And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here isn't just that Asa did good, but that he's explicitly compared to David, the spiritual barometer for Israelite kings. This comparison immediately sets a high bar and suggests Asa's reign wasn't just "good" in a vacuum, but measured against the very best model of godly leadership.
And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse introduces Asa's reign as king of Judah, a time when the nation was still reeling from the division after Solomon's death and the corrupt rule of his father, Abijah. Asa is presented as a stark contrast to many kings who followed, specifically by doing what was pleasing to God, unlike the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. His faithful actions are set against the backdrop of a divided kingdom and the ongoing struggle to maintain true worship of God.
We often hear about following Jesus, but what did it mean for Old Testament figures to 'do what was right'?
This verse sets a high bar for Asa's reign. 'Doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD' wasn't just about personal piety; it was about aligning his kingship with God's commands and will.
A Standard of Obedience
This phrase echoes throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. It signifies a ruler who actively sought to honor God, uphold His laws, and lead the people in worship and obedience. It wasn't a passive state but an active pursuit of God's approval.
The Davidic Connection
By comparing Asa to David, the text highlights a specific legacy of godly leadership. David, despite his flaws, is remembered as a man after God's own heart, a king who deeply valued worship, justice, and relationship with God. Asa is called to emulate this commitment.
King Asa's actions are praised, but what was the core of his 'rightdoing'?
While the verse is brief, the broader context of Asa's reign in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16 reveals that his 'rightdoing' was fundamentally tied to his efforts to purify Judah from idolatry and re-establish true worship of the LORD.
Removing Idols
Asa removed the foreign gods, broke down their sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherim. This wasn't just a political move; it was a spiritual warfare to reclaim his kingdom for Yahweh.
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Centralizing Worship
He also brought the silver and gold and the vessels that he and his father had dedicated to the LORD, placing them in the Temple. This action demonstrated his commitment to honoring God through the prescribed means of worship.
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 places Asa's reign within the context of a divided kingdom and a history of both faithfulness (David) and unfaithfulness (Solomon, Rehoboam), highlighting the challenge and significance of his commitment to the Lord.
c. 1000 BC
David Reigns as King
David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and is remembered for his faith and devotion to God, though he also had significant moral failings.
c. 977 BC
Solomon Reigns and Builds the Temple
Solomon, David's son, inherits the throne and builds the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem, but later turns away from God.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides After Solomon's Death
Following Solomon's idolatry, the united kingdom splits into two: Israel in the north and Judah in the south, ruled by Solomon's son, Rehoboam.
c. 911-870 BC
Rehoboam and Abijah Reign in Judah
Rehoboam's reign is marked by idolatry and conflict, followed by Abijah's brief, mixed reign in the southern kingdom of Judah.
c. 870 BC— this verse
Asa Begins His Reign in Judah
Asa becomes king of Judah and sets out to reform the kingdom, removing idols and seeking the Lord.
c. 870-869 BC
Asa Reforms Judah
Asa takes bold steps to purge the land of idolatry, even removing his own grandmother from her influential position due to her involvement with pagan worship.
This passage introduces the idea of a king being judged by their obedience to God, just like David, setting the stage for how future kings, like Asa, would be evaluated.
1 Kings 14:8This verse highlights God's assessment of Jeroboam based on his obedience to God's commands, mirroring the standard set by David and later applied to Asa.
2 Chronicles 14:2This parallel account emphasizes Asa's commitment to doing good and right in the sight of the Lord, reinforcing the comparison to David's legacy.
Psalm 101:1-2This psalm reveals David's own heart and commitment to righteousness and justice, providing the very example of 'what was right in the eyes of the LORD' that Asa is measured against.
What's striking here isn't just that Asa did good, but that he's explicitly compared to David, the spiritual barometer for Israelite kings. This comparison immediately sets a high bar and suggests Asa's reign wasn't just "good" in a vacuum, but measured against the very best model of godly leadership.
This verse introduces Asa's reign as king of Judah, a time when the nation was still reeling from the division after Solomon's death and the corrupt rule of his father, Abijah. Asa is presented as a stark contrast to many kings who followed, specifically by doing what was pleasing to God, unlike the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. His faithful actions are set against the backdrop of a divided kingdom and the ongoing struggle to maintain true worship of God.
This verse introduces Asa's reign as king of Judah, a time when the nation was still reeling from the division after Solomon's death and the corrupt rule of his father, Abijah. Asa is presented as a stark contrast to many kings who followed, specifically by doing what was pleasing to God, unlike the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. His faithful actions are set against the backdrop of a divided kingdom and the ongoing struggle to maintain true worship of God.
"And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as David his father had done." — What's striking here isn't just that Asa did good, but that he's explicitly compared to David, the spiritual barometer for Israelite kings. This comparison immediately sets a high bar and suggests…
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Last reviewed October 2026