What number verse is 2 Kings 15:34 in the Bible?

2 Kings 15:34 is the 9,960th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Kings 15:34 sits at position 9,960.

Translation

King James Version

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And he did ^H6213 that which was right ^H3477 in the sight ^H5869 of the LORD ^H3068: he did ^H6213 according to all that his father ^H1 Uzziah ^H5818 had done ^H6213.

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

He did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And hee did vprightly in the sight of the Lord: he did according to all that his father Vzziah had done.

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Young's Literal Translation

and he doth that which is right in the eyes of Jehovah, according to all that Uzziah his father did he hath done.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Kings 15:34 provides a concise yet profound divine assessment of King Jotham of Judah, declaring, "And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done." This verse introduces Jotham's sixteen-year reign with a commendation of his moral and spiritual integrity, indicating his adherence to God's law and linking his righteous conduct to the generally commendable rule of his father, Uzziah.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse functions as the standard introductory regnal formula for Jotham, immediately following the detailed account of his father Uzziah's extensive and largely successful reign, which concluded tragically with leprosy (2 Kings 15:5). The formulaic language, "he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD," is a recurring evaluative statement found throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, serving to establish the spiritual trajectory and divine judgment for each monarch's rule. Jotham's brief introduction here is promptly followed by a crucial caveat regarding the persistent issue of the "high places" (2 Kings 15:35), and then details of his building projects and death (2 Kings 15:36-38). This placement situates Jotham's reign within the broader narrative of Judah's kings, a history frequently characterized by a complex interplay of faithfulness and spiritual compromise.
Historical & Cultural Context: Jotham ascended to the throne of Judah in the latter half of the 8th century BCE, a tumultuous period marked by the escalating dominance of the Assyrian Empire and its increasing pressure on the smaller nations of the Levant. He had already gained valuable experience as regent for his father, Uzziah, who had been afflicted with leprosy after presumptuously entering the Temple to burn incense (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). This regency likely provided him with significant preparation for the responsibilities of kingship. The phrase "according to all that his father Uzziah had done" refers to the overall character of Uzziah's reign, which was largely characterized by significant military strength, economic prosperity, and general faithfulness to Yahweh, particularly in its earlier stages (2 Kings 15:3; 2 Chronicles 26:1-15). The persistent issue of the "high places," mentioned in the subsequent verse (2 Kings 15:35), highlights a common cultural and religious syncretism where local altars, often dedicated to Yahweh but sometimes incorporating pagan elements, were used for worship outside the centralized Temple in Jerusalem, a practice consistently condemned by Deuteronomic law.
Key Themes: The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Kings. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Assessment of Kingship, where the ultimate judgment of a ruler is not based on human popularity, political success, or military prowess, but rather on their obedience and faithfulness to the Lord. Secondly, it highlights the powerful theme of Filial Legacy and Influence, demonstrating how the example of a parent or predecessor can profoundly shape a leader's conduct, whether for good or ill. Jotham's positive emulation of Uzziah's general righteousness is a key aspect here. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the pervasive theme of Spiritual Compromise, as even "good" kings like Jotham and Uzziah often failed to fully eradicate the "high places," indicating a persistent challenge to pure Yahwistic worship throughout Judah's history. This challenge was later addressed more fully by reforming kings such as Hezekiah, who broke in pieces the bronze serpent and cut down the Asherah poles, and Josiah, who defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

did (Hebrew, עָשָׂה, ʻâsâh', H6213): This primitive root is broad in its meaning, encompassing actions such as to do, make, accomplish, perform, or execute. In this context, it refers to Jotham's active conduct and administration as king. The repetition of "did" in the verse emphasizes the consistent nature of his actions, both in their righteousness before God and in their alignment with his father's example.
right (Hebrew, יָשָׁר, yâshâr', H3477): This adjective denotes that which is straight, upright, just, or morally correct. When applied to a king's conduct "in the sight of the LORD," it signifies adherence to God's commandments, upholding justice, and maintaining proper worship of Yahweh, in stark contrast to the idolatry and wickedness characteristic of many kings in both Israel and Judah. It speaks to a life lived in accordance with divine standards.
LORD (Hebrew, יְהֹוָה, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." Its presence in the phrase "in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes that the ultimate arbiter of a king's conduct is God Himself, the self-existent and eternal One. This highlights that the evaluation of Jotham's reign is a divine, theological judgment, not merely a human or political assessment, underscoring God's sovereignty over human rule.

Verse Breakdown

"And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD": This initial clause serves as the primary divine assessment of Jotham's reign, employing a standard formula used to commend kings who generally adhered to the Mosaic Law, promoted the exclusive worship of Yahweh, and did not lead the nation into idolatry or apostasy. This statement signifies a fundamental alignment with God's will and the covenant requirements for a king of Judah, indicating a reign marked by integrity and faithfulness, though not necessarily perfection.
"he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done": This second clause specifies the nature and source of Jotham's righteousness by referencing his predecessor. It indicates that Jotham largely followed the pattern established by his father, Uzziah, whose long reign was characterized by strength, prosperity, and a general commitment to Yahweh, particularly in its earlier phases. This connection suggests a positive intergenerational spiritual legacy, where Jotham emulated the commendable aspects of Uzziah's rule, even though Uzziah's reign concluded with a serious personal transgression (presumptuous incense offering) and both kings failed to remove the "high places" (2 Kings 15:35).

Literary Devices

The verse prominently employs Formulaic Language, a hallmark of the Deuteronomistic history found in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Specifically, it utilizes the "regnal formula" that consistently introduces and evaluates each monarch, with the phrase "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" serving as a recurring theological judgment, establishing a consistent divine standard for kingship. Furthermore, the verse uses Comparison by explicitly linking Jotham's actions to those of his father Uzziah. This comparison serves to commend Jotham by associating him with a generally successful and righteous reign. There is also a subtle Narrative Qualification or Subtle Irony at play; while Jotham is praised for following Uzziah, the subsequent verse (2 Kings 15:35) immediately notes Jotham's failure to remove the high places, a compromise also present during Uzziah's time, thus hinting that even "good" kings had their spiritual shortcomings and that the legacy was not entirely perfect.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse powerfully articulates the biblical emphasis on righteous leadership and the divine standard by which all human authority is ultimately judged. Jotham's commendation as one who "did right in the sight of the LORD" underscores that true success and legitimacy for a ruler, and indeed for any individual, are found not in human accolades or political expediency, but in obedience and faithfulness to God's revealed will. It highlights the profound importance of a spiritual legacy, where the actions and character of one generation can significantly influence the next. While Jotham commendably emulated his father's general righteousness, the broader narrative of Kings consistently reveals that even the best human efforts are often imperfect and incomplete, requiring ongoing spiritual vigilance and reform. The persistent issue of the high places, even under righteous kings, illustrates the human tendency towards compromise and the need for a deeper, more complete purification of worship and life.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The assessment of Jotham's reign in 2 Kings 15:34 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to critically examine whose "sight" truly matters in our daily lives and decisions. Are we primarily driven by human approval, societal norms, or the unwavering, unchanging standard of God's righteousness? Jotham's example reminds us that integrity and obedience to God are the foundational elements of a life well-lived, regardless of our specific roles, influence, or perceived success. Furthermore, the verse highlights the powerful impact of generational spiritual legacies. We are called to both learn from the positive examples of those who have gone before us and to critically assess areas where even the most commendable figures fell short. Like Jotham, we may inherit good practices and spiritual disciplines, but we must also be vigilant against inherited compromises or unaddressed spiritual issues, striving for a more complete and unreserved devotion to God in all areas of our lives. This requires constantly seeking to align our actions, worship, and priorities fully with His perfect will, moving beyond mere outward conformity to deep inward transformation.

Questions for Reflection

How do we define "right" in our own lives, and whose "sight" are we primarily concerned with in our decisions and actions—God's or man's?
What positive spiritual legacies have been passed down to us from family, mentors, or historical figures, and how can we honor and build upon them while discerning and addressing their limitations?
Where might we, like Jotham, be compromising on areas of full obedience to God's will, and what steps can we take towards a more complete and unreserved alignment with His desires for our lives and communities?

FAQ

What does "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" truly mean for a king in the biblical narrative?

Answer: This phrase is a crucial theological verdict, meaning the king generally adhered to the Mosaic Law, promoted the worship of Yahweh as the one true God, and did not lead the people into idolatry or apostasy. It indicates a king who upheld the covenant and governed according to God's revealed will. However, it is vital to understand that this commendation does not imply perfection. As seen with Jotham, and indeed many other "good" kings, they often failed to remove the "high places" (2 Kings 15:35), which were local altars where people offered sacrifices, sometimes in a syncretistic manner, outside the centralized worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. Thus, while fundamentally righteous in their overall direction and commitment to Yahweh, these kings still had areas of spiritual compromise that prevented a full and pure worship.

How does Jotham's reign compare to his father Uzziah's, and what does this verse imply about their relationship?

Answer: Jotham's reign largely mirrored Uzziah's, which was one of the longest and most prosperous in Judah's history, marked by general righteousness, significant military success, and extensive building projects (2 Kings 15:3; 2 Chronicles 26:1-15). The verse implies a positive and influential relationship, with Jotham consciously emulating his father's overall commitment to Yahweh and his effective governance. This suggests a strong, positive intergenerational impact. However, Uzziah's reign ended tragically with him being struck with leprosy for presumptuously entering the Temple to burn incense (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). While Jotham continued the positive aspects of Uzziah's rule, he also continued the spiritual compromise of not removing the high places (2 Kings 15:35), suggesting that even a good legacy can carry unaddressed spiritual issues or incomplete reforms that subsequent generations must confront.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The assessment of Jotham as one who "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" points ultimately to Jesus Christ, the only perfectly righteous King and the ultimate fulfillment of ideal kingship. While Jotham, like all human kings, had his limitations and failures—such as not removing the high places, as noted in 2 Kings 15:35—Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. He consistently did "that which was right in the sight of the LORD" because He Himself is God, living a life of absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His perfect life and atoning sacrifice, Christ not only provides the ultimate standard of righteousness but also graciously imputes His righteousness to all who believe in Him, making them righteous in God's sight (Romans 3:22). The lingering "high places" in Jotham's reign can be seen as a type of the persistent sin and spiritual compromise that plagues humanity; Christ, however, completely eradicates the power of sin through His decisive victory on the cross, enabling believers to walk in newness of life and truly do what is pleasing in God's sight by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:4). He is the King who perfectly fulfills the divine standard, establishing a kingdom of righteousness that knows no compromise, blemish, or end (Hebrews 1:8-9).

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Commentary on 2 Kings 15 verses 32–38

32 ¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.

33 Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.

34 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.

36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

37 In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.

38 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.

We have here a short account of the reign of Jotham king of Judah, of whom we are told, 1. That he reigned very well, did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, Kg2 15:34. Josephus gives him a very high character, stating that he was pious towards God, just towards men, and laid out himself for the public good, - that, whatever was amiss, he took care to have it rectified, - and, in short, wanted no virtue that became a good prince. Though the high places were not taken away, yet to draw people from them, and keep them close to God's holy place, he showed great respect to the temple, and built the higher gate which he went through to the temple. If magistrates cannot do all they would for the suppressing of vice and profaneness, let them do so much the more for the support and advancement of piety and virtue, and the bringing of them into reputation. If they cannot pull down the high places of sin, yet let them build and beautify the high gate of God's house. 2. That he died in the midst of his days, Kg2 15:33. Of most of the kings of Judah we are told how old they were when they began their reign, and by that may compute how old they were when they died; but no account is kept of the age of any of the kings of Israel that I remember, only of the years of their reigns. This honour God would put upon the kings of the house of David above those of other families. And by these accounts it appears that there was none of all the kings of Judah that reached David's age, seventy, the common age of man. Asa's age I do not find. Uzziah lived to be sixty-eight, Manasseh sixty-seven, and Jehoshaphat sixty; and these were the three oldest; many of those that were of note did not reach fifty. This Jotham died at forty-one. He was too great a blessing to be continued long to such an unworthy people. His death was a judgment, especially considering the character of his son and successor. 3. That in his days the confederacy was formed against Judah by Rezin and Remaliah's son, the king of Syria and the king of Israel, which appeared so very formidable in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz that, upon notice of it, the heart of that prince was moved and the heart of the people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind, Isa 7:2. The confederates were unjust in the attempt, yet it is here said (Kg2 15:37), The Lord began to send them against Judah, as he bade Shimei curse David, and took away from Job what the Sabeans robbed him of. Men are God's hand - the sword, the rod in his hand - which he makes use of as he pleases to serve his own righteous counsels, though men be unrighteous in their intentions. This storm gathered in the reign of pious Jotham, but he came to his grave in peace and it fell upon his degenerate son.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 32–38. Public domain.

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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373

ON THE SECOND BOOK OF KINGS 15:32

“In the second year of King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel, King Jotham son of Uzziah of Judah began to reign.” After rising to power in that year, Jotham administered the government [of Judah] for sixteen years, earning great praise. While the second book of the Annals has shown all the feats illustriously accomplished by him, the Scripture never reproaches him in this passage for any error, except for his toleration of the high places, which was a fault common to all the most praised kings of Judah. In the first place, he strengthened Jerusalem with new fortifications and built towers and castles in desert places. He conquered the Ammonites, who were perpetual enemies of the Jews, and ordered them for the future to pay the kings of Judah an annual tribute.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

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.
2 Chronicles 26:5
And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
2 Kings 15:3
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done;
2 Kings 15:4
Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places.
2 Chronicles 27:2
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.