2 Chronicles 14:2-5
And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim and commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment. He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Here's a thought: it might seem simple, but "good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" isn't just a generic stamp of approval. It highlights that Asa's actions were measured by God's standard, not just by what seemed good to him or others. This isn't about outward conformity; it's about an inner alignment with God's heart.
After a peaceful reign of ten years, King Asa faces a massive invasion by the Ethiopians, a threat so great it could easily have overwhelmed his small kingdom. This verse sets the stage for Asa's response to this crisis, highlighting his character as someone who genuinely sought to please God. His subsequent prayer and victory demonstrate the powerful outcome of this commitment when confronted with seemingly insurmountable odds.
What does it really mean to do 'what is good and right' in God's eyes? It's more than just following rules; it's about aligning our hearts with His.
The verse states Asa "did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God." This isn't a subjective judgment; it's defined by God Himself. "Good" often implies usefulness, benefit, or moral excellence, while "right" speaks to what is just, proper, and aligned with divine order. Asa's actions, therefore, were those that met God's perfect standard of morality and obedience. This sets a high bar, reminding us that our actions are measured by divine, not human, approval.
As king, Asa had immense power. But this verse highlights that his ultimate accountability wasn't to his people or his position, but to God.
The phrase "in the eyes of the LORD his God" is crucial. It tells us that leadership, even with its privileges and responsibilities, is ultimately under divine scrutiny. Asa wasn't just performing for his subjects; he was acting before the Almighty. This underscores the personal responsibility every leader—and indeed, every believer—has to seek God's approval above all else. His reign began by setting this right, prioritizing his relationship with God over popular opinion or political expediency.
Understand the original words
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A place of worship or religious activity, typically involving sacrifice and ritual, often built for the purpose of honoring a deity, whether the true God or foreign idols.
bamah · Hebrew Noun
Cultic sites located on hills or elevated places where worship was performed, frequently associated with idolatry or syncretistic practices in Israel and Judah that were condemned by the prophets.
matstsebah · Hebrew Noun
Memorial stones or cultic obelisks often erected at sites of pagan worship or covenantal events; in this context, they represent objects of idolatrous veneration associated with Canaanite religions.
asherah · Hebrew Noun
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After Solomon's death, the united Kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. Asa reigns in Judah.
c. 911 BC
Asa Begins Reign
Asa becomes king of Judah. He is the great-grandson of King David and reigns for 41 years.
c. 909 BC— this verse
Asa Removes Idolatry
Early in his reign, Asa takes bold steps to purge Judah of foreign gods and pagan practices, re-establishing true worship of the LORD.
c. 908 BC
Asa Strengthens Cities
Following his religious reforms, Asa focuses on fortifying Judah's cities and building up its defenses.
c. 905 BC
Zerah's Invasion
Zerah the Ethiopian, leading a massive army, invades Judah. Asa prays for God's help and wins a decisive victory.
This passage provides context for Asa's reign by stating he 'did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD,' echoing the same sentiment and highlighting his commitment to God's ways.
Deuteronomy 6:18This verse presents the divine standard that Asa followed: 'do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may go well with you.' It shows that Asa's actions were aligned with God's commands for blessing and prosperity.
Psalm 101:2King David's psalm expresses a desire to 'act wisely in a perfect way' and 'walk in the way that is blameless,' reflecting the same kind of dedication to righteousness that characterized Asa's good reign.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that 'God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him' connects to Asa's action of doing what was right in God's eyes, emphasizing that genuine righteousness is pleasing to God regardless of the specific era.
Here's a thought: it might seem simple, but "good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" isn't just a generic stamp of approval. It highlights that Asa's actions were measured by God's standard, not just by what seemed good to him or others. This isn't about outward conformity; it's about an inner alignment with God's heart.
After a peaceful reign of ten years, King Asa faces a massive invasion by the Ethiopians, a threat so great it could easily have overwhelmed his small kingdom. This verse sets the stage for Asa's response to this crisis, highlighting his character as someone who genuinely sought to please God. His subsequent prayer and victory demonstrate the powerful outcome of this commitment when confronted with seemingly insurmountable odds.
After a peaceful reign of ten years, King Asa faces a massive invasion by the Ethiopians, a threat so great it could easily have overwhelmed his small kingdom. This verse sets the stage for Asa's response to this crisis, highlighting his character as someone who genuinely sought to please God. His subsequent prayer and victory demonstrate the powerful outcome of this commitment when confronted with seemingly insurmountable odds.
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Refers to the cultic objects, often wooden poles or trees, representing the Canaanite goddess Asherah, central to the fertility cults forbidden by the Mosaic Law.
darash · Hebrew Verb
To pursue, inquire of, or yearn for the presence and will of God; it denotes a heart-orientation towards relationship and obedience with the Creator.
torah · Hebrew Noun
The body of divine instructions, revealed truth, and moral guidance provided by God through Moses, intended to govern the life and conduct of His people.
mitsvah · Hebrew Noun
A specific charge, instruction, or decree given by God or His representative; it emphasizes the duty of the covenant people to submit to divine authority.
chamman · Hebrew Noun
Small, elevated structures or vessels used specifically for burning incense as an offering to a deity; often utilized in the context of both lawful and unlawful religious practice.
"And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherim and commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, an…" — Here's a thought: it might seem simple, but "good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" isn't just a generic stamp of approval. It highlights that Asa's actions were measured by God's standard…
