And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even "doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD" can have different shades. While Amaziah followed God's commands, the text highlights he didn't match David's wholehearted devotion, pointing out that true obedience isn't just about avoiding evil, but also about pursuing God with passion. This suggests a higher standard for those who've been shown God's grace, an ongoing journey of deeper commitment rather than a static state.
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Amaziah has just taken the throne in Judah, following in the footsteps of his father Joash. While he's praised for doing what's right before God, Scripture immediately qualifies this by contrasting him with the ideal of King David, noting he didn't quite measure up in all aspects. This sets the stage for understanding his reign, showing he had a good start but lacked the full devotion and success of his ancestor.
It sounds like a great start: doing what's right in God's eyes! But this verse hints that 'good' can have different shades of meaning. What does it mean to be 'right' in God's eyes, and how can it still fall short?
King Amaziah, mentioned here, walked with God, which is a huge commendation. The text says he 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.' This means he likely followed many of God's commands and wasn't an idolater like some kings before him.
However, the verse immediately adds a crucial qualification: 'yet not like David his father.' This tells us there's a standard of godly leadership, and David, despite his own significant failures, often set a higher bar.
This distinction is vital: being 'good' isn't always the same as being fully devoted or striving for the highest standard God sets.
It's natural to follow in our parents' footsteps, but what happens when those footsteps lead down a path that's merely 'okay' instead of excellent? This verse shows how even well-intentioned imitation can limit us.
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The verse states that Amaziah 'did in all things as Joash his father had done.' This is where we see a potential pitfall of following family patterns too closely, especially if those patterns aren't fully aligned with God's best.
This reminds us that while family influence is powerful, our ultimate allegiance must be to God's Word, not just familial tradition or the 'way things have always been done.'
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of the one true God of Israel, revealing His personal relationship with His people and His faithfulness to His promises. It is the name by which He revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush.
David · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the king of the Davidic line, often used as a standard of comparison for later kings. In a broader theological sense, he is the prototype of the faithful king, though he himself was a sinner saved by grace.
The verse highlights that even a king doing 'what was right' could still fall short of a truly devoted standard, especially when compared to the ideal of David. This context of ongoing spiritual compromise in Israel under Jeroboam II, despite outward success, underscores the subtle dangers of religious mediocrity.
c. 870 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, a righteous king of Judah, reigned for 25 years, establishing justice and strengthening defenses.
c. 853 BC
Death of Ahab of Israel
Ahab, a wicked king of Israel, died after a disastrous military campaign, leaving a legacy of idolatry and corruption in the northern kingdom.
c. 840 BC
Reign of Jehu in Israel
Jehu led a violent purge of Ahab's dynasty and the worship of Baal in Israel, but he did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam.
c. 820 BC
Reign of Joash (Jehoahaz) in Israel
Joash, son of Jehu, ruled Israel for 16 years. Though he saw some military successes against Syria, Israel continued in idolatry.
c. 800 BC
Reign of Amaziah
Amaziah, son of Joash, became king of Judah. He did initially what was right in the Lord's eyes, but later turned to idolatry after military victory.
c. 790 BC
Reign of Joash of Israel
Joash, king of Israel and father of Jeroboam II, continued the nation's spiritual decline despite some military victories.
c. 793 BC— this verse
Reign of Jeroboam II
Jeroboam II, son of Joash, reigned over Israel. He expanded the borders and brought prosperity, but the nation remained deeply entrenched in sin and idolatry.
This passage describes King Asa, who also walked with God but was criticized for not removing the high places, showing that even 'good' kings had areas where they fell short of a perfect example.
2 Chronicles 25:2Similar to 2 Kings 14:3, this verse highlights King Amaziah's actions, stating he did what was right in the Lord's sight but with a heart not fully devoted, illustrating the nuanced nature of obedience.
Matthew 23:2-3Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees, telling the people to 'do whatever they tell you,' but 'do not do what they do,' which is a powerful parallel to acknowledging a leader's right actions while recognizing their personal failings.
1 Corinthians 11:1Paul urges the believers to 'imitate me, as I imitate Christ,' emphasizing the importance of aspiring to godly examples, but also hinting that even positive examples aren't perfect outside of Christ Himself.
Even "doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD" can have different shades. While Amaziah followed God's commands, the text highlights he didn't match David's wholehearted devotion, pointing out that true obedience isn't just about avoiding evil, but also about pursuing God with passion. This suggests a higher standard for those who've been shown God's grace, an ongoing journey of deeper commitment rather than a static state.
King Amaziah has just taken the throne in Judah, following in the footsteps of his father Joash. While he's praised for doing what's right before God, Scripture immediately qualifies this by contrasting him with the ideal of King David, noting he didn't quite measure up in all aspects. This sets the stage for understanding his reign, showing he had a good start but lacked the full devotion and success of his ancestor.
King Amaziah has just taken the throne in Judah, following in the footsteps of his father Joash. While he's praised for doing what's right before God, Scripture immediately qualifies this by contrasting him with the ideal of King David, noting he didn't quite measure up in all aspects. This sets the stage for understanding his reign, showing he had a good start but lacked the full devotion and success of his ancestor.
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done." — Even "doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD" can have different shades. While Amaziah followed God's commands, the text highlights he didn't match David's wholehearted devotion, pointing out…
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Last reviewed October 2026