King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 34:2 Mean?

2 Chronicles 34:2 in the King James Version says “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neith...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.”

2 Chronicles 34:2 · KJV

Context

1

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years.

2

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

3

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.

4

And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. the images: or, the sun images graves: Heb. face of the graves

Read 2 Chronicles 34 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Young King Josiah's faithfulness is described: 'And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.' Beginning his reign at age 8, Josiah's spiritual integrity came through divine grace, not family influence (his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh were wicked). The phrase 'declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left' echoes Deuteronomic covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 5:32). Following 'David his father' skips intervening generations to return to the covenant ideal. This demonstrates God's sovereign grace in raising up faithful leaders even from ungodly lineage, pointing to Christ, the Son of David who perfectly walks God's ways.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Josiah's reign (640-609 BCE) marked Judah's last great reform before Babylonian exile. His discovery of the Law scroll (34:14-33) sparked revival, showing that God's Word has power even when neglected for generations. His death fighting Egypt (35:20-24) ended the reform movement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Josiah's faithfulness despite ungodly parents encourage those from difficult family backgrounds?
  2. What does 'declining neither right nor left' from God's Word look like in your daily decisions and priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ1 of 12

“And he did”

H6213

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

הַיָּשָׁ֖ר2 of 12

“that which was right”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 12

“in the sight”

H5869

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

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיֵּ֗לֶךְ5 of 12
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּדַרְכֵי֙6 of 12

“in the ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

דָּוִ֣יד7 of 12

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔יו8 of 12

“his father”

H1

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

וְלֹא9 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

סָ֖ר10 of 12

“and declined”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

יָמִ֥ין11 of 12

“neither to the right hand”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃12 of 12

“nor to the left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

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 34:2 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 34:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 29:21 Kings 15:5Joshua 1:7Joshua 23:6Deuteronomy 5:321 Kings 14:8

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