King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:32 Mean?
“And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.”
2 Chronicles 20:32 · KJV
Context
30
So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
31
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
32
And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.
33
Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.
34
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. book of Jehu: Heb. words, etc is mentioned: Heb. was made to ascend
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.
This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.
The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.
Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.
This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.
The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.
Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.
The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.
Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.
The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.
Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
- What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
- How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsבְּדֶ֛רֶךְ2 of 11
“in the way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אָבִ֥יו3 of 11
“his father”
H1father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וְלֹא5 of 11
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת8 of 11
“not from it doing”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֥י10 of 11
“in the sight”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָֽה׃11 of 11
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Chronicles 20:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Chronicles 20:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge