2 Chronicles 26:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he did {H6213} that which was right {H3477} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, according to all that his father {H1} Amaziah {H558} did {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He did what was right from ADONAI's perspective, following the example of everything his father Amatzyahu had done.

Berean Standard Bible

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done.

American Standard Version

And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 26:4 introduces King Uzziah of Judah with an initial positive assessment of his reign, stating he "did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD." This commendation, however, is immediately qualified by the phrase "according to all that his father Amaziah did," a subtle yet crucial nuance that foreshadows the complexities and eventual decline of Uzziah's own rule, mirroring the trajectory of his predecessor, despite a period of significant prosperity and strength for Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the customary introduction to a new king's reign in the Chronicler's history, providing an immediate spiritual evaluation. It follows the narrative of Uzziah's father, Amaziah, detailed in [2 Chronicles 25](/2_chronicles/25 "2 Chronicles 25 - The Reign of King Amaziah"). Amaziah's reign began with a positive assessment of doing "right in the sight of the LORD," but was immediately qualified with "but not with a perfect heart" ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Imperfect Heart")), and ultimately ended in idolatry and a tragic assassination. By comparing Uzziah to Amaziah, the Chronicler sets up a parallel narrative, hinting that Uzziah, despite his initial successes and long reign, would also eventually falter, specifically due to pride, as detailed later in [2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride and Trespass"). This initial evaluation is therefore not merely a statement of fact but a narrative device that prepares the reader for the full scope of Uzziah's complex reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Uzziah, also known as Azariah (2 Kings 15:1-7), ascended the throne of Judah at the remarkably young age of 16, following the assassination of his father, King Amaziah. This period, the 8th century BC, was a time of relative stability and prosperity for Judah, largely due to Uzziah's military prowess, agricultural innovations, and fortified defenses, as elaborated in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - The Reign of King Uzziah"). The phrase "did right in the sight of the LORD" was a standard biblical formula used by the Chronicler and Deuteronomistic historian to evaluate a king's adherence to the Mosaic Law and covenant obligations. It signified a king's general faithfulness to God's commands, particularly regarding the worship of Yahweh alone and the suppression of idolatry. However, as seen with Amaziah and later with Uzziah, this initial positive assessment often came with caveats or was followed by a subsequent decline in faithfulness, highlighting the conditional nature of divine blessing and the constant need for vigilance against pride and apostasy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the book of Chronicles and beyond. The theme of **Initial Righteousness** is prominent, affirming Uzziah's early commitment to God's ways, which sets the stage for the significant prosperity and strength Judah experienced under his rule. However, the crucial qualification, "according to all that his father Amaziah did," introduces the theme of **Parental Influence and Its Nuances**. While Amaziah began well, he later turned away from the Lord, leading to his downfall. This comparison subtly foreshadows Uzziah's own eventual pride and unfaithfulness, demonstrating that following a parent's example is not always straightforward; one must discern both the good and the pitfalls. This also underscores the theme of **Conditional Obedience and Blessing**, where a king's righteousness and the nation's prosperity are contingent on their ongoing faithfulness to the Lord, rather than being an absolute or guaranteed state. The Chronicler consistently uses these evaluations to highlight the spiritual condition of the nation's leadership and its direct impact on the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **right (Hebrew, _yashar'_):** This adjective means "straight," "upright," or "just." When applied to actions or character, it signifies moral and spiritual rectitude, adherence to divine standards, and integrity. In the context of a king, it implies governing justly and leading the nation in obedience to God's covenant. It stands in contrast to actions done "right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")), which typically denotes self-serving, misguided, or idolatrous behavior.
* **in the sight of the LORD (Hebrew, _b'einei Yahweh'_):** This phrase emphasizes that the evaluation of Uzziah's actions is from God's perspective, not merely human judgment. It signifies divine approval and indicates that Uzziah's early reign was in alignment with God's will and covenant expectations. This divine gaze implies accountability and highlights that true righteousness is measured by God's perfect standard, not by human standards or popular opinion.
* **according to all that his father Amaziah did (Hebrew, _k'khol asher asah Amatzyah aviv'_):** This seemingly straightforward comparison is the most significant and nuanced part of the verse. It implies not merely a continuation of Amaziah's practices, but a mirroring of his spiritual trajectory. While Amaziah started well, he later turned to idolatry and suffered a tragic end ([2 Chronicles 25:14-28](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14-28 - Amaziah's Idolatry and Downfall")). Thus, this phrase acts as a subtle **foreshadowing**, hinting that Uzziah's "rightness" would also be compromised, leading to his own downfall, despite a period of great success.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] right":** This clause provides the initial, positive assessment of King Uzziah's reign. It indicates that his actions and policies were in general alignment with God's commands and the covenant stipulations for the kings of Judah. This implies a period of obedience, justice, and adherence to the worship of Yahweh, which would indeed characterize the early and middle parts of his long reign, leading to significant national prosperity and strength.
* **"in the sight of the LORD":** This specifies the ultimate arbiter of Uzziah's righteousness. It is not merely that his actions were good in the eyes of his people or politically expedient, but that they met with divine approval. This highlights the Chronicler's theological perspective, where the spiritual condition of the king directly impacts the nation's welfare, and God is the ultimate judge of all human conduct, especially that of leaders.
* **"according to all that his father Amaziah did":** This is the crucial qualifying phrase that adds depth and complexity to the initial positive assessment. It suggests a pattern of behavior and spiritual trajectory similar to Amaziah. While Amaziah began well, his heart was "not perfect" ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Imperfect Heart")), and he eventually turned to idolatry and pride, leading to his demise. This comparison thus serves as a subtle **warning** or **foreshadowing**, indicating that Uzziah's initial righteousness might not endure perfectly, and that he too might succumb to the same spiritual pitfalls that afflicted his father, ultimately leading to his own tragic end due to pride.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. Most notably, there is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**. By comparing Uzziah's reign to that of his father Amaziah, whose story of initial righteousness followed by pride and apostasy is well-documented in the preceding chapter, the Chronicler subtly hints at Uzziah's own eventual downfall. This creates a sense of dramatic **Irony**, as an ostensibly positive opening statement carries a hidden, ominous warning. The use of **Formulaic Language** ("did right in the sight of the LORD") is characteristic of the Chronicler's evaluations of kings, providing a consistent framework for assessing their reigns. However, the immediate qualification regarding Amaziah transforms this formula from a simple statement of fact into a nuanced **Parallelism**, inviting the reader to draw connections between the father's and son's spiritual journeys and anticipate a similar trajectory of initial success followed by moral failure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while brief, encapsulates profound theological truths about human leadership, the nature of righteousness, and the ever-present danger of pride. Uzziah's initial commendable actions, judged "right in the sight of the LORD," affirm the biblical principle that obedience to God's commands brings blessing and prosperity. However, the immediate qualification, linking his conduct to that of his father Amaziah, introduces a critical nuance: external conformity to God's law is insufficient without a "perfect heart" or wholehearted devotion. This highlights the human tendency towards spiritual compromise and the deceptive nature of outward success masking inward decay. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes that true righteousness is not merely about doing the right things, but about doing them with the right heart and sustained humility, a lesson tragically illustrated by both Amaziah and Uzziah, who, despite their initial good starts, ultimately succumbed to pride and unfaithfulness. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that even those who begin well can falter if vigilance and humility are not maintained.

* [2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Imperfect Heart")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Uzziah's story, introduced by this verse, offers a potent lesson for believers today: a good start is commendable, but endurance in faith and humility is paramount. We are called not just to "do right" initially, but to persevere in righteousness with a wholehearted devotion to the Lord throughout our lives. The subtle warning embedded in the comparison to Amaziah reminds us that even seemingly righteous examples from our past or present can have hidden flaws or cautionary tales. We must learn from both the successes and failures of those who came before us, discerning not just what they did, but why and with what heart. Uzziah's eventual fall, despite his initial obedience and great accomplishments, serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of pride. It can creep into the hearts of even the most blessed and successful, leading to spiritual trespass and downfall. Therefore, maintaining a posture of humility, constant dependence on God, and a vigilant self-examination of our motives are crucial for enduring spiritual integrity and a sustained walk with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's immediate qualification of Uzziah's righteousness challenge our own understanding of what it means to "do right in the sight of the LORD"?**
* **In what ways might we, like Uzziah, be tempted to rely on past successes or external achievements rather than maintaining a humble, dependent heart before God?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the nuanced example of Uzziah and Amaziah regarding the influence of parental or leadership examples, both positive and negative?**

### FAQ
**Who was Amaziah, and why is his example significant for understanding Uzziah?**

Answer: Amaziah was Uzziah's father and the preceding king of Judah, whose reign is detailed in [2 Chronicles 25](/2_chronicles/25 "2 Chronicles 25 - The Reign of King Amaziah"). His example is profoundly significant because, like Uzziah, he began his reign by doing "right in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Imperfect Heart")), but with the crucial caveat "but not with a perfect heart." Amaziah later turned to idolatry after a military victory, ignoring a prophet's warning, and ultimately suffered a humiliating defeat and assassination. By stating that Uzziah did "according to all that his father Amaziah did," the Chronicler subtly foreshadows that Uzziah's reign, despite its initial righteousness and great prosperity, would also eventually be marred by pride and unfaithfulness, leading to his own tragic end. Amaziah's story serves as a cautionary template for understanding Uzziah's trajectory.

**What does "did right in the sight of the LORD" truly mean, and how can it be qualified?**

Answer: The phrase "did right in the sight of the LORD" is a standard theological evaluation in the books of Kings and Chronicles, signifying that a king generally adhered to God's covenant laws, maintained the worship of Yahweh, and avoided idolatry. It points to actions that are morally and spiritually upright according to divine standards. However, as seen with kings like Amaziah and Uzziah, this positive evaluation can be qualified in several ways. It might mean that while their outward actions were commendable, their heart was "not perfect" or not fully devoted to God ([2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Imperfect Heart")). It could also imply that their righteousness was not sustained throughout their entire reign, and they eventually succumbed to pride, apostasy, or other sins, as Uzziah did when he presumptuously entered the temple to burn incense ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Unlawful Act and Leprosy")). Thus, the Chronicler uses this phrase not as an absolute stamp of perfection, but as an initial assessment that often sets the stage for a more complex and nuanced spiritual narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of King Uzziah, introduced by his initial "rightness" qualified by the example of his flawed father, powerfully highlights the inherent limitations and ultimate failures of human kingship and righteousness. While Uzziah began well and achieved great things, his story, like that of Amaziah and indeed all human kings, ultimately points to the desperate need for a perfect King. Uzziah's eventual fall due to pride, despite his initial obedience, underscores the biblical truth that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Unlike Uzziah, whose "rightness" was conditional and ultimately compromised, Jesus Christ is the King whose righteousness is absolute, perfect, and eternal. He is the Son who perfectly fulfills the will of His Father, never deviating from God's commands and never succumbing to pride or self-exaltation. Where human kings like Uzziah sought glory for themselves, Christ "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). He is the true Lamb of God, who offers a perfect sacrifice for sin ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing a righteousness not by human effort or a fleeting "good start," but by grace through faith in Him ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Uzziah's story, therefore, is a poignant illustration of the need for the one King whose reign is truly "right in the sight of the LORD" in every respect, forever, and whose perfect obedience secures eternal blessings for all who trust in Him ([Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")).

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 25:2

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