And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
2 Chronicles 26:4
What does 2 Chronicles 26:4 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
2 Chronicles 26:4
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse subtly reveals that Uzziah's "rightness" in God's eyes is initially defined by simply following his father's example, not by a deeper, personal seeking of God. It's a starting point, but the danger lies in mistaking imitation for true obedience, especially when that father also had significant spiritual flaws.
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Uzziah is taking the throne after his father Amaziah's reign, a time marked by both successes and serious failures, particularly in challenging God's authority. This verse sets the stage for Uzziah's early years, highlighting his initial obedience to God, which reflects a positive start but also echoes the mixed legacy of his predecessor. What follows, however, reveals Uzziah's own trajectory, which will eventually lead him down a path of pride and transgression.
It's easy to look at a parent's faith and think, 'Okay, I'll just do what they did.' But what happens when that's not quite enough?
King Uzziah started his reign doing 'what was right in the eyes of the LORD.' This sounds great! But the verse immediately qualifies it by saying he followed the example of his father, Amaziah.
The Danger of a Borrowed Faith
While Amaziah's actions were generally good (he didn't worship idols and followed God's laws), he wasn't perfect. He even had a major military failure due to disobedience. Uzziah's 'rightdoing' was modeled on Amaziah's, not on a direct, personal pursuit of God's will.
This highlights a subtle but crucial difference:
Uzziah's reign started well, but this initial reliance on his father's standard eventually led him astray when he overstepped his God-given authority later in his life.
What does it truly mean to do 'right' in God's eyes? Is it just avoiding the big sins, or is there more?
The phrase 'what was right in the eyes of the LORD' is a recurring theme in Chronicles, often describing godly kings. It signifies adherence to God's covenant laws and a general commitment to worship Him alone.
Ask a follow-up
More Than Just Avoiding Evil
King Uzziah's initial actions were commendable because he rejected the idolatry that plagued many other kings. He prioritized centralized worship at the Jerusalem temple and pursued justice.
However, this verse is the beginning of Uzziah's story. The narrative that follows shows that doing 'right' isn't a static achievement but a continuous path. His early obedience laid a foundation, but it didn't automatically guarantee his lifelong faithfulness. The high standard of 'doing right' requires ongoing dependence on God.
Understand the original words
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
A moral and spiritual standard in the Old Testament referring to conduct that aligns with the requirements and character of God as revealed in His Law. It is the opposite of doing 'evil' in the eyes of the Lord.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His faithfulness, holiness, and the I AM who enters into personal relationship with His people.
While the verse highlights Uzziah's good start, mirroring his father's early faithfulness, the surrounding history reveals a cautionary tale of how even a long and prosperous reign, beginning righteously, can tragically end in pride and spiritual failure.
c. 873-848 BC
Reign of King Uzziah's Father, Amaziah
Amaziah ruled Judah, initially doing what was right in God's eyes, but later turning to other gods after a military victory. His reign set a mixed spiritual precedent for his son.
c. 848-792 BC— this verse
Reign of King Uzziah (Azariah)
Uzziah, also known as Azariah, began his reign at age sixteen. He reigned for 52 years, a remarkably long and prosperous period for Judah.
During Uzziah's Reign
Military and Economic Expansion
Uzziah strengthened Jerusalem's defenses, reorganized the army, and developed agriculture and trade, bringing significant prosperity and power to the kingdom.
During Uzziah's Reign
Religious Reforms and Building Projects
He promoted true worship, appointing overseers for agriculture and animal husbandry, and actively engaged in public works, reinforcing the kingdom's infrastructure.
During Uzziah's Reign
Pride and Idolatry
Toward the end of his long reign, Uzziah's heart became proud due to his great prosperity. He overstepped his bounds by entering the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests.
c. 740 BC
Uzziah Struck with Leprosy
As punishment for his sacrilege, God struck Uzziah with leprosy. He lived in isolation for the remainder of his reign, unable to enter the temple or fully govern.
This passage describes Amaziah, Uzziah's father, doing what was right in the Lord's eyes, setting the stage for Uzziah's own righteous example, though with a crucial difference noted later in the chapter.
2 Chronicles 25:2This verse details Amaziah's compliance with God's commands, highlighting his faithfulness that Uzziah initially emulated, but also hinting at the eventual downfall that Amaziah experienced due to turning away from God.
Proverbs 22:6This proverb speaks to the impact of upbringing and example. Uzziah's initial righteousness is presented as following his father's positive example, showing how a good foundation can lead to a righteous path.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice. Uzziah's adherence to God's ways, mirroring his father, illustrates the importance of consistent godly living over mere ritual.
This verse subtly reveals that Uzziah's "rightness" in God's eyes is initially defined by simply following his father's example, not by a deeper, personal seeking of God. It's a starting point, but the danger lies in mistaking imitation for true obedience, especially when that father also had significant spiritual flaws.
King Uzziah is taking the throne after his father Amaziah's reign, a time marked by both successes and serious failures, particularly in challenging God's authority. This verse sets the stage for Uzziah's early years, highlighting his initial obedience to God, which reflects a positive start but also echoes the mixed legacy of his predecessor. What follows, however, reveals Uzziah's own trajectory, which will eventually lead him down a path of pride and transgression.
King Uzziah is taking the throne after his father Amaziah's reign, a time marked by both successes and serious failures, particularly in challenging God's authority. This verse sets the stage for Uzziah's early years, highlighting his initial obedience to God, which reflects a positive start but also echoes the mixed legacy of his predecessor. What follows, however, reveals Uzziah's own trajectory, which will eventually lead him down a path of pride and transgression.
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done." — This verse subtly reveals that Uzziah's "rightness" in God's eyes is initially defined by simply following his father's example, not by a deeper, personal seeking of God. It's a starting point, but t…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026