2 Chronicles 26:4

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

Study Bible

He did what was right
This phrase indicates a moral and spiritual alignment with God's standards. The Hebrew root for "right" is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), which means straight or upright. In the context of the Old Testament, doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD often involved adherence to the Mosaic Law and the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. This phrase sets the tone for Uzziah's reign, suggesting a commitment to righteousness and justice, which are central themes throughout the Bible.

in the eyes of the LORD
The phrase "in the eyes of the LORD" emphasizes divine perspective and approval. The Hebrew word for "eyes" is "עֵינַיִם" (einaim), symbolizing God's omniscience and His ability to see beyond outward actions to the heart's intentions. This phrase underscores the importance of seeking God's approval rather than human validation, a recurring theme in Scripture that calls believers to live with an awareness of God's constant presence and judgment.

just as his father Amaziah had done
This comparison to Amaziah, Uzziah's father, provides a historical context. Amaziah, like many kings of Judah, had a mixed record of faithfulness. Initially, he did what was right but later turned away from God (2 Chronicles 25:2, 14-16). The Hebrew word for "just as" is "כַּאֲשֶׁר" (ka'asher), indicating a similarity or pattern. This phrase serves as both a commendation and a cautionary note, reminding readers of the importance of perseverance in faith. It highlights the generational influence in spiritual matters, encouraging believers to learn from the past while striving for a more consistent and wholehearted devotion to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Uzziah (Azariah)
The king of Judah who began his reign at the age of sixteen and ruled for fifty-two years. He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, following the example of his father, Amaziah.

2. Amaziah
The father of Uzziah, who also did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, though not wholeheartedly. His reign provides a backdrop for understanding Uzziah's initial faithfulness.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Uzziah reigned. It was a time of relative prosperity and military strength under Uzziah's leadership.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Uzziah would have carried out much of his administrative and religious duties.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, whose standards of righteousness Uzziah initially followed.

Teaching Points

Righteous Leadership
Uzziah's early reign exemplifies the importance of leaders doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD. This sets a standard for godly leadership in all areas of life.

Influence of Parental Example
Uzziah followed in the footsteps of his father, Amaziah, showing the significant impact parents have on their children's spiritual direction.

The Danger of Pride
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Uzziah's later downfall due to pride serves as a warning against self-reliance and forgetting God's role in our successes.

Consistency in Faith
Uzziah's life encourages believers to maintain a consistent walk with God, avoiding the pitfalls of starting well but finishing poorly.

Accountability to God
Ultimately, our actions are judged by God’s standards, not human ones. Uzziah's initial righteousness was noted by God, reminding us of our accountability to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Uzziah's example of doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD challenge you in your current leadership roles or responsibilities?

2. In what ways can the influence of a parent or mentor shape one's spiritual journey, as seen in Uzziah's life?

3. Reflect on a time when pride may have led you away from God's path. How can Uzziah's account help you guard against this in the future?

4. How can you ensure consistency in your walk with God, avoiding the pattern of starting well but finishing poorly?

5. Considering the accountability we have before God, how can you align your daily actions more closely with His standards?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 15
This chapter provides a parallel account of Uzziah's reign, offering additional insights into his accomplishments and failures.

Isaiah 6
The prophet Isaiah's vision of the LORD occurs in the year of King Uzziah's death, highlighting the transition from Uzziah's reign to a new era in Judah's history.

Psalm 1
This psalm describes the blessedness of the man who walks in the way of the LORD, similar to how Uzziah initially walked in righteousness.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses emphasize trusting in the LORD and acknowledging Him in all ways, a principle that Uzziah followed early in his reign.