influencing him. This phrase is pregnant with dramatic irony and foreshadowing, hinting that Joash's commitment to God was external and dependent, rather than deeply rooted in personal faith. It sets the stage for the tragic apostasy and decline of Joash's reign that would follow Jehoiada's death, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 24](/2_chronicles/24 "2 Chronicles 24 - Joash's Reign and Apostasy").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the phrase "all the days of Jehoiada the priest" subtly but clearly hints at a future negative turn in Joash's reign once Jehoiada is gone. This creates narrative tension and prepares the reader for the subsequent account of Joash's apostasy. There is also an element of **irony**, as a king who begins with such divine approval and under such godly tutelage ultimately falls away. The phrase "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" is a common **idiom** in the historical books, serving as a standardized assessment of a king's reign, immediately signaling to the reader whether the king followed God's ways or not. This idiom, combined with the temporal qualifier, creates a powerful **contrast** between Joash's initial promise and his later failure, highlighting the conditional nature of his obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Joash's early reign under Jehoiada's guidance, followed by his tragic decline, offers profound theological insights into the nature of true righteousness and the enduring need for spiritual vigilance. It underscores that external influence, however godly, cannot substitute for genuine, internal conviction and a personal relationship with God. While mentorship is invaluable and divinely ordained for growth, the ultimate responsibility for one's spiritual walk rests with the individual. Joash's story serves as a stark warning against complacency and highlights the danger of a faith that is merely borrowed or dependent on others, rather than deeply rooted in a transformed heart. It also speaks to the enduring theme of God's patience and provision, even for flawed leaders, until their choices lead them away from His path.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")
* [Hebrews 3:12-14](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12-14 - Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of King Joash, particularly as introduced in 2 Chronicles 24:2, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It powerfully illustrates the immense value of godly mentorship and the profound impact that wise, spiritually mature individuals can have on shaping character and conduct, especially in formative years or periods of leadership. We are called to seek out and humbly receive counsel from those who walk closely with God, allowing their wisdom and experience to guide our steps. However, Joash's later apostasy serves as a sobering reminder that external influence, no matter how strong, is ultimately insufficient for sustained righteousness. True and lasting faith must be cultivated personally, stemming from a deep, internal conviction and an ongoing, vibrant relationship with God. Our spiritual walk is not a static decision but a dynamic journey requiring continuous vigilance, personal devotion, and a commitment to God's ways that transcends the presence or absence of any human mentor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "Jehoiada figures" in your life, and how are you actively seeking and receiving their godly counsel?**
* **In what areas of your life might your faith or obedience be more dependent on external influences (e.g., church attendance, a pastor, a small group) rather than a deep, personal conviction?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a more robust, internal, and resilient faith that is not merely conditional on circumstances or the presence of others?**

### FAQ
**What does "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" truly mean for a king in ancient Israel?**

Answer: This phrase is a standard theological assessment used throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to evaluate the reign of Israelite and Judean monarchs. It signifies that the king's actions, policies, and religious practices were in alignment with the covenant stipulations given by God, particularly as outlined in the Law of Moses. For kings, this primarily meant upholding the exclusive worship of Yahweh, suppressing idolatry, maintaining justice, and ensuring the proper functioning of the temple and its services. When a king "did what was right," it implied divine approval and often led to periods of national blessing and stability, whereas "doing evil" brought divine judgment and national decline. Joash, under Jehoiada's guidance, actively restored temple worship and repaired the temple, fulfilling aspects of this "right" conduct (see [2 Chronicles 24:4-14](/2_chronicles/24-4 "2 Chronicles 24:4-14 - Joash Repairs the Temple")).

**Why was Jehoiada's influence so critical for Joash, and what happened after Jehoiada's death?**

Answer: Jehoiada's influence was paramount because he was not only Joash's protector and guardian, having hidden him from Athaliah's massacre (as recounted in [2 Chronicles 22:11](/2_chronicles/22-11 "2 Chronicles 22:11 - Joash Hidden")), but also his spiritual mentor and de facto regent. Joash ascended the throne at the tender age of seven, having spent his formative years entirely within the temple under Jehoiada's tutelage. Jehoiada guided him in restoring proper worship, purifying the land of idolatry, and even arranging Joash's marriage. His presence provided a constant moral and spiritual compass. Tragically, after Jehoiada's death at the ripe old age of 130, Joash's character underwent a drastic change. He listened to wicked counselors, abandoned the worship of the LORD, and even permitted the killing of Zechariah, Jehoiada's son, who rebuked him for his apostasy ([2 Chronicles 24:17-22](/2_chronicles/24-17 "2 Chronicles 24:17-22 - Joash's Apostasy and Zechariah's Death")). This demonstrates that Joash's righteousness was largely external and dependent, rather than stemming from a deeply internalized faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Joash in 2 Chronicles 24:2, while highlighting the importance of godly mentorship, ultimately serves as a poignant contrast to the perfect and unwavering righteousness found in Jesus Christ. Joash's "right" conduct was conditional, contingent upon the presence of Jehoiada, and ultimately failed, leading to apostasy and judgment. This human frailty underscores the desperate need for a King whose righteousness is not borrowed or dependent, but inherent and eternal. Jesus, the true Son of David, did not merely "do that which was right in the sight of the LORD" for a season, but perfectly fulfilled all righteousness from His birth to His ascension ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). Unlike Joash, whose heart was eventually swayed by wicked counsel, Christ always did the will of His Father, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Furthermore, while Jehoiada was a faithful priest and mentor, he was a mere shadow of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who not only guides us but indwells us by His Spirit, writing God's law on our hearts and enabling genuine, internal transformation under the New Covenant ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest"); [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Joash's story, therefore, points us to the absolute sufficiency of Christ's perfect obedience on our behalf and His ongoing, indwelling priestly ministry that secures our eternal righteousness, not based on our conditional efforts, but on His finished work and empowering presence.

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

2 Chronicles 26:4

And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

2 Chronicles 26:5

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.

2 Chronicles 25:2

And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.

2 Chronicles 24:17

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

2 Chronicles 24:22

Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon [it], and require [it].

Isaiah 29:13

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Mark 4:16

And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;