And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Chronicles 14:2
What does 2 Chronicles 14:2 mean?
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2 Chronicles 14:2
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It's easy to see this as a simple statement of approval, but the Hebrew word translated as "good" here carries a richer sense of "pleasing" or "acceptable." It suggests that Asa's actions weren't just morally correct, but that they genuinely delighted God's heart, setting a positive tone for his reign.
And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a period of turmoil and idolatry following his father's reign, King Asa ascended to the throne and immediately began a sweeping reform, removing pagan altars and establishing a strong religious and political foundation for Judah. This verse marks the beginning of his positive impact, highlighting his commitment to God's ways as the driving force behind his subsequent actions and military victories.
In a world that often chases fleeting trends and popular opinions, what does it truly mean to live in a way that pleases God? King Asa discovered this as his reign began.
A Singular Focus
King Asa's reign is marked by a radical commitment to the Lord. The verse states he "did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God." This wasn't just about following rules; it was about cultivating a heart that sought God's approval above all else. In his time, the people of Judah had strayed, embracing idolatry and disobedience.
The Foundation of Righteousness
Asa's actions were a deliberate turn away from the ways of surrounding nations and toward the God of Israel. This required courage and a clear understanding of God's heart. His goodness wasn't performative; it was rooted in a genuine desire to align his life and his kingdom with God's will.
Asa's commitment wasn't passive. He actively dismantled the barriers that prevented his people from fully following the Lord. What does this teach us about true faithfulness?
Beyond Personal Piety
The significance of Asa's actions extends beyond his personal morality. The subsequent verses in chapter 14 detail his decisive actions: he removed the foreign altars and high places, broke down the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherim. These were symbols and centers of pagan worship.
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Restoring True Worship
His "good and right" actions meant actively purging the land of idolatry. This wasn't a popular move with everyone, but it was essential for restoring true worship of the LORD. Asa understood that a kingdom could not serve two masters; it had to be wholly devoted to God.
Asa's reign marks a pivotal moment of spiritual renewal in Judah after decades of decline. His commitment to God, even in the face of internal corruption and external threats, stands in stark contrast to the reigns of his predecessors, highlighting the possibility of genuine repentance and obedience.
c. 975 BC
Death of Solomon
The united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (2 tribes). This division leads to ongoing conflict and separate spiritual trajectories.
c. 975 BC - 945 BC
Reigns of Rehoboam and Abijam
The first two kings of Judah after the split, Rehoboam and Abijam, both do evil in the eyes of the Lord, leading Judah further into spiritual decline and idolatry.
c. 945 BC
Asa becomes King of Judah
Asa begins his reign in Judah. He is the grandson of Solomon and son of Abijam, inheriting a kingdom steeped in spiritual corruption.
c. 941 BC— this verse
Asa's Reforms Begin
Early in his reign, Asa initiates significant religious reforms, removing idols, destroying Asherah poles, and commanding Judah to seek the LORD their God.
c. 940 BC
War with Zeruiah
Asa faces a major military threat from the Ethiopian army led by Zeruiah. He leads Judah to victory, trusting in the Lord rather than military might.
This passage describes Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, also doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, showing a continuation of righteous leadership in the Davidic line.
Psalm 15:1-2This Psalm beautifully outlines the character of the one who is 'blameless' and 'does what is right,' echoing the description of Asa's godly actions.
Deuteronomy 6:18This command stresses doing what is right and good in the Lord's sight, providing the underlying principle that guided Asa's commendable reign.
Jeremiah 22:15-16In contrast to Asa, King Josiah is praised for his justice and righteousness, reinforcing the value and divine approval of doing what is good and right.
It's easy to see this as a simple statement of approval, but the Hebrew word translated as "good" here carries a richer sense of "pleasing" or "acceptable." It suggests that Asa's actions weren't just morally correct, but that they genuinely delighted God's heart, setting a positive tone for his reign.
After a period of turmoil and idolatry following his father's reign, King Asa ascended to the throne and immediately began a sweeping reform, removing pagan altars and establishing a strong religious and political foundation for Judah. This verse marks the beginning of his positive impact, highlighting his commitment to God's ways as the driving force behind his subsequent actions and military victories.
After a period of turmoil and idolatry following his father's reign, King Asa ascended to the throne and immediately began a sweeping reform, removing pagan altars and establishing a strong religious and political foundation for Judah. This verse marks the beginning of his positive impact, highlighting his commitment to God's ways as the driving force behind his subsequent actions and military victories.
"And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God." — It's easy to see this as a simple statement of approval, but the Hebrew word translated as "good" here carries a richer sense of "pleasing" or "acceptable." It suggests that Asa's actions weren't jus…
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Last reviewed October 2026