2 Chronicles 25:2

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly.

Study Bible

And he did what was right
This phrase indicates a conformity to the standards set by God. The Hebrew root for "right" is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), which means straight or upright. In the context of the kings of Judah, doing what was right often referred to adherence to the Law of Moses and the worship of Yahweh. Historically, this phrase is used to evaluate the moral and spiritual actions of a king, suggesting that Amaziah, the king in question, followed the external requirements of the law and maintained the temple rituals.

in the eyes of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes divine perspective and judgment. The Hebrew word for "eyes" is "עֵינַיִם" (einaim), which often symbolizes perception and understanding. In biblical terms, actions are often evaluated not by human standards but by how they align with God's will. This phrase underscores the importance of divine approval over human approval, reminding believers that God's perspective is the ultimate measure of righteousness.

but not wholeheartedly
The Hebrew root for "wholeheartedly" is "שָׁלֵם" (shalem), meaning complete or full. This phrase reveals a critical aspect of Amaziah's character and reign. While he performed the right actions, his heart was not fully committed to God. This half-hearted devotion is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where external compliance is not enough without internal commitment. It serves as a cautionary note for believers to examine their own faith and devotion, ensuring that their actions are matched by a sincere and complete dedication to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amaziah
The king of Judah who reigned after his father Joash. He is the central figure in this verse, noted for his partial obedience to God.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Amaziah ruled. It was a place of both spiritual highs and lows throughout its history.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, whose standards and expectations are central to the account of the kings of Judah and Israel.

Teaching Points

Wholehearted Devotion
God desires complete devotion, not partial obedience. Amaziah's example shows that doing what is right is not enough if it is not done with a full heart.

The Danger of Half-heartedness
Half-heartedness can lead to instability and eventual downfall, as seen in Amaziah's later life. We must guard against divided loyalties in our spiritual walk.

Consistency in Faith
Our actions should consistently reflect our faith. Like Amaziah, we may start well but must strive to finish well by maintaining our commitment to God.

The Importance of Intentions
God sees beyond our actions to our intentions. We should examine our motives to ensure they align with God's will.

Learning from History
The accounts of the kings of Judah and Israel serve as lessons for us. We should learn from their successes and failures to guide our own spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to do what is right in the eyes of the LORD, and how can we ensure our actions align with His standards?

2. How can we guard against the temptation of half-heartedness in our relationship with God?

3. In what ways can we apply the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind in our daily lives?

4. How does the example of Amaziah challenge us to examine our own motives and intentions in serving God?

5. What lessons can we learn from the history of the kings of Judah that can help us in our spiritual journey today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:14
This verse discusses another king, Asa, who also did what was right in the eyes of the LORD but did not remove the high places. This highlights a pattern of incomplete obedience among the kings.

Matthew 22:37
Jesus commands to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, contrasting with Amaziah's lack of wholeheartedness.

James 1:8
Speaks of a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, which can be related to Amaziah's divided heart.