1 Kings 15:11
And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it seems straightforward, this verse reveals a lot about how God measures righteousness: He compares it to a standard, a living example of faith, namely, King David. So, Asa's actions aren't just good in isolation, they're "right" because they align with the model of faithfulness God had already established.
The books of Kings are chronicling the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, carefully noting their obedience or disobedience to God. Asa is the third king of Judah, following his father Abijam, and this verse sets him up as a righteous ruler. He's being compared to David, the gold standard of kingship, and the following verses will detail his good deeds and the reforms he enacted.
We often hear about King David – his triumphs and his failures. But what does it really mean to follow in his footsteps, especially when it comes to pleasing God?
This verse highlights a crucial standard for evaluating Israel's kings: their adherence to God's will, using King David as the benchmark.
The Davidic Standard
David, despite his significant flaws (like his affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent cover-up), is consistently held up as a model of a king who, at his core, loved and sought the Lord. He repented deeply, wrote psalms of heartfelt devotion, and established a covenant relationship with God.
Asa's Commitment
King Asa is praised for doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD." This wasn't just about avoiding outright evil; it was about actively pursuing righteousness. By linking his actions to David's, the text suggests Asa embraced a similar spirit of wholehearted devotion to God, even when it was difficult or unpopular. This meant dismantling idolatrous practices and centering his reign on true worship.
What truly qualifies as 'doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD'? It's more than just following rules; it's about the heart behind the actions.
The phrase "what was right in the eyes of the LORD" points to an internal disposition as much as external behavior.
Beyond Mere Compliance
It signifies a life oriented towards God's perspective and desires. For Asa, this meant:
Understand the original words
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
In biblical usage, 'right' refers to moral rectitude or actions that align with God's revealed will and law. It signifies an objective standard of conduct established by God's character.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
Referring to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush. It is the personal, proper name of the God of the Bible.
The verse highlights Asa's faithfulness by comparing him to David, the ideal king in Judah's memory. This comparison would have resonated deeply with the people of Judah, who were constantly reminded of their kingdom's foundational covenant relationship with God, especially in contrast to the increasingly idolatrous Northern Kingdom.
c. 970 BC
Death of King Solomon
Solomon's reign ends, and the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division sets the stage for future conflicts and differing religious paths.
c. 931 BC
Reign of Rehoboam Begins
Solomon's son Rehoboam becomes king of Judah. His poor leadership and the kingdom's division lead to instability and a departure from true worship for many.
c. 911 BC
Reign of Abijam of Judah
Abijam's reign is marked by continued conflict with the Northern Kingdom and a mixed record in his faithfulness to God.
c. 910-887 BC— this verse
Reign of Asa of Judah
Asa becomes king of Judah and is noted for his reforms. He removes idolatrous practices and seeks the Lord, though he later relies on Syria for military aid instead of God.
This verse establishes the standard for godly kingship by referencing David, setting the stage for how future rulers, like Asa, would be evaluated.
2 Chronicles 14:2This passage expands on Asa's actions, highlighting his removal of idolatrous objects and his commitment to seeking God, reinforcing the 'doing what was right' theme.
Psalm 101:2This psalm describes David's own commitment to righteous living and integrity, providing insight into the kind of character and actions that defined 'doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD'.
Acts 13:22This New Testament passage echoes the sentiment, describing David as a man 'after God's own heart,' further defining the ideal standard that Asa was measured against.
While it seems straightforward, this verse reveals a lot about how God measures righteousness: He compares it to a standard, a living example of faith, namely, King David. So, Asa's actions aren't just good in isolation, they're "right" because they align with the model of faithfulness God had already established.
The books of Kings are chronicling the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, carefully noting their obedience or disobedience to God. Asa is the third king of Judah, following his father Abijam, and this verse sets him up as a righteous ruler. He's being compared to David, the gold standard of kingship, and the following verses will detail his good deeds and the reforms he enacted.
The books of Kings are chronicling the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, carefully noting their obedience or disobedience to God. Asa is the third king of Judah, following his father Abijam, and this verse sets him up as a righteous ruler. He's being compared to David, the gold standard of kingship, and the following verses will detail his good deeds and the reforms he enacted.
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Acknowledging Imperfection
This standard isn't about achieving sinless perfection, but about a consistent, sincere effort to align one's life with God's commands and character. Asa's reign, though marked by significant good, still contained areas where he fell short, reminding us that faithfulness is a journey.
c. 887 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat of Judah
Asa's son Jehoshaphat continues his father's legacy of seeking the Lord, further solidifying Judah's religious commitment, though facing external threats.
"And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done." — While it seems straightforward, this verse reveals a lot about how God measures righteousness: He compares it to a standard, a living example of faith, namely, King David. So, Asa's actions aren't…
