2 Kings 15:34
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it's good that King Jotham "did what was right," the verse subtly highlights that his righteousness is measured only by comparison to his father's actions. This could mean he was following a good path, or simply that his dad set a relatively low bar, and we don't get the full picture of Jotham's own heart for God.
This verse appears at the end of the reign of King Jotham, son of Uzziah, in Judah. Jotham followed in his father's footsteps, doing what was pleasing to God, a stark contrast to the neighboring Northern Kingdom of Israel which was spiraling into idolatry and exile. His righteous reign, however, was a brief respite before the impending judgment that would eventually befall Judah.
What does it mean to do 'what is right in the eyes of the LORD'? King Jotham's story gives us a clue.
A Legacy of Faith
King Jotham's reign is described with a remarkable phrase: he "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD." This isn't just a generic statement of approval; it's tied directly to the actions of his father, Uzziah. It shows us that righteousness can be passed down, learned, and emulated. When we see godly examples in our lives—whether parents, mentors, or spiritual leaders—we are given a blueprint for how to live pleasing to God.
The Challenge of Continuation
It's one thing to start doing right, but another to continue doing right, especially when following in the footsteps of someone who did. Jotham's commitment to his father's righteous path highlights the importance of not just inheriting a legacy, but actively living it out. It requires intentionality and a deep commitment to God's ways, even when it's challenging.
Does 'doing what is right' mean something different for everyone? This verse anchors it in God's perspective.
God's Standard, Not Ours
The phrase "what was right in the eyes of the LORD" is crucial. It tells us that our measure of righteousness isn't based on popular opinion, personal feelings, or even cultural norms. It's defined by God Himself. Jotham's actions were aligned with God's unchanging standard, a standard that his father Uzziah had also followed.
The Foundation of Obedience
This kind of righteousness isn't about earning points with God through good deeds. It's about obedience and alignment with His character and commands. When the Bible says someone did right in God's eyes, it means they sought to honor Him through their choices and leadership, mirroring the obedience of those who walked faithfully before them.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun (Proper)
A formal royal, legal, or religious designation referring to the covenant God of Israel (YHWH). It indicates the sovereign Lord who enters into a personal, binding relationship with His people.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to the moral rectitude and obedience to the Mosaic Law. In the historical books, doing what is 'right in the eyes of the LORD' typically denotes a king who followed the pattern of David rather than the idolatrous patterns of Jeroboam.
This verse highlights a king who followed in his godly father's footsteps during a turbulent era. The looming power of Assyria and the spiritual decline of neighboring Israel and even Judah under later kings like Ahaz underscore the importance of Jotham's commitment to righteousness.
c. 791-739 BC
Reign of Uzziah
King Uzziah, also known as Azariah, ruled Judah for 52 years. He was a strong and successful king who expanded Judah's territory and fortified its cities. He also enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity.
c. 770 BC
Assyrian Empire's Rise
The Neo-Assyrian Empire began its ascent to power, posing a growing threat to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This period saw increasing Assyrian military campaigns in the region.
753 BC
First Assyrian Records of Israel
The Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III began his reign, marked by significant military reforms and expansionist policies. His campaigns would soon directly impact Israel and Judah.
c. 739 BC
Death of Uzziah and Accession of Jotham
King Uzziah died, and his son Jotham succeeded him as king of Judah. Jotham continued his father's good reign for a time.
This verse also highlights a king's faithfulness by referencing his ancestor Hezekiah doing 'what was right in the eyes of the LORD,' reinforcing the standard of godly leadership.
2 Chronicles 26:4This parallel account emphasizes Uzziah's own commitment to righteousness, providing the context for the kind of righteous example his son, Jotham, followed.
Deuteronomy 12:32This foundational passage sets the standard for obedience, stating that Israel should not add to or subtract from God's commands, thus underscoring the 'right in the eyes of the LORD' standard Jotham upheld.
Proverbs 22:6This proverb speaks to the importance of upbringing and training in righteousness, suggesting that Jotham's adherence to God's ways was likely influenced by his father Uzziah's godly example.
While it's good that King Jotham "did what was right," the verse subtly highlights that his righteousness is measured only by comparison to his father's actions. This could mean he was following a good path, or simply that his dad set a relatively low bar, and we don't get the full picture of Jotham's own heart for God.
This verse appears at the end of the reign of King Jotham, son of Uzziah, in Judah. Jotham followed in his father's footsteps, doing what was pleasing to God, a stark contrast to the neighboring Northern Kingdom of Israel which was spiraling into idolatry and exile. His righteous reign, however, was a brief respite before the impending judgment that would eventually befall Judah.
This verse appears at the end of the reign of King Jotham, son of Uzziah, in Judah. Jotham followed in his father's footsteps, doing what was pleasing to God, a stark contrast to the neighboring Northern Kingdom of Israel which was spiraling into idolatry and exile. His righteous reign, however, was a brief respite before the impending judgment that would eventually befall Judah.
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c. 739-735 BC
Reign of Jotham
Jotham ruled Judah, largely following in his father Uzziah's footsteps. He strengthened fortifications and continued to serve the LORD.
c. 735-732 BC
Reign of Ahaz
Jotham's son, Ahaz, became king. Unlike his father and grandfather, Ahaz turned to idolatry and led Judah into religious and political decline, even making alliances with Assyria.
c. 734 BC— this verse
Syro-Ephraimite War
The kings of Aram (Syria) and Israel formed an alliance to attack Judah, likely seeking to force Judah to join them against Assyria or to depose Ahaz. Ahaz, against prophetic counsel, appealed to Assyria for help, leading to increased Assyrian influence.
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done." — While it's good that King Jotham "did what was right," the verse subtly highlights that his righteousness is measured only by comparison to his father's actions. This could mean he was following a…
