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)
What’s easy to miss here is that "doing what was right" is measured by comparison to his father Uzziah, not by some absolute divine standard. This highlights how easily we can fall into a pattern of simply following the previous generation's spiritual track record, even if that track record wasn't as perfect as it seems. It’s a subtle reminder that personal, active obedience to God is always the goal, not just matching the previous generation.
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)
After the reign of his idolatrous father Amaziah, King Jotham, a righteous ruler, follows the good example set by his grandfather, King Uzziah. This verse marks a brief moment of hope and faithfulness in Judah's history, contrasting sharply with the surrounding spiritual decline and paving the way for the even more faithful reign of Jotham's son, Hezekiah.
It sounds like a simple commendation, doesn't it? 'He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.' But what does that really mean in the context of Israel's kings?
God's Measure of Success
When the Bible says a king did 'what was right in the eyes of the LORD,' it's not just a feel-good statement. It's a specific theological evaluation. It means they aligned their rule with God's covenant commands and sought to honor Him.
This wasn't about personal popularity or political savvy. It was about obedience to the Law God gave to Moses and faithfulness to the covenant relationship Israel had with Him. It meant leading the people spiritually, not just politically or militarily.
The verse points to a father's example, but is simply repeating Dad's good deeds enough to guarantee our own standing with God?
Inherited Actions, Personal Responsibility
King Jotham's commendation is linked to his father Uzziah's positive example. Uzziah was a generally good king who did much right. However, the passage doesn't say Jotham only followed Uzziah's good steps.
It implies that Jotham continued in that vein of righteousness. The danger, however, is that obedience can become a rote imitation rather than a heartfelt devotion. While following godly examples is wise, true righteousness is always a personal, present-tense choice to follow the Lord.
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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.
Jotham's reign is described by his adherence to his father Uzziah's righteous example, highlighting the importance of godly heritage and faithful succession, especially during a period of regional instability and the growing threat of Assyria.
c. 796–767 BC
Reign of Uzziah
King Uzziah (also called Azariah) had a long and prosperous reign over Judah, marked by military victories and economic strength. He was a righteous king who sought God.
c. 770 BC
The Great Earthquake
A massive earthquake struck Judah during the reign of Uzziah. This event is mentioned in Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5 and likely had a profound impact.
c. 767–740 BC— this verse
Reign of Jotham
Jotham, son of Uzziah, ruled as king of Judah. He followed in his father's footsteps, doing what was right in the Lord's eyes. He completed many building projects.
c. 753 BC
Assyrian Expansion
The Neo-Assyrian Empire began its major expansionist phase, which would significantly impact the region in the following decades.
740 BC
Fall of Damascus
The Aramean kingdom of Damascus, a rival to Judah, fell to Assyrian forces. This event altered the geopolitical landscape for Judah.
This verse highlights the same standard of righteousness applied to Hezekiah's father, Uzziah, establishing a pattern of godly leadership passed down through generations.
2 Chronicles 26:4This passage echoes the same praise for Uzziah, emphasizing his commitment to doing what was right in the LORD's eyes, reinforcing the benchmark for his son Jotham.
Jeremiah 17:7-8These verses paint a picture of the blessedness of a life focused on God, illustrating the positive outcomes of 'doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD' that Jotham exemplified.
Psalm 1:1-2This psalm describes the joy and prosperity of the one who walks in God's ways, providing a beautiful poetic reflection of the kind of life Jotham lived by following his father's godly example.
What’s easy to miss here is that "doing what was right" is measured by comparison to his father Uzziah, not by some absolute divine standard. This highlights how easily we can fall into a pattern of simply following the previous generation's spiritual track record, even if that track record wasn't as perfect as it seems. It’s a subtle reminder that personal, active obedience to God is always the goal, not just matching the previous generation.
After the reign of his idolatrous father Amaziah, King Jotham, a righteous ruler, follows the good example set by his grandfather, King Uzziah. This verse marks a brief moment of hope and faithfulness in Judah's history, contrasting sharply with the surrounding spiritual decline and paving the way for the even more faithful reign of Jotham's son, Hezekiah.
After the reign of his idolatrous father Amaziah, King Jotham, a righteous ruler, follows the good example set by his grandfather, King Uzziah. This verse marks a brief moment of hope and faithfulness in Judah's history, contrasting sharply with the surrounding spiritual decline and paving the way for the even more faithful reign of Jotham's son, Hezekiah.
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done." — What’s easy to miss here is that "doing what was right" is measured by comparison to his father Uzziah, not by some absolute divine standard. This highlights how easily we can fall into a pattern o…
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Last reviewed October 2026