2 Kings 22:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he did {H6213} that which was right {H3477} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and walked {H3212} in all the way {H1870} of David {H1732} his father {H1}, and turned not aside {H5493} to the right hand {H3225} or to the left {H8040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 22:2 introduces King Josiah as a singularly righteous monarch in Judah's tumultuous later history. Despite ascending the throne at a tender age of eight and inheriting a kingdom steeped in the profound spiritual apostasy of his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh, Josiah distinguished himself by consistently doing "that which was right in the sight of the LORD." His reign was characterized by an unwavering commitment to God's covenant, faithfully emulating the foundational piety of King David, and steadfastly adhering to divine commands without deviation. This verse sets the stage for the profound spiritual revival and national reforms that would define his rule, marking a pivotal, albeit temporary, return to covenant faithfulness for Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the brief introductory statement of Josiah's age upon ascending the throne (2 Kings 22:1). It serves as the crucial theological assessment of his character, sharply distinguishing him from his immediate predecessors, Amon and Manasseh, whose reigns are detailed in the preceding chapter (2 Kings 21). These chapters portray Judah's descent into unprecedented depths of idolatry, including the worship of foreign gods, astral deities, and even child sacrifice. Against this backdrop of profound spiritual decline, 2 Kings 22:2 highlights Josiah as a beacon of righteousness, setting the narrative tone for the extensive reforms and the dramatic rediscovery of the Book of the Law that follow in the chapter. His personal piety is presented as the catalyst for the subsequent national revival, making this verse foundational to understanding the pivotal events of his reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Josiah's reign (640-609 BC) unfolded during a significant geopolitical shift in the Ancient Near East. The once-mighty Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the region and exacted tribute from Judah, was in a period of rapid decline. This weakening of Assyrian power provided a crucial window of opportunity for Judah to assert its independence and, more importantly for Josiah, to undertake extensive religious reforms without immediate external interference. Culturally, Judah had been heavily influenced by Assyrian religious practices under Manasseh and Amon, leading to widespread syncretism and the abandonment of Yahwistic worship. Temples and high places dedicated to foreign deities dotted the landscape, even within Jerusalem. Josiah's commitment to "walk in all the way of David" was a radical departure from the prevailing religious climate, representing a conscious and courageous effort to restore the purity of Israelite worship and re-establish the covenant relationship with Yahweh, as outlined in the [Torah](/deuteronomy/6 "Deuteronomy 6 - Love the LORD Your God").
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Righteous Kingship**, contrasting Josiah's obedience with the rampant apostasy of most other kings of Judah and Israel. His actions were not merely politically expedient but genuinely "right in the sight of the LORD," aligning with divine standards and expectations for a covenant ruler, as exemplified by [King David](/2_samuel/8-15 "2 Samuel 8:15 - David's Righteous Rule"). Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Fidelity** is prominent; Josiah's adherence to "the way of David" signifies a deliberate return to the foundational covenant established at Sinai and renewed through the Davidic line. This highlights the importance of national and individual obedience to God's revealed will. Lastly, the phrase "turned not aside to the right hand or to the left" underscores the theme of **Unwavering Obedience and Steadfastness**. This idiom, frequently found in the [Pentateuch](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from God's Commands") and particularly in Deuteronomic law, emphasizes uncompromising devotion to God's commands, avoiding any deviation into idolatry, syncretism, or complacency, which had been the downfall of so many of Judah's previous leaders.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Right (Hebrew, _yâshâr'_):** This word (H3477) signifies being straight, upright, or correct. In a moral and theological sense, it denotes actions and character that are in alignment with God's divine standards and covenant requirements. It implies integrity, justice, and faithfulness, reflecting a heart that genuinely seeks to please God rather than merely conforming outwardly. Josiah's actions were not only outwardly proper but stemmed from an inward disposition of genuine obedience and moral rectitude.
* **Walked (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** While literally meaning "to walk," in this context, _yâlak_ (H3212) is a common biblical metaphor for one's lifestyle, conduct, or course of life. To "walk in the way" of someone or something means to live according to their principles, emulate their example, or follow their path. Thus, Josiah's entire life's direction and his manner of ruling were characterized by adherence to God's will and the righteous example of David, signifying a consistent pattern of behavior.
* **Turned not aside (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** The verb _çûwr_ (H5493) means "to turn off" or "to depart." In the idiom "turned not aside to the right hand or to the left," it is a powerful expression of unwavering fidelity and strict adherence, emphasizing absolute obedience without deviation or compromise. Frequently found in the Deuteronomic literature (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from God's Commands")) and particularly in Deuteronomic law, it signifies a disciplined commitment to God's commands, avoiding the temptations of idolatry, syncretism, or moral laxity that had plagued previous rulers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD":** This clause provides the overarching theological assessment of Josiah's reign. His actions, decisions, and character were not judged by human standards or political expediency but by their alignment with God's divine will and covenant law. This implies a deep personal piety and a commitment to justice, righteousness, and pure worship, in stark contrast to the wickedness of his immediate predecessors, Manasseh and Amon. It underscores that his entire life was lived under the discerning gaze of Yahweh, and found approval.
* **"and walked in all the way of David his father":** This phrase establishes Josiah as a worthy successor to the ideal standard of kingship set by David. Despite David's personal failings, he was remembered as a king whose heart was wholly devoted to God and who established the foundational covenant relationship between the monarchy and Yahweh. Josiah's emulation of David's "way" signifies his commitment to monotheistic worship, covenant faithfulness, and the principles of righteous governance that David embodied at his best, particularly his singular devotion to Yahweh.
* **"and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left":** This concluding clause powerfully emphasizes the uncompromising nature of Josiah's obedience. It means he did not deviate from the path God had prescribed, neither drifting into idolatry (often associated with turning "left" or to foreign ways) nor into legalistic rigidity or self-righteousness (turning "right" from the spirit of the law). It highlights his steadfastness, resoluteness, and singular focus on God's revealed will, resisting all temptations to compromise or stray from the covenant path, a direct echo of the commands given in the Law.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey Josiah's exceptional character and the theological significance of his reign. **Contrast** is a primary device, as Josiah's righteousness is presented in stark opposition to the profound wickedness of his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh, whose reigns are detailed immediately prior in 2 Kings 21. This contrast highlights the miraculous nature of Josiah's piety in such a corrupt environment. The phrase "walked in all the way of David his father" functions as an **allusion** to the ideal standard of kingship established by David, serving as a benchmark against which all subsequent kings were measured. This phrase also contains a **metaphor**, as "walked in all the way" metaphorically describes a life's conduct or course of action. Finally, the concluding phrase, "turned not aside to the right hand or to the left," is a powerful **idiom** drawn from Deuteronomic law, emphasizing absolute and unwavering obedience. Its repetition in biblical texts underscores the importance of strict adherence to God's commands without deviation, making Josiah's fidelity particularly noteworthy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Josiah's unwavering righteousness, as described in 2 Kings 22:2, offers a profound theological statement about the nature of true leadership and covenant faithfulness. In a period marked by pervasive idolatry and spiritual compromise, Josiah stands as a testament to the transformative power of a heart fully devoted to God. His commitment to "do what was right" and "walk in all the way of David" underscores the biblical emphasis on obedience as the proper response to God's covenant grace. This verse implicitly teaches that genuine spiritual reform, whether individual or national, begins with a deep, personal commitment to God's revealed will, unswayed by prevailing cultural norms or the failures of predecessors. It highlights the enduring truth that God seeks not merely outward conformity but inward alignment and steadfast fidelity from His people and their leaders, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, a remnant can walk faithfully with Yahweh.

* [Deuteronomy 5:32](/deuteronomy/5-32 "Deuteronomy 5:32 - Do Not Turn Aside from God's Commands")
* [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Not Wholly Devoted")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Josiah's exemplary life, as encapsulated in 2 Kings 22:2, provides a timeless blueprint for spiritual integrity and leadership for believers today. His early commitment to God, despite a heritage of profound wickedness, reminds us that our past or family background does not dictate our spiritual destiny; personal choice and divine grace are paramount. We are called to actively choose the path of righteousness, regardless of our age or circumstances, understanding that God can raise up faithful servants even from unexpected places. Furthermore, Josiah's emulation of "David his father" encourages us to seek out and follow godly examples within the faith, learning from the lives of those who have walked faithfully with the Lord, both in Scripture and in our contemporary contexts. Most profoundly, the command to "turn not aside to the right hand or to the left" challenges us to cultivate an unwavering devotion to God's Word and His ways. In a world constantly pulling us towards compromise, distraction, or deviation from biblical truth, Josiah's steadfastness calls us to a disciplined, resolute commitment to Christ, resisting the allure of worldly values or spiritual apathy. Our personal piety, like Josiah's, has the potential to impact our families, communities, and spheres of influence for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Josiah's early commitment to God, despite his family's history, challenge our assumptions about age or background in spiritual growth?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be tempted to "turn aside to the right hand or to the left" from God's path, and how can you cultivate greater steadfastness?**
* **Who are the "Davids" in your life—biblical or contemporary—whose examples of faithfulness you can intentionally emulate for your own spiritual journey?**
* **Considering Josiah's impact, how might your personal devotion to God contribute to positive spiritual change in your family, church, or broader community?**

### FAQ

**What does "right in the sight of the LORD" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies more than mere outward conformity to religious rituals or societal norms. It indicates that Josiah's actions, character, and intentions were in full alignment with God's divine standards and covenant expectations. It implies moral integrity, justice, and a heart genuinely devoted to Yahweh, reflecting a deep, personal relationship and obedience to His revealed will, as articulated in the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:18](/deuteronomy/6-18 "Deuteronomy 6:18 - Do What is Right and Good")). It's a comprehensive assessment of his entire being and reign as pleasing to God, emphasizing an internal disposition that produced righteous external conduct.

**Why is David mentioned as a standard for Josiah?**

Answer: King David, despite his personal moral failings, was considered the paradigmatic king in Israelite history because of his foundational commitment to God's covenant and his "wholehearted" devotion to Yahweh (e.g., [1 Kings 15:3](/1_kings/15-3 "1 Kings 15:3 - Asa's Heart Like David's")). He established the spiritual and political ideal for the monarchy, emphasizing loyalty to God above all else. By stating that Josiah "walked in all the way of David his father," the text highlights Josiah's adherence to this ideal, distinguishing him from the many kings who strayed from David's righteous path and signaling a return to the purest form of kingship.

**How is "turned not aside to the right hand or to the left" relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: This idiom, rooted in the Pentateuch's call for strict obedience to God's commands (e.g., [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - Do Not Turn from the Law")), remains profoundly relevant. For Christians, it represents a call to uncompromising faithfulness and steadfastness in following Jesus. It means adhering to biblical truth without drifting into theological error (turning to the "left" of liberal compromise or worldly values) or legalistic rigidity and self-righteousness (turning to the "right" of human traditions that supersede God's grace). It emphasizes a disciplined, focused walk with God, guided solely by His Word and the Holy Spirit, resisting all temptations to deviate from the narrow path of discipleship that leads to life (e.g., [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow Gate")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Josiah stands as one of Judah's most righteous kings, his reign, like all Old Testament kings, was ultimately temporary, and his profound reforms were ultimately unable to prevent Judah's eventual exile due to the deep-seated sin of the people. Josiah serves as a powerful type and shadow of the perfect King to come: Jesus Christ. Unlike Josiah, who inherited a kingdom corrupted by sin and whose righteousness was still imperfect, Jesus, the true Son of David, perfectly "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" in every thought, word, and deed, being without sin (e.g., [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). He "walked in all the way of David his father" not merely as an emulation, but as the very fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never end (e.g., [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Crucially, Jesus never "turned aside to the right hand or to the left," demonstrating absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on a cross (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His perfect righteousness and steadfast obedience provide the basis for our salvation, accomplishing what no human king, not even Josiah, could achieve. Through Christ, we are invited into His eternal, righteous reign, experiencing true and lasting transformation that Josiah's temporary reforms could only foreshadow, and receiving His perfect righteousness by faith (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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

Joshua 1:7

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

Deuteronomy 5:32

Ye shall 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.

2 Kings 18:3

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

1 Kings 3:6

And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as [it is] this day.

2 Kings 16:2

Twenty years old [was] Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father.

1 Kings 11:38

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do [that is] right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

Proverbs 20:11

¶ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work [be] pure, and whether [it be] right.