He exemplified devotion by eliminating idolatry and reestablishing temple service.
When Scripture describes King Hezekiah’s life at the time it says, “Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God.” (2 Chronicles 31:20). This statement emphasizes Hezekiah’s remarkable faithfulness to the LORD, despite the difficult historical and spiritual surroundings he inherited from previous rulers. Historically, Hezekiah ruled as King of Judah from about 715-686 BC, taking the throne after a period of severe spiritual decline, including the northern kingdom’s recent exile under the Assyrian Empire. Hezekiah sought to restore proper worship in Judah. His efforts included destroying idols, reinstating temple worship, and encouraging the people to contribute generously to the priests and Levites. He also fortified Jerusalem in case of an Assyrian siege, digging a tunnel to provide water inside the city walls.
When the verse declares “…he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God,” (v.20), it implies that Hezekiah’s projects were carried out with a heart devoted to honoring God’s covenant. He removed idolatry, promoted sincere worship, and led his people to obedience. Judah, or the “southern kingdom,” is located in the region south of Israel’s historical tribal lands. Its capital city was Jerusalem, which Hezekiah protected from Assyria’s threats—an empire then dominating much of the Near East. His faithfulness contrasted sharply with other kings who often introduced or tolerated pagan worship in Judah. Scripture later remembers Hezekiah’s reign for this thorough commitment to the LORD, paralleling how, in the New Testament, Jesus likewise calls people to sincere worship, rooted in truth and humility (John 4:24).
Seeing Hezekiah honored for being righteous highlights God’s desire for leaders who trust Him even in threatening times. Rather than seeking purely worldly alliances, Hezekiah sought the LORD’s protection and spiritual reforms. In this way, he serves as an Old Testament example of following the “narrow way” of obedience and humility, just as Jesus would later teach His followers (Matthew 7:13-14).
Hezekiah’s actions reinstated the heart of worship in Judah.
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2 Chronicles 31:20 meaning
When Scripture describes King Hezekiah’s life at the time it says, “Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God.” (2 Chronicles 31:20). This statement emphasizes Hezekiah’s remarkable faithfulness to the LORD, despite the difficult historical and spiritual surroundings he inherited from previous rulers. Historically, Hezekiah ruled as King of Judah from about 715-686 BC, taking the throne after a period of severe spiritual decline, including the northern kingdom’s recent exile under the Assyrian Empire. Hezekiah sought to restore proper worship in Judah. His efforts included destroying idols, reinstating temple worship, and encouraging the people to contribute generously to the priests and Levites. He also fortified Jerusalem in case of an Assyrian siege, digging a tunnel to provide water inside the city walls.
When the verse declares “…he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God,” (v.20), it implies that Hezekiah’s projects were carried out with a heart devoted to honoring God’s covenant. He removed idolatry, promoted sincere worship, and led his people to obedience. Judah, or the “southern kingdom,” is located in the region south of Israel’s historical tribal lands. Its capital city was Jerusalem, which Hezekiah protected from Assyria’s threats—an empire then dominating much of the Near East. His faithfulness contrasted sharply with other kings who often introduced or tolerated pagan worship in Judah. Scripture later remembers Hezekiah’s reign for this thorough commitment to the LORD, paralleling how, in the New Testament, Jesus likewise calls people to sincere worship, rooted in truth and humility (John 4:24).
Seeing Hezekiah honored for being righteous highlights God’s desire for leaders who trust Him even in threatening times. Rather than seeking purely worldly alliances, Hezekiah sought the LORD’s protection and spiritual reforms. In this way, he serves as an Old Testament example of following the “narrow way” of obedience and humility, just as Jesus would later teach His followers (Matthew 7:13-14).
Hezekiah’s actions reinstated the heart of worship in Judah.