2 Kings 15:3

KJV

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

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} had done {H6213};

Complete Jewish Bible

He did what was right from ADONAI's perspective, following the example of everything his father Amatzyah 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 Kings 15:3 introduces King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) of Judah, providing an initial assessment of his reign. It states that he "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD," a standard commendation for righteous kings, but immediately qualifies this by adding "according to all that his father Amaziah had done." This crucial qualification suggests that while Azariah's reign was generally positive and aligned with God's will, it was not without the inconsistencies and moral compromises that characterized his predecessor's rule, hinting at a potentially flawed or incomplete devotion despite outward obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the standard introductory formula for King Azariah's (Uzziah's) reign in Judah, following the account of his father Amaziah in [2 Kings 14](/2_kings/14 "2 Kings 14 - Reign of Amaziah"). The book of 2 Kings systematically records the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, often beginning with a regnal formula that includes the king's age at ascension, length of reign, mother's name, and a theological assessment of his rule. This assessment, "did that which was right/evil in the sight of the LORD," is a recurring motif that provides a divine judgment on each monarch's fidelity to the Mosaic covenant, particularly concerning idolatry and exclusive worship of Yahweh. The qualification "according to all that his father Amaziah had done" immediately signals a nuanced evaluation, inviting the reader to recall Amaziah's own mixed record, detailed in [2 Kings 14:1-20](/2_kings/14 "2 Kings 14 - Amaziah's Reign") and more extensively in [2 Chronicles 25](/2_chronicles/25 "2 Chronicles 25 - Amaziah's Reign and Downfall"). This sets the stage for Azariah's own reign, which, while prosperous, would also contain significant moral failings as elaborated in [2 Chronicles 26](/2_chronicles/26 "2 Chronicles 26 - Uzziah's Prosperity and Pride").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Azariah/Uzziah's reign (c. 792-740 BC) was one of the longest and most prosperous in the history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, spanning 52 years. This period saw a resurgence of Judahite power and influence, marked by military success, economic prosperity, and urban development, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 26:6-15](/2_chronicles/26-6 "2 Chronicles 26:6-15 - Uzziah's Military and Building Projects"). Geographically, Judah was situated between powerful empires, and Uzziah's strong rule helped maintain its independence and expand its borders. Culturally, the worship of Yahweh was central, but syncretistic practices and the continued presence of high places (local altars for worship, often associated with pagan rites or unauthorized Yahwistic worship) remained a persistent challenge, even for kings generally deemed "righteous." The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" underscores the belief that a king's rule was ultimately accountable to God, not merely to human standards or political expediency. The comparison to his father Amaziah is significant because royal succession often involved a continuation of policies and religious practices, making the father's legacy a critical benchmark for the son.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes prevalent throughout 2 Kings and the Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Judgment and Assessment** is paramount, as God is presented as the ultimate arbiter of a king's righteousness, evaluating their adherence to the covenant. Secondly, the concept of **Qualified Righteousness** is highlighted; not all "good" reigns were perfectly devoted. The comparison to Amaziah, who began well but later turned to idolatry and pride ([2 Chronicles 25:14-16](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14-16 - Amaziah's Idolatry")), foreshadows Azariah's own eventual downfall due to pride ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")). This illustrates the theme of **Incomplete Obedience** and the dangers of a partial commitment to God. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Legacy and Influence of Leadership**, demonstrating how the actions and character of a predecessor can profoundly impact the successor, for better or worse. While Azariah inherited a generally positive framework from Amaziah regarding Yahweh worship, he also inherited a tendency towards pride and a failure to fully eradicate unauthorized worship, which ultimately led to his own judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Did that which was right (Hebrew, _va'ya'as ha'yashar'_):** This phrase, literally "and he did the straight/upright," is a standard theological assessment in the books of Kings and Chronicles. The Hebrew root `יָשָׁר` (yashar) means "straight," "upright," or "just." When applied to a king, it signifies adherence to God's covenant laws, particularly regarding monotheistic worship of Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry. It implies a general conformity to divine expectations for a righteous ruler, contrasting with those who "did evil" in the Lord's sight.
* **In the sight of the LORD (Hebrew, _b'einei Yahweh'_):** This idiomatic expression emphasizes that the ultimate judge of a king's actions and character is God Himself. It highlights divine omniscience and sovereignty, asserting that human rulers are accountable to a higher authority. This phrase underscores the theological perspective of the Deuteronomistic historian, who views all historical events, especially the reigns of kings, through the lens of God's covenant faithfulness and judgment. It elevates the assessment from a purely human or political one to a divine and spiritual one.
* **According to all that his father Amaziah had done (Hebrew, _k'khol asher asah Amatzyah aviv'_):** This crucial qualifying clause introduces a significant nuance to Azariah's "righteousness." The Hebrew preposition `כְּ` (k') means "according to" or "like." By explicitly comparing Azariah's actions to those of Amaziah, the text immediately brings Amaziah's mixed record to the forefront. Amaziah began by doing right ([2 Kings 14:3](/2_kings/14-3 "2 Kings 14:3 - Amaziah's Initial Righteousness")), but later turned to idolatry and pride, leading to his downfall ([2 Chronicles 25:14-28](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14-28 - Amaziah's Idolatry and Death")). This qualification suggests that Azariah's righteousness, while commendable, was not absolute or perfect; it mirrored the inconsistencies and potential moral shortcomings of his predecessor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD,"**: This initial clause provides a positive divine assessment of King Azariah's reign. It indicates that, generally speaking, his actions aligned with God's will and the requirements of the Mosaic covenant. This typically implies that he did not promote idolatry, maintained the worship of Yahweh, and upheld justice to some degree. For many kings, this would be the entirety of their positive assessment, signifying a commendable reign.
* **"according to all that his father Amaziah had done;"**: This second clause introduces a critical qualification that profoundly impacts the interpretation of the first. By comparing Azariah's righteousness to that of his father Amaziah, the text immediately injects a note of ambiguity and imperfection. Amaziah's reign, while starting well, was ultimately marred by pride, idolatry, and a lack of wholehearted devotion to God, leading to his assassination. Therefore, Azariah's "right" actions are implicitly limited by the scope and quality of Amaziah's own flawed righteousness, suggesting that Azariah, too, may have exhibited inconsistencies, failed to remove all "high places" (as noted in [2 Kings 15:4](/2_kings/15-4 "2 Kings 15:4 - High Places Not Removed")), or succumbed to pride, as indeed the Chronicler's account details ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride")). This qualification prevents an unqualified commendation and hints at the underlying spiritual weaknesses that would eventually manifest in Azariah's long reign.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Formulaic Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomistic History, in its opening assessment of Azariah's reign ("And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD"). This standardized phrase provides a concise theological judgment on each monarch. However, the immediate addition of the **Qualifying Clause** ("according to all that his father Amaziah had done") introduces a significant **Nuance** and **Foreshadowing**. This qualification is not merely a statement of fact but a subtle **Irony**, as Amaziah's "righteousness" was itself flawed. By linking Azariah to his father, the text uses **Intertextual Reference** to invite the reader to recall Amaziah's full, mixed story, thereby subtly hinting at the potential for similar moral shortcomings in Azariah's future, despite his initial positive assessment. This literary technique creates a sense of **Anticipation** for the reader, prompting them to look for the ways in which Azariah's reign will mirror, or deviate from, his father's complex legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The nuanced assessment of Azariah's reign in 2 Kings 15:3 highlights a profound theological truth: God's standard of righteousness is absolute, and human obedience, even when outwardly commendable, can be incomplete or compromised by underlying spiritual flaws. The comparison to Amaziah, a king whose initial faithfulness gave way to pride and idolatry, serves as a powerful reminder that outward conformity does not equate to wholehearted devotion. This verse implicitly teaches that true righteousness involves not just avoiding overt sin but a complete and unwavering commitment to God's covenant, free from the subtle influences of imperfect legacies or personal pride. It underscores the divine scrutiny under which all leaders, and indeed all believers, operate, reminding us that God sees beyond outward appearances to the true condition of the heart.

* [2 Kings 18:3](/2_kings/18-3 "2 Kings 18:3 - Hezekiah's Righteousness")
* [2 Chronicles 25:2](/2_chronicles/25-2 "2 Chronicles 25:2 - Amaziah's Mixed Devotion")
* [Psalm 1:1-2](/psalm/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-2 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Kings 15:3 offers a sobering yet instructive lesson for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine the quality of our own obedience and devotion. Is our "righteousness" merely a qualified adherence, based on external conformity or the imperfect examples of others, or is it a wholehearted pursuit of God's perfect standard? The verse reminds us that even seemingly good actions can be undermined by a lack of complete surrender, a lingering attachment to "high places" (whether literal or metaphorical idols in our lives), or the insidious creep of pride. We are called not merely to avoid gross sin, but to cultivate a devotion that is "without wavering" ([Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to Hope")) and to guard against the subtle compromises that can dilute our spiritual integrity. Our lives, like those of the kings, are lived "in the sight of the LORD," and it is His perfect standard, revealed in Christ, that we should strive to emulate, seeking a righteousness that flows from a transformed heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "righteousness" be qualified or incomplete, mirroring the example of others rather than God's perfect standard?**
* **What "high places" or subtle compromises might still exist in my devotion to God, preventing wholehearted obedience?**
* **How does the idea of living "in the sight of the LORD" impact my daily decisions and the integrity of my faith?**
* **What lessons can I draw from the mixed legacy of Azariah and Amaziah regarding the dangers of pride and partial obedience?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: This phrase is a standard theological assessment used by the biblical authors to evaluate the reigns of kings. It signifies that the king generally adhered to the Mosaic covenant, particularly regarding the exclusive worship of Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry and pagan practices. Kings who received this commendation typically did not promote Baal worship or other foreign deities. However, it did not necessarily mean they were perfect or that they eradicated all unauthorized forms of worship, such as the "high places" (as noted in [2 Kings 15:4](/2_kings/15-4 "2 Kings 15:4 - High Places Not Removed") concerning Azariah/Uzziah). It indicated a fundamental commitment to Yahweh as the national God.

**Why is the qualification "according to all that his father Amaziah had done" significant?**

Answer: This qualification is crucial because it introduces a nuanced and somewhat negative assessment of Azariah's righteousness. King Amaziah, while initially doing "right" ([2 Kings 14:3](/2_kings/14-3 "2 Kings 14:3 - Amaziah's Initial Righteousness")), later turned to idolatry and became proud, leading to his downfall and assassination ([2 Chronicles 25:14-28](/2_chronicles/25-14 "2 Chronicles 25:14-28 - Amaziah's Idolatry and Death")). By comparing Azariah's reign to his father's, the text implies that Azariah's obedience was not absolute or wholehearted, likely sharing some of his father's flaws, such as pride or a failure to fully purge the land of unauthorized worship. It suggests a "good, but not great" or "good, but with caveats" reign, foreshadowing the eventual pride that afflicted Azariah himself ([2 Chronicles 26:16](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16 - Uzziah's Pride")).

**Did Azariah (Uzziah) remove the "high places"?**

Answer: No, 2 Kings 15:4 explicitly states, "Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places." This detail is a common qualification for many kings who otherwise "did right in the sight of the LORD." The "high places" were local altars, often on hilltops, where people offered sacrifices. While some may have been used for legitimate Yahwistic worship, many were associated with syncretistic practices or were simply unauthorized alternatives to the central temple worship in Jerusalem. Their continued existence indicated an incomplete reformation and a lingering spiritual compromise, even under otherwise righteous kings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The qualified righteousness of King Azariah, "according to all that his father Amaziah had done," starkly highlights the inherent limitations of human kingship and the need for a perfect, unqualified King. While Azariah's reign was generally positive, it was ultimately marred by the same inconsistencies and pride that plagued his predecessors, culminating in his leprosy ([2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Pride and Leprosy")). This human inability to achieve perfect righteousness points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King. Unlike Azariah, whose obedience was qualified by an imperfect human legacy, Jesus's righteousness is absolute and inherent. He "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), perfectly fulfilling all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). His reign is not "according to" any flawed human standard, but according to the perfect will of God the Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Furthermore, while Azariah's pride led to his exclusion from the temple, Christ, in His humility, entered the temple as the true High Priest and ultimate sacrifice, providing a righteousness that is imputed to all who believe ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, Azariah's qualified goodness serves as a shadow, pointing to the unqualified, perfect, and saving righteousness found only in Jesus Christ.

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 Kings 12:2

And Jehoash did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

2 Kings 12:3

But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

2 Kings 14:3

And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.

2 Kings 14:4

Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places.

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.