2 Chronicles 29:2
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.
And he did
This phrase introduces the actions of King Hezekiah, emphasizing his active role in the spiritual and moral reformation of Judah. The Hebrew root for "did" is עָשָׂה (asah), which means to do, make, or accomplish. This verb is often used in the Old Testament to denote purposeful action, suggesting that Hezekiah's reforms were intentional and deliberate. His actions were not passive but a conscious effort to align Judah with God's will.

what was right
The Hebrew word for "right" is יָשָׁר (yashar), meaning straight, upright, or correct. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are in accordance with God's commandments and moral standards. Hezekiah's reign is marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that God desired from His people. His commitment to righteousness set a standard for leadership that was pleasing to God.

in the eyes of the LORD
This phrase underscores the divine perspective on Hezekiah's actions. The Hebrew word for "eyes" is עַיִן (ayin), which can also mean sight or presence. The phrase suggests that Hezekiah's deeds were evaluated by God's standards, not human ones. It highlights the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, who sees and knows all. This divine approval is the ultimate measure of righteousness.

just as his father David had done
Here, Hezekiah is compared to King David, his ancestor, who is often regarded as the ideal king of Israel. The Hebrew word for "father" is אָב (av), which can also mean ancestor or forefather. This comparison is significant because David is remembered for his heart for God, despite his imperfections. By aligning Hezekiah with David, the text emphasizes Hezekiah's commitment to restoring true worship and obedience to God, following the example of a king who was "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). This connection to David also reinforces the Davidic covenant, reminding the reader of God's promises to David's lineage.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who initiated religious reforms and sought to restore proper worship of Yahweh. He is noted for his faithfulness and dedication to God, following the example of King David.

2. David
The former king of Israel, known as a man after God's own heart. He is often used as a benchmark for righteous leadership in the Old Testament.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Hezekiah reigned. It was often contrasted with the northern kingdom, Israel, in terms of faithfulness to God.

4. Temple Restoration
The event where Hezekiah reopened and cleansed the temple, reinstating the proper worship practices that had been neglected.

5. Religious Reforms
The series of actions taken by Hezekiah to return the nation to the worship of Yahweh, including the removal of idols and the restoration of temple services.
Teaching Points
Righteous Leadership
Hezekiah's example shows the importance of leading with integrity and faithfulness to God's commands. Leaders today can learn from his commitment to doing what is right in God's eyes.

Restoration and Renewal
Just as Hezekiah restored the temple, believers are called to restore and renew their spiritual lives, removing anything that hinders true worship.

Legacy of Faith
Hezekiah followed the example of David, demonstrating the impact of a godly legacy. We are encouraged to leave a legacy of faith for future generations.

Courage in Reform
Implementing change, especially in spiritual matters, requires courage. Hezekiah's reforms remind us that standing for truth may require difficult decisions.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite the challenges Hezekiah faced, he remained faithful. This teaches us to trust in God's guidance and strength during difficult times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hezekiah's example of doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord challenge your current leadership or influence in your community?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the restoration and renewal of your spiritual life, similar to Hezekiah's temple restoration?

3. Reflect on the legacy of faith you are building. How can you ensure it aligns with the example set by Hezekiah and David?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" or distractions that might need to be removed from your life to restore proper worship of God?

5. How can you demonstrate faithfulness and courage in your walk with God, especially when facing adversity or opposition? Consider other biblical examples of faithfulness in challenging times.
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 18:3-6
This passage parallels 2 Chronicles 29:2, providing additional details about Hezekiah's reforms and his trust in the Lord, emphasizing his unique faithfulness among the kings of Judah.

Psalm 78:70-72
Highlights David's role as a shepherd and leader chosen by God, serving as a model for Hezekiah's righteous leadership.

1 Kings 15:11
Mentions Asa, another king of Judah, who also did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, drawing a parallel to Hezekiah's actions.
The Accession of HezekiahT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 29:1, 2
Co-Operation NeededH. Clay Trumbull.2 Chronicles 29:1-11
Hezekiah, the Good KingSunday School Times2 Chronicles 29:1-11
Hezekiah's Action, the Result of Previous BroodingA. Maclaren, D.D.2 Chronicles 29:1-11
Hezekiah's ReformationT. S. Barbour.2 Chronicles 29:1-11
Hezekiah's ReformationT. Manton, D.D.2 Chronicles 29:1-11
Starting Well2 Chronicles 29:1-11
Taking the Right Stand At FirstA. Maclaren, D. D.2 Chronicles 29:1-11
The Height of OpportunityW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 29:1-11
People
Aaron, Abdi, Abijah, Ahaz, Amasai, Asaph, Azariah, David, Elizaphan, Esther, Gad, Gershonites, Heman, Hezekiah, Jeduthun, Jehalelel, Jehiel, Jeiel, Jeuel, Joah, Joel, Kish, Kohathites, Levites, Mahath, Mattaniah, Merari, Merarites, Nathan, Shemaiah, Shimei, Shimri, Uzziel, Zechariah, Zimmah
Places
Holy Place, Jerusalem, Kidron
Topics
David, Sight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 29:2

     8315   orthodoxy, in OT

Library
A Godly Reformation
'Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 2. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 3. He in the first year of his reign, in the first mouth, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them. 4. And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sacrifice Renewed
'Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt-offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shew-bread table, with all the vessels thereof. 19. Moreover, all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his reign did cast away in his transgression, have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord. 20. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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