2 Kings Chapter 14 · Verse 3
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָֽׂה׃
And he did
H6213
עָשָֽׂה׃
And he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַיָּשָׁר֙
that which was right
H3477
הַיָּשָׁר֙
that which was right
Strong's:
H3477
Word #:
2 of 14
straight (literally or figuratively)
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 14
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רַ֕ק
yet
H7535
רַ֕ק
yet
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לֹ֖א
H3808
לֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבִ֖יו
his father
H1
אָבִ֖יו
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
8 of 14
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כְּכֹ֧ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֧ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָֽׂה׃
And he did
H6213
עָשָֽׂה׃
And he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יוֹאָ֥שׁ
according to all things as Joash
H3101
יוֹאָ֥שׁ
according to all things as Joash
Strong's:
H3101
Word #:
12 of 14
joash, the name of six israelites
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 14 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Amaziah of Judah and Jeroboam II) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 14 regarding pride leads to downfall; god's mercy continues?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 14: Pride leads to downfall; God's mercy continues. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.