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

2 CHRONICLES 29:2KJV
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2 Chronicles 29:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 29:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 29:2 says that Hezekiah did what was right in God’s eyes, following the example set by his ancestor David. The verse highlights Hezekiah’s commitment to living according to God’s standards, not just following tradition or the ways of other kings.

This verse is part of the introduction to King Hezekiah’s reign over Judah. The writer is describing Hezekiah’s character and choices, especially in contrast to some earlier kings who did not follow God faithfully. By mentioning David, the verse connects Hezekiah to the ideal king in Israel’s history and sets the stage for the reforms Hezekiah will make in the chapters that follow.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 29:2

  • "did" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): This word means to do, make, or act. Here, it emphasizes Hezekiah’s active choices and behaviors, not just his intentions.
  • "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means straight, upright, or right. It often refers to moral integrity or doing what is pleasing to God, showing that Hezekiah’s actions matched God’s standards.
  • "sight" (עַיִן, ʿayin): Literally meaning "eye," this phrase ("in the sight of the LORD") is a common way in Hebrew to say "from God’s perspective" or "as God sees things," stressing that God’s view is what matters most.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, reminding the reader that Hezekiah’s actions are measured by his relationship to the God of Israel.
  • "done" (עָשָׂה, ʿasah): The same word as "did," used again to connect Hezekiah’s actions with those of David, reinforcing the idea of following a faithful example.

Why 2 Chronicles 29:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s standard was not just tradition or popular opinion, but what God Himself considered right.
  • By linking Hezekiah to David, the verse signals a return to faithful leadership after a period of decline, preparing the reader for the reforms and renewal that will follow.
  • The focus on God’s perspective ("in the sight of the LORD") reminds readers that true faithfulness is measured by God’s standards, not human ones.

Where else these words appear

“right” Hebrew H3477 · used in 119 verses

  • Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:1 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father:
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.