2 Kings 18:3-4
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Hezekiah's "rightness" isn't just about his personal goodness, but about his commitment to following David's example. This highlights that true faithfulness often means more than just individual obedience; it involves faithfully restoring and upholding the spiritual legacy left by godly predecessors.
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Hezekiah, a new king in Judah, faces a nation deeply entangled in idolatry, a spiritual corruption that has plagued generations. This verse marks the beginning of his reign, highlighting his commitment to reform and to follow in the faithful footsteps of King David, setting the stage for his ambitious efforts to rid Judah of false worship and re-establish true devotion to God.
We often hear about King David as the ultimate godly king. But what did it actually mean to follow in his footsteps, especially for a later king like Hezekiah?
A Legacy of Faith
The Bible presents King David as a high standard for subsequent rulers. When it says Hezekiah did "right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done," it's not just a casual compliment. It signifies that Hezekiah embraced David's core commitment to God's covenant and law.
What This Means:
Being a king meant immense power and influence. How did this verse show that even with such authority, the ultimate judge was God?
God's Perspective Matters Most
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This verse is a powerful reminder that leadership, wealth, and power don't change the ultimate standard of judgment: "what was right in the eyes of the LORD." Hezekiah wasn't evaluated by his people's opinion, nor by his military victories, but by his heart's devotion to God.
Key Points:
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.
bamah · Hebrew Noun
A place of worship, often situated on hills or raised platforms, frequently associated with idolatry or syncretistic worship. While sometimes used for Yahweh worship, they were strictly forbidden by Mosaic law, which centralized worship at the chosen site of the Tabernacle/Temple.
matstsebah · Hebrew Noun
Large upright stones or monuments used in ancient Near Eastern religions, often as objects of cultic veneration or markers in pagan sanctuaries, frequently associated with Baal worship.
Asherah · Hebrew Noun
Refers either to the Canaanite goddess of fertility or the wooden cultic object symbolizing her. Its presence in Israel represented a direct violation of the commandment against idolatry and the worship of other gods.
nechash hannechosheth · Hebrew Noun
A snake-like figure fashioned by Moses in the wilderness for the healing of the Israelites. It became an object of historical significance but was later misused as an object of idolatrous worship, necessitating its destruction to maintain the purity of Yahweh-worship.
qatar · Hebrew Verb
A term for religious sacrifices or incense offered to a deity. In this context, it highlights the improper transfer of religious devotion and ritual act toward an object rather than the Creator.
Hezekiah's faithfulness is highlighted against the backdrop of a collapsing Northern Kingdom and the overwhelming might of Assyria. His reforms and adherence to God's commands were not just personal choices but critical acts of defiance and hope in a precarious political climate.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Hezekiah's Accession
Hezekiah becomes king of Judah in Jerusalem, succeeding his father Ahaz. His reign begins amidst significant political and religious turmoil.
c. 734 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in Philistia
Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III campaigns in the region, forcing many Philistine cities, including significant Levantine trade hubs, into submission.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire under King Sargon II, leading to the exile of its people. This event looms large over Judah.
c. 715 BC
Hezekiah's Religious Reforms
Hezekiah initiates sweeping reforms, removing idolatrous shrines, purging pagan practices, and centralizing worship in Jerusalem. This solidifies his 'doing what was right'.
c. 705 BC
Death of Sargon II
Sargon II dies in battle, and his successor Sennacherib takes the throne, inheriting a vast empire and facing revolts in its western territories.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Campaign
Assyrian King Sennacherib invades Judah, capturing many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. Hezekiah's faith is severely tested during this invasion.
This verse describes Asa, another king of Judah, who also 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD' and followed in David's footsteps, highlighting a pattern of righteous kingship in Judah.
2 Chronicles 29:2This passage speaks of King Hezekiah's father, Ahaz, who did not do what was right in the LORD's eyes. It provides a stark contrast, emphasizing the significance of Hezekiah's decision to follow the LORD.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7This foundational command calls for loving the LORD your God with all your heart and teaching His commands diligently to your children. Hezekiah's actions reflect a commitment to these core principles, showing his devotion.
1 Samuel 13:13-14When Samuel confronts Saul about his disobedience, he states that the LORD would have established his kingdom over Israel forever, but now He seeks a man after His own heart. Hezekiah's alignment with David's heart demonstrates this ideal.
Hezekiah's "rightness" isn't just about his personal goodness, but about his commitment to following David's example. This highlights that true faithfulness often means more than just individual obedience; it involves faithfully restoring and upholding the spiritual legacy left by godly predecessors.
Hezekiah, a new king in Judah, faces a nation deeply entangled in idolatry, a spiritual corruption that has plagued generations. This verse marks the beginning of his reign, highlighting his commitment to reform and to follow in the faithful footsteps of King David, setting the stage for his ambitious efforts to rid Judah of false worship and re-establish true devotion to God.
Hezekiah, a new king in Judah, faces a nation deeply entangled in idolatry, a spiritual corruption that has plagued generations. This verse marks the beginning of his reign, highlighting his commitment to reform and to follow in the faithful footsteps of King David, setting the stage for his ambitious efforts to rid Judah of false worship and re-establish true devotion to God.
"And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, f…" — Hezekiah's "rightness" isn't just about his personal goodness, but about his commitment to following David's example. This highlights that true faithfulness often means more than just individual ob…
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Last reviewed October 2026
