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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thus did {H6213} Hezekiah {H3169} throughout all Judah {H3063}, and wrought {H6213} that which was good {H2896} and right {H3477} and truth {H571} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} his God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is what Hizkiyahu did throughout all Y'hudah. He accomplished things that were good, right and faithful before ADONAI his God.

Berean Standard Bible

So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the LORD his God.

American Standard Version

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah; and he wrought that which was good and right and faithful before Jehovah his God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 31:20 provides a profound divine commendation of King Hezekiah's reign, summarizing his comprehensive and unwavering commitment to God's will throughout the entire kingdom of Judah. This verse highlights that Hezekiah's actions were not merely politically expedient or externally religious, but deeply rooted in moral excellence, justice, and faithfulness, earning the full approval and favor of the LORD his God. It serves as an epitaph of his spiritual integrity and the far-reaching impact of his righteous leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic summary statement following a detailed account of King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms. Chapters 29-31 meticulously chronicle Hezekiah's immediate actions upon ascending the throne: the cleansing and consecration of the Temple ([2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple")), the reinstitution of the long-neglected Passover celebration ([2 Chronicles 30](/2_chronicles/30 "2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah Restores the Passover")), and the re-establishment of the Levitical order and offerings, including the people's generous contributions for their support ([2 Chronicles 31:2-19](/2_chronicles/31-2 "2 Chronicles 31:2-19 - Organization of Priests and Levites")). Verse 20, therefore, is not an isolated statement but the divine verdict and commendation on the totality of these painstaking efforts, affirming that his reforms were thorough, sincere, and pervasive "throughout all Judah."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah's reign (c. 715-686 BC) followed a period of profound spiritual apostasy under his father, King Ahaz, who had actively promoted idolatry and even closed the Temple ([2 Chronicles 28:24](/2_chronicles/28-24 "2 Chronicles 28:24 - Ahaz Closes the Temple")). Judah was also under significant political pressure from the powerful Assyrian Empire, which often led nations to seek alliances with foreign gods. In this climate, Hezekiah's immediate and radical commitment to restoring Yahweh worship was a courageous and counter-cultural act. The role of the king in ancient Israel and Judah was not merely political but also spiritual; he was expected to uphold the covenant and lead the people in righteousness, as outlined in the Law ([Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - Duties of the King")). Hezekiah's actions in this verse represent a fulfillment of this divine expectation, setting him apart from many of his predecessors.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theology and the broader narrative of Judah's kings. **Righteous Leadership** is paramount, presenting Hezekiah as a model of a king who led his people back to God with integrity and adherence to divine law. This contrasts sharply with the ungodly reigns of kings like Ahaz. The phrase "good and right and truth" underscores **Wholeness of Obedience**, signifying that Hezekiah's reforms were not superficial or ritualistic but encompassed internal sincerity, moral uprightness, and consistent application of God's commands in all areas of life and governance. Crucially, "before the LORD his God" highlights **Divine Approval**, emphasizing that Hezekiah's ultimate accountability was to God, and his actions met with God's full favor, not merely human praise or political success. Finally, "throughout all Judah" points to the **Impactful Influence** of godly leadership, demonstrating that Hezekiah's reforms were not confined to Jerusalem but had a pervasive, transformative effect on the entire kingdom, reflecting the far-reaching consequences of a king's spiritual commitment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭōḇ_):** This term signifies moral excellence, beneficence, and that which is pleasing or agreeable in God's sight. It speaks to the inherent quality of Hezekiah's actions, implying they were not merely expedient but intrinsically virtuous and aligned with divine character. It encompasses both moral uprightness and beneficial outcomes for the people and the kingdom.
* **Right (Hebrew, _yāšār_):** Rooted in the idea of "straightness," _yāšār_ denotes uprightness, justice, and equity. It refers to actions that are in accord with divine law, fair, and just in their execution. This word emphasizes Hezekiah's commitment to implementing God's standards of righteousness in governance and daily life, ensuring integrity and fairness in his administration.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _’ĕmet_):** This powerful word conveys faithfulness, reliability, sincerity, and consistency. It suggests that Hezekiah's actions were genuine, trustworthy, and firmly rooted in God's covenant and word. It implies a steadfast commitment to God's character and promises, ensuring that his reforms were not fleeting but deeply sincere and enduring. Together, these three words paint a comprehensive picture of a ruler whose actions were morally sound, justly executed, and sincerely aligned with God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah":** This opening clause serves as a summary statement, pointing back to the preceding detailed accounts of Hezekiah's reforms (chapters 29-31). "Throughout all Judah" emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of his efforts. His reforms were not confined to Jerusalem or the Temple, but extended across the entire kingdom, indicating a widespread impact and acceptance of his initiatives. This highlights the effectiveness and reach of his leadership.
* **"and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth":** This is the core of the divine commendation. The verb "wrought" (עָשָׂה, _‘āśāh_) means to do, make, or perform, indicating active and intentional execution. The triadic expression "good and right and truth" encapsulates the holistic nature of Hezekiah's obedience and character. It signifies that his actions were morally excellent (_ṭōḇ_), just and equitable according to divine law (_yāšār_), and characterized by sincerity, faithfulness, and integrity (_’ĕmet_). This is a comprehensive description of spiritual and ethical perfection in his leadership.
* **"before the LORD his God":** This crucial phrase defines the ultimate audience and standard for Hezekiah's actions. It signifies that his deeds were not performed for human approval, political gain, or personal glory, but with an awareness of God's presence and scrutiny. It implies divine accountability and, more importantly, divine approval. This phrase underscores the deep personal devotion and covenant relationship that characterized Hezekiah's reign, marking his actions as truly God-centered.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 31:20 to convey its profound message. The verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, succinctly encapsulating the extensive details of Hezekiah's reforms outlined in the preceding chapters and providing a divine assessment of their quality. It also acts as a powerful **Divine Commendation**, presenting God's explicit approval of Hezekiah's reign, which is a recurring motif in the Chronicler's evaluation of kings. The phrase "good and right and truth" is a **Triadic Expression**, a common literary technique in Hebrew literature to emphasize completeness and totality. Each word adds a distinct dimension (moral quality, judicial uprightness, spiritual integrity), and their combination signifies a comprehensive and perfect alignment with God's will. Furthermore, the phrase "throughout all Judah" employs **Hyperbole** or **Geographical Scope** to emphasize the pervasive and far-reaching impact of Hezekiah's reforms, indicating that his influence extended beyond the capital to the entire kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 31:20 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of true leadership and obedience in the eyes of God. It affirms that God values not merely external ritual or political success, but profound moral integrity, justice, and unwavering faithfulness. Hezekiah's actions, described as "good and right and truth," reflect a holistic commitment to the covenant, demonstrating that genuine worship extends beyond the Temple walls into every sphere of governance and personal conduct. The Chronicler emphasizes that God is the ultimate audience and judge of human endeavor, and His approval is the highest commendation. This verse underscores the theme that when a leader, or indeed any individual, diligently seeks to live and act "before the LORD his God" with sincerity and adherence to divine principles, their efforts are divinely affirmed and have a transformative impact on their sphere of influence. It highlights the biblical principle that righteousness exalts a nation and draws divine favor.

* [Deuteronomy 6:18](/deuteronomy/6-18 "Deuteronomy 6:18 - Do what is right and good in the eyes of the Lord")
* [Psalm 15:1-2](/psalms/15-1 "Psalm 15:1-2 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's example in 2 Chronicles 31:20 offers a timeless blueprint for impactful living and leadership, challenging believers to examine the depth and sincerity of their own obedience. It calls us to move beyond superficial religiosity to a life characterized by genuine moral excellence, unwavering commitment to justice, and profound faithfulness in all our dealings. The phrase "before the LORD his God" serves as a potent reminder that our ultimate audience is not man, but the Almighty. This perspective liberates us from the pursuit of fleeting human approval and empowers us to live with integrity, knowing that God sees and values our sincere efforts. Whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches, when we prioritize what is truly "good and right and truth" in God's eyes, our influence can be far-reaching and transformative, reflecting God's character to a watching world. This verse encourages a holistic faith that permeates every aspect of our existence, ensuring that our actions, motives, and character are consistently aligned with divine principles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I primarily seeking human approval versus living "before the LORD my God"?**
* **How can I more consistently embody "good and right and truth" in my daily decisions and interactions?**
* **What is one practical step I can take to ensure my faith is more holistic, impacting all areas of my life rather than being compartmentalized?**
* **If my life were summarized by a divine commendation, what would God say about my "wrought" actions?**

### FAQ

**What does the phrase "good and right and truth" signify about Hezekiah's actions?**

Answer: The phrase "good and right and truth" (Hebrew: _ṭōḇ_, _yāšār_, _’ĕmet_) is a comprehensive and powerful summary of Hezekiah's character and actions. "Good" (_ṭōḇ_) speaks to moral excellence and what is pleasing to God. "Right" (_yāšār_) refers to uprightness, justice, and adherence to God's law, implying fairness and integrity in governance. "Truth" (_’ĕmet_) signifies faithfulness, sincerity, and reliability, indicating that his actions were genuine and consistent with God's covenant. Together, these terms highlight that Hezekiah's obedience was not merely external or ritualistic, but deeply rooted in internal integrity, ethical conduct, and unwavering loyalty to God's commands, encompassing both his personal life and his public administration.

**Why is the phrase "before the LORD his God" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "before the LORD his God" is profoundly significant because it defines the ultimate audience and standard for Hezekiah's actions. It means that Hezekiah's deeds were performed with an acute awareness of God's presence and scrutiny, not for human praise or political gain. This signifies divine accountability and, crucially, divine approval. It underscores that Hezekiah's ultimate allegiance was to God, and his actions met with God's full favor. This aligns with the biblical teaching that true righteousness is measured by God's standards and that seeking His approval above all else is the mark of genuine faith, as seen in passages like [Psalm 19:14](/psalms/19-14 "Psalm 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth...be acceptable in your sight, O Lord").

**How does Hezekiah's reign, as described here, compare to other kings of Judah?**

Answer: Hezekiah's reign stands out as one of the most righteous and commendable in the history of Judah, particularly in contrast to his immediate predecessor, King Ahaz, who led the nation into deep idolatry ([2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - Ahaz's Wicked Reign")). The Chronicler consistently evaluates kings based on their fidelity to the covenant and their promotion of Yahweh worship. Hezekiah is praised for his immediate and comprehensive reforms, including cleansing the Temple, restoring the Passover, and reorganizing the Levitical service, all done with genuine zeal. This verse, stating that he "wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God," places him among the most highly regarded kings, such as David and Josiah, who also "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" ([2 Kings 22:2](/2_kings/22-2 "2 Kings 22:2 - Josiah's Righteous Reign")). His commitment to God was holistic and pervasive, impacting the entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While King Hezekiah's reign stands as a remarkable example of righteous leadership and devotion, his imperfect obedience ultimately points to the perfect, ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Hezekiah, though commended for doing "good and right and truth," was still a fallible human ruler whose reforms, while extensive, could not permanently transform the hearts of all Judah or prevent future apostasy. Jesus, however, is the true and eternal King who perfectly embodies "good and right and truth" in every aspect of His being and ministry. He is the very **Truth** made flesh ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), whose life was perfectly **Righteous** and **Good** in the eyes of God ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). His work of spiritual cleansing and restoration is not limited to a physical temple but cleanses the hearts of all who believe, establishing a new covenant through His sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Unlike Hezekiah's influence, which was "throughout all Judah," Christ's reign is universal and eternal, extending to all nations and generations ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). He is the perfect King who always acts "before the LORD his God" (His Father), always doing His will perfectly and bringing about ultimate salvation and true spiritual renewal that lasts forever ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")).

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.