And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hezekiah wasn't just trying to be good; he was actively measuring himself against the standard set by King David. This highlights how crucial it is to have solid, God-honoring examples and to consciously strive to emulate them, rather than just aiming for a vague sense of "rightness."
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, has just ascended to the throne following his father Ahaz's deeply idolatrous reign. The previous chapter details the devastating Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib, a consequence of Ahaz's unfaithfulness. This verse immediately sets Hezekiah apart, highlighting his commitment to following God's ways as a stark contrast to his predecessor and a hopeful sign for the nation's future.
What does it truly mean to do 'what is right in the eyes of the LORD'? This verse points to a specific model for righteous living.
King Hezekiah's reign is marked by a profound commitment to God. The text doesn't just say he was 'good'; it says he did 'what was right in the eyes of the LORD.' This phrase signifies obedience to God's revealed will and laws. It's a standard set by God Himself, not by popular opinion or human tradition.
His actions are then measured against a specific example: 'according to all that David his father had done.' David, despite his own significant flaws, is often held up as a king who passionately sought God and established righteous practices. This comparison highlights that Hezekiah wasn't just following a vague notion of good, but actively emulating a biblically-defined standard of faithfulness, particularly in worship and justice.
Why compare Hezekiah to David? This connection reveals something crucial about spiritual inheritance and influence.
The reference to David isn't just about a historical link; it's about a spiritual legacy. David, despite his failings, is the archetype of a king who fundamentally honored God. When Hezekiah is measured against him, it implies he followed David's spirit of devotion – his commitment to pure worship, his reliance on God in difficult times, and his efforts to reform the nation's spiritual life.
This shows that godly actions are not isolated events. They build upon and echo the faithfulness of those who came before. Hezekiah's reign is presented as a positive echo of David's best qualities, demonstrating how spiritual leadership can intentionally replicate and pass on a heritage of obedience to God.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant-making God of Israel. It represents His self-existence, faithfulness, and His commitment to His people, revealed formally to Moses.
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
A term describing one who acts in accordance with God's law and moral requirements. In a royal context, it signifies a ruler who aligns his governance with the revealed will and covenant of God.
This verse highlights Hezekiah's foundational commitment to God amidst a perilous geopolitical landscape, demonstrating that true leadership means aligning with divine will, even when surrounded by political instability and the threat of powerful empires.
c. 740 BC
Hezekiah becomes King of Judah
Hezekiah ascends to the throne of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, likely as a young man, during a tumultuous period in the region.
c. 734 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria ally against Judah. Hezekiah's father, Ahaz, foolishly appeals to Assyria for help, leading to increased Assyrian influence.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Sargon II, leading to the exile of the northern tribes. Judah is now the sole remaining Israelite kingdom.
c. 715 BC— this verse
Hezekiah begins religious reforms
Hezekiah initiates widespread religious reforms, removing pagan high places and idols, and centralizing worship back at the Jerusalem Temple. This verse marks the beginning of his reign and faithfulness.
c. 705 BC
Death of Assyrian King Sargon II
Sargon II dies, creating a brief period of instability in the Assyrian Empire. Hezekiah uses this opportunity to break free from Assyrian domination.
701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib, Sargon II's successor, invades Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. Hezekiah's reforms and faith are put to the ultimate test.
This passage describes King Asa, another king who 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,' highlighting a pattern of godly leadership in Judah.
2 Chronicles 29:2This verse describes King Hezekiah's son, Manasseh, who did NOT do what was right, contrasting sharply with Hezekiah's reign and emphasizing the rarity of true righteousness in kings.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7This foundational command directs Israelites to love God completely and to teach His commands diligently, setting the standard for 'doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD' that kings like Hezekiah followed.
1 Kings 11:38This verse outlines the conditional promise God made to Solomon: if he walked in God's ways, He would build him a lasting dynasty, providing the theological backdrop for why Hezekiah's obedience was so significant.
Hezekiah wasn't just trying to be good; he was actively measuring himself against the standard set by King David. This highlights how crucial it is to have solid, God-honoring examples and to consciously strive to emulate them, rather than just aiming for a vague sense of "rightness."
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, has just ascended to the throne following his father Ahaz's deeply idolatrous reign. The previous chapter details the devastating Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib, a consequence of Ahaz's unfaithfulness. This verse immediately sets Hezekiah apart, highlighting his commitment to following God's ways as a stark contrast to his predecessor and a hopeful sign for the nation's future.
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, has just ascended to the throne following his father Ahaz's deeply idolatrous reign. The previous chapter details the devastating Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib, a consequence of Ahaz's unfaithfulness. This verse immediately sets Hezekiah apart, highlighting his commitment to following God's ways as a stark contrast to his predecessor and a hopeful sign for the nation's future.
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done." — Hezekiah wasn't just trying to be good; he was actively measuring himself against the standard set by King David. This highlights how crucial it is to have solid, God-honoring examples and to consc…
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Last reviewed October 2026