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

2 KINGS 15:3KJV
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2 Kings 15:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:3 mean?

2 Kings 15:3 says that King Azariah (also known as Uzziah) did what was considered right in God’s eyes, following the example set by his father Amaziah. The verse highlights that Azariah’s reign was marked by actions that aligned with what God approved, at least in the same way as his father before him.

This verse is part of a summary about Azariah’s reign over Judah, written by the author of 2 Kings for the people of Israel and Judah. The phrase “right in the sight of the LORD” is a standard way in the book of Kings to evaluate whether a king led the people according to God’s standards. The comparison to Amaziah, his father, gives a sense of continuity in leadership, suggesting that Azariah’s rule was not a major departure from the previous generation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:3

  • “Right” (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means “upright” or “straight,” often understood as acting in a way that is morally sound or pleasing to God. Here, it shows that Azariah’s actions were measured by God’s standards, not just by human opinion.
  • “Sight” (עַיִן, ayin): Literally “eye,” this word is used in the phrase “in the sight of the LORD” to mean “from God’s perspective” or “as God sees.” It reminds the reader that God’s viewpoint is the standard for judgment in these summaries.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the standard being referred to is not just any deity or authority, but specifically the God of Israel.

Why 2 Kings 15:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Azariah’s reign was not perfect, but it was generally approved by God, at least compared to other kings who did evil. It sets up a contrast with kings who did not follow God’s ways at all.
  • The mention of Amaziah ties Azariah’s reign to a family legacy, helping readers see patterns in the leadership of Judah and how faithfulness or unfaithfulness could be passed down.
  • The verse prepares the reader for later details about Azariah’s reign, including both his successes and his failures, by establishing a baseline of general faithfulness to God.

Where else these words appear

“Amaziah” Hebrew H558 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 12:21 For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:17 Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us see one another in the face.

“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 29:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.