2 Chronicles 25:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he did {H6213} that which was right {H3477} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, but not with a perfect {H8003} heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He did what was right from ADONAI's perspective, but not wholeheartedly.

Berean Standard Bible

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.

American Standard Version

And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, but not with a perfect heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 25:2 offers a succinct yet profound assessment of King Amaziah's reign, stating that he performed actions deemed "right in the sight of the LORD" but critically lacked "a perfect heart." This verse immediately establishes a central tension in his leadership: an outward conformity to divine law that was not matched by genuine, undivided devotion, thereby highlighting the biblical emphasis on internal sincerity over mere external performance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse introduces King Amaziah, son of Joash, as he ascends the throne of Judah. The book of 2 Chronicles, much like 1 and 2 Kings, systematically evaluates the kings of Judah based on their fidelity to the Mosaic covenant and their relationship with Yahweh. This opening assessment of Amaziah's character and reign immediately sets the tone for the narrative that follows. The previous chapter details the assassination of his father, Joash, who himself began well but later faltered (2 Chronicles 24:17-22). Amaziah's initial acts, such as executing his father's murderers but sparing their children in accordance with the law (2 Chronicles 25:3-4, referencing [Deuteronomy 24:16](/deuteronomy/24-16 "Deuteronomy 24:16 - Parental Sins Not Visited on Children")), appear righteous. However, the crucial qualifier in 2 Chronicles 25:2 serves as a prophetic indicator, foreshadowing his later spiritual decline, including his disastrous war against Edom and subsequent adoption of Edomite idols (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). This verse is therefore not merely a historical note but a theological judgment that frames the entire account of his rule.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amaziah reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah from approximately 796-767 BC, during a period when the nation was often caught between powerful regional empires like Assyria and Egypt, and frequently engaged in conflicts with neighboring states like Edom and Israel. Kings in ancient Israel and Judah were expected to be guardians of the covenant and exemplars of piety, their actions directly impacting the spiritual and material well-being of the nation. The Chronicler, writing centuries later, often emphasizes the Davidic covenant and the importance of the temple and proper worship. In this cultural milieu, outward religious observance was common, but the prophetic tradition consistently challenged the people, and especially their leaders, to cultivate inner devotion and genuine obedience. The concept of a "perfect heart" was a recurring ideal for Israel's kings, signifying complete loyalty to God, contrasting with the syncretism or apostasy that often plagued the monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme introduced by this verse is the critical distinction between **outward conformity and inward sincerity**. While Amaziah's actions might have appeared "right," his heart was not "perfect," highlighting that God's assessment goes beyond external performance to the true state of one's inner being. This directly relates to the broader biblical emphasis on the **importance of the heart** as the seat of one's will, affections, and moral choices (as seen in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Keep Your Heart with All Diligence")). Another key theme is **God's scrutiny of motives**. Unlike human observers who might be impressed by outward displays of piety, God "searches the heart and examines the mind" ([Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart")). This verse also serves as a **foreshadowing of decline**, as Amaziah's internal spiritual deficiency inevitably leads to his later unfaithfulness and ultimate downfall, illustrating the principle that a compromised heart will eventually lead to compromised actions and consequences, a pattern frequently observed in the lives of Israel's kings throughout [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "The Book of 2 Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right (Hebrew, _yashar'_):** This word signifies "straight," "upright," "just," or "correct." When applied to actions in the sight of the LORD, it denotes adherence to God's commandments and moral standards. Amaziah's initial policies, such as his administration of justice regarding his father's murderers, were indeed in line with biblical law. This word suggests that his behavior was outwardly commendable and aligned with what was expected of a righteous king.
* **Perfect Heart (Hebrew, _shalem lev'_):** The phrase "perfect heart" uses the Hebrew word _shalem_ (שָׁלֵם), which means "whole," "complete," "sound," or "undivided." It implies integrity, sincerity, and undivided loyalty. A "perfect heart" is one fully devoted to God, without reservation, compromise, or ulterior motives. It contrasts sharply with a heart that is partial, wavering, or hypocritical. The absence of a "perfect heart" in Amaziah indicates that his "right" actions were not rooted in a deep, internal commitment to God but perhaps driven by duty, fear, political expediency, or a desire for human approval.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD":** This clause indicates that Amaziah's actions and policies generally conformed to the Law of Moses and the expectations for a righteous king. He performed the duties of his office in a manner that, from an external perspective, appeared to be in alignment with God's will. This suggests a period of initial obedience and adherence to religious and moral standards.
* **"but not with a perfect heart":** This crucial qualifier introduces a profound spiritual caveat. Despite his outwardly correct actions, Amaziah's inner disposition was flawed. His heart was not "whole" or "undivided" in its devotion to the LORD. This implies a lack of genuine sincerity, deep-seated love, or unwavering commitment. His obedience was superficial, perhaps a matter of obligation rather than heartfelt desire, setting the stage for his eventual spiritual decline and idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** to create a stark contrast between Amaziah's external actions and his internal state. The phrase "he did that which was right" is immediately followed by the qualifier "but not with a perfect heart," highlighting the tension between outward conformity and inward sincerity. This contrast is central to the Chronicler's theological assessment of kings. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as this initial spiritual assessment of Amaziah's flawed heart serves as a prophetic indicator of his future failures and eventual downfall, particularly his turn to idolatry after his victory against Edom (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). There is also a subtle **Irony** in that a king who outwardly performs "right" actions is simultaneously judged as lacking the most fundamental internal quality for true righteousness—a wholly devoted heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly theological, emphasizing that God's judgment extends beyond observable actions to the hidden motives and affections of the heart. It underscores a consistent biblical theme: God desires not merely outward compliance but wholehearted devotion and genuine love. True righteousness stems from an internal transformation and an undivided commitment to God, rather than a superficial adherence to rules or rituals. Amaziah's story serves as a cautionary tale, revealing that even seemingly "right" actions are insufficient if they do not flow from a heart fully surrendered to the LORD. This principle applies to all believers, reminding us that God values sincerity and integrity above all else.
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")
* [Proverbs 21:2](/proverbs/21-2 "Proverbs 21:2 - Every Way of a Man is Right in His Own Eyes")
* [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Honor Me with Their Lips, But Their Hearts Are Far From Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amaziah's story in 2 Chronicles 25:2 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination. It challenges us to look beyond the surface of our religious practices and moral conduct to the true state of our hearts. Are our acts of worship, service, and obedience motivated by genuine love for God and a desire to honor Him, or are they driven by duty, fear of judgment, a desire for human approval, or even a pursuit of personal gain? The Lord desires our wholehearted commitment, not just our outward compliance. This verse calls us to cultivate an undivided heart that seeks to honor God in both action and motive, recognizing that true spirituality stems from an internal commitment to Him. It reminds us that God sees beyond the façade, and true spiritual health is rooted in the purity and devotion of our inner being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be doing "right" things outwardly, but without a truly "perfect heart" or sincere motive?**
* **What does it mean for me to have a "perfect" or "undivided" heart toward God in my daily life?**
* **How can I cultivate deeper sincerity and genuine devotion in my walk with God, moving beyond mere external compliance?**
* **What are some indicators that my heart might be divided or less than "perfect" in its devotion to the Lord?**

### FAQ

**What does "perfect heart" mean in this context, and why is it so important?**

Answer: In this context, "perfect heart" (Hebrew: *shalem lev*) does not imply moral flawlessness or sinless perfection, but rather wholeness, completeness, and undivided loyalty to God. It signifies a heart that is fully devoted, sincere, and without duplicity or compromise in its commitment to the LORD. It's important because God values genuine, internal devotion more than outward religious performance. As [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart") states, "the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." A "perfect heart" is the foundation for true covenant faithfulness and is what God ultimately seeks from His people and their leaders.

**How does Amaziah's "imperfect heart" relate to his later actions?**

Answer: The "imperfect heart" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 25:2 is presented as the root cause of Amaziah's subsequent spiritual failures and ultimate downfall. While he initially acted righteously (e.g., executing his father's murderers according to the law), his lack of deep, internal devotion meant his obedience was fragile. This internal flaw became evident after his great victory over Edom, when he brought back Edomite idols and began to worship them ([2 Chronicles 25:14-16](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14 - Amaziah's Idolatry")). His heart was not truly committed to the LORD, making him susceptible to idolatry and pride, which ultimately led to his defeat by Israel and his assassination ([2 Chronicles 25:17-28](/2_chronicles/25-17 "2 Chronicles 25:17-28 - Amaziah's Downfall")). The verse serves as a crucial diagnostic, explaining the trajectory of his reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The assessment of Amaziah's reign—doing what was "right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart"—powerfully underscores humanity's inherent inability to achieve true, wholehearted obedience. While Amaziah could perform external acts of righteousness, his internal disposition was flawed, revealing the deep-seated problem of the human heart, which [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart") describes as "deceitful above all things, and desperately sick." This imperfection in the human heart highlights the absolute necessity of Christ. Jesus, unlike any earthly king, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, not only in His external actions but also with a perfectly pure and undivided heart towards God the Father ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Was Tempted Yet Without Sin")). He lived a life of complete and sincere devotion, offering the only truly "perfect heart" and perfect obedience. Furthermore, through His atoning sacrifice, Christ addresses the very problem of our imperfect hearts, offering forgiveness for our failures and promising a new heart, one that is truly inclined to obey God through the power of the Holy Spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ekekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")). Thus, what Amaziah lacked, and what all humanity lacks, is perfectly provided in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who enables us to serve God with a sincerity and devotion that flows from His transformative grace ([Romans 6:17](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17 - Obedience from the Heart")).

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 25:14

¶ Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up [to be] his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.

James 4:8

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

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:

2 Chronicles 24:2

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

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

James 1:8

A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.