King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 26:4 Mean?

2 Chronicles 26:4 in the King James Version says “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.”

2 Chronicles 26:4 · KJV

Context

2

He built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers.

3

Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.

4

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

5

And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. in the visions: Heb. in the seeing of God

6

And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. about: or, in the country of Ashdod

Read 2 Chronicles 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Prosperity leading to pride and presumption. 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
עָשָׂ֖ה1 of 9

“And he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר2 of 9

“that which was right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 9

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כְּכֹ֥ל5 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֖ה7 of 9

“And he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֲמַצְיָ֥הוּ8 of 9

“Amaziah”

H558

amatsjah, the name of four israelites

אָבִֽיו׃9 of 9

“according to all that his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 26:4 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 26:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 25:2

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 26 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes