but not wholeheartedly
This part of the verse reveals a significant shortcoming in Amaziah's devotion. While he performed actions that were outwardly correct, his heart was not fully committed to God. This lack of wholeheartedness is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God desires not just external compliance but internal devotion and sincerity, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God with all one's heart. Amaziah's incomplete devotion is further illustrated in 2 Chronicles 25:14, where he turns to idolatry after a military victory. This half-heartedness serves as a warning and a lesson about the importance of complete dedication to God, a theme echoed in the New Testament, such as in Revelation 3:16, where lukewarm faith is rebuked.

2 Chronicles 25:2 opens with a simple report: “And he did….”

• The “he” is Amaziah, newly crowned king of Judah (see 2 Chronicles 25:1).

• Scripture records the deeds of kings because actions reveal the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 7:17-20).

• Amaziah’s reign followed generations marked by both faithfulness and compromise; his choices would steer the nation one way or another, echoing examples like Asa who “did what was good and right in the sight of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 14:2) and Joash who began well but drifted (2 Chronicles 24:2, 17-18).

“…what was right…” points to objective standards set by God, not shifting human opinion.

• Scripture repeatedly measures kings by this yardstick: David (1 Kings 15:5), Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:3), Josiah (2 Kings 22:2).

• “Right” embraces moral obedience, justice, and worship free of idolatry (Micah 6:8; Isaiah 1:17).

• Outward conformity matters; public righteousness influences an entire nation (Proverbs 14:34). Yet outward obedience alone is never the full story.

The standard is divine evaluation: “…in the eyes of the LORD….”

• God sees motives as well as deeds (1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 15:3).

• Actions pleasing to people may still fall short before Him (Luke 16:15).

• This phrase reminds us that even kings serve under a higher throne; ultimate accountability rests with the LORD (Romans 14:12).

Here lies the tension: “…but not wholeheartedly.”

• Amaziah obeyed, yet mixture diluted his devotion. After military victory he brought home Edomite idols and bowed to them (2 Chronicles 25:14-15).

• Half-heartedness is dangerous:

– It invites divine displeasure (Psalm 119:2 vs. 2 Chronicles 25:15).

– It breeds instability (James 1:8).

– It hinders blessing; contrast Caleb who “followed the LORD fully” (Numbers 14:24) and received his inheritance.

• God seeks undivided hearts: Deuteronomy 6:5 commands love “with all your heart,” and Revelation 3:15-16 warns the lukewarm church.

• Amaziah’s life illustrates how partial obedience eventually unravels—he trusted God to defeat Edom, then trusted idols afterward, and finally provoked his own downfall (2 Chronicles 25:27).

Amaziah performed righteous acts, yet his divided heart limited the lasting fruit of his reign. 2 Chronicles 25:2 challenges every believer to move beyond outward conformity to wholehearted devotion, remembering that the LORD, who sees all, delights in obedience that springs from an undivided love for Him.