2 Chronicles 34:2

And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined [neither] to the right hand, nor to the left.

And he did {H6213} that which was right {H3477} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and walked {H3212} in the ways {H1870} of David {H1732} his father {H1}, and declined {H5493} neither to the right hand {H3225}, nor to the left {H8040}.

He did what was right from ADONAI's perspective, living entirely in the manner of David his ancestor and turning away neither to the right nor to the left.

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.

And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, and walked in the ways of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

Context

This verse introduces King Josiah, one of the most righteous kings to rule over the southern kingdom of Judah. Ascending to the throne at just eight years old (2 Chronicles 34:1), Josiah inherited a kingdom deeply steeped in idolatry and spiritual decline due to the wicked reigns of his grandfather Manasseh and father Amon. Verse 2 immediately sets Josiah apart, declaring his character and the nature of his rule from the very beginning, highlighting him as a beacon of faithfulness amidst widespread apostasy.

Key Themes

  • Righteous Leadership: Josiah's actions were explicitly described as "right in the sight of the LORD," indicating divine approval and his adherence to God's moral and spiritual standards. This foundational characteristic enabled his later significant spiritual reforms.
  • The Davidic Ideal: By stating he "walked in the ways of David his father," the text connects Josiah directly to King David, the benchmark for righteous kingship in Israel. This signifies a return to the covenant loyalty that many of Judah's preceding kings had abandoned.
  • Steadfast Obedience: The phrase "declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left" powerfully conveys Josiah's unwavering commitment to God's commands. It speaks to a life of strict adherence, without deviation or compromise, reflecting a deep personal integrity and devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The expression "declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left" (Hebrew: lo' sar yamîn ûsmôl) is a significant idiom rooted in the Torah. It literally means "he did not turn aside to the right or to the left," and is a direct echo of the instructions given to Israel regarding obedience to God's law. For example, in Deuteronomy 5:32, Moses admonishes the people to "observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left." This phrase underscores Josiah's commitment to the precise and full observance of God's statutes, without adding to or subtracting from them.

Significance and Application

King Josiah's early and steadfast devotion serves as a powerful example for all believers today. His life demonstrates that true righteousness is found in unwavering obedience to God's will, regardless of surrounding influences or inherited circumstances. For leaders, Josiah's reign highlights the profound impact of a leader who prioritizes God's approval above all else. For individuals, his example encourages unwavering trust and obedience to God's Word, not deviating from the path He has set. It reminds us that consistency in following God's ways leads to a life that is truly "right in the sight of the LORD" and can bring about significant positive change.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:2

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

  • 2 Kings 22:2

    And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

  • Deuteronomy 17:20

    That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, [to] the right hand, or [to] the left: to the end that he may prolong [his] days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 17:11

    According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: thou shalt not decline from the sentence which they shall shew thee, [to] the right hand, nor [to] the left.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:2

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

  • Proverbs 4:27

    Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

  • Joshua 23:6

    Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom [to] the right hand or [to] the left;

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back