2 Chronicles 26:4 – “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done.”
Explanation of the Verse
This verse tells us that King Uzziah started his reign on the right path. Like his father Amaziah before him, Uzziah did what was right in the sight of God, which means that he followed God’s commandments and sought to rule in a way that honored the Lord. Early in his reign, Uzziah demonstrated a commitment to living according to God’s standards. However, this statement also hints at potential problems, as Amaziah, Uzziah’s father, began well but eventually fell into disobedience, foreshadowing a similar pattern in Uzziah’s life.
Historical Context
Uzziah’s reign occurred during a period when the kingdom of Judah was often caught between faithfulness to God and lapses into idolatry and disobedience. His father, Amaziah, initially followed God but later turned away, which ultimately led to his downfall. Uzziah, at least in the beginning, followed in the good ways of his father, trying to steer Judah towards obedience and worship of the true God. This faithfulness brought prosperity to the kingdom. However, just like many kings before him, Uzziah would also face the temptation of pride and turn away from God’s commands later in his life.
Theological Implications
The theological significance of this verse lies in the idea of obedience to God. Uzziah’s success early in his reign can be attributed to his desire to do what was right in God’s eyes. This demonstrates an important biblical principle: obedience to God brings blessing. It also highlights a recurring theme throughout the Bible—many leaders and individuals begin their journey with God faithfully, but the challenge is to remain steadfast. Uzziah’s life teaches us that doing what is right in God’s sight should not only mark the beginning of our walk with Him but should continue throughout our lives.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” is a common formula used throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to assess the faithfulness of a king. This simple yet profound phrase shows that God is not just concerned with external success but with moral and spiritual integrity. The comparison to his father, Amaziah, is significant because while Amaziah started well, he eventually faltered. This foreshadows Uzziah’s own reign, where his early obedience eventually gives way to pride and failure. The verse sets the tone for the story of Uzziah—his reign begins in obedience, but the reader is left anticipating whether he will maintain this faithfulness.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 3:14 – “So if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” This verse emphasizes the blessing of walking in obedience, as Uzziah did in his early reign.
- Deuteronomy 28:1 – “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” This passage reinforces the idea that blessing follows obedience to God’s commands, a theme reflected in Uzziah’s early reign.
- 2 Kings 14:3 – “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash.” Amaziah’s reign is also described as beginning well, but this verse hints that, like his father, Uzziah’s reign may not end as it began.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse encourages us to focus on obedience to God. Uzziah’s early reign is a reminder that doing what is right in God’s eyes is the foundation for a life that pleases Him. It also serves as a cautionary note—starting well in our walk with God is important, but finishing well is just as crucial. Modern believers are reminded that faithfulness is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment. We should seek to do what is right in God’s sight, not just at the beginning of our Christian journey but consistently throughout our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His desire for His people to live in obedience to Him. When Uzziah did what was right in God’s eyes, it led to blessing and prosperity for the nation of Judah. This shows that God’s commands are not burdensome but are meant for our good. His love is seen in His willingness to bless those who follow His ways. However, God’s love is also shown in His discipline when we stray, as Uzziah would later experience. Just as a loving parent corrects a child for their good, God corrects us to bring us back into alignment with His will.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Uzziah’s early reign foreshadows the need for a leader who would perfectly do what is right in God’s eyes. While Uzziah started well, he ultimately failed to maintain his faithfulness, pointing to the human inability to perfectly follow God’s commands. In contrast, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father throughout His life. He did everything that was right in God’s eyes (John 5:19), living a life of complete obedience, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Jesus is the true and better King, whose obedience secures our salvation and sets the example for how we are to live.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can we ensure that we are doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord, not just at the start of our journey but throughout our lives?
- What lessons can we learn from the way Uzziah began his reign compared to how it ended?
- How does Uzziah’s story serve as both an encouragement and a warning for Christians today?
- In what ways does Jesus exemplify perfect obedience to God, and how can we follow His example in our daily lives?
- Are there areas in your life where you have started well but need to refocus on following God’s commands? How can you renew your commitment to doing what is right in His eyes?