1 Kings 15:34

KJV

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he did {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and walked {H3212} in the way {H1870} of Jeroboam {H3379}, and in his sin {H2403} wherewith he made Israel {H3478} to sin {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He did what was wrong from ADONAI's perspective, following the example of Yarov'am and committing the sin through which he had made Isra'el sin.

Berean Standard Bible

And Baasha did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit.

American Standard Version

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 15:34 delivers a stark summary judgment on the reign of King Baasha of Israel, condemning him for perpetuating the spiritual apostasy initiated by Jeroboam I. Despite being God's instrument to execute judgment on Jeroboam's house, Baasha himself failed to turn the nation from idolatry, instead embracing the very sins that led to his predecessor's downfall. This verse underscores the enduring nature of corporate sin, the severe accountability of leadership, and God's unwavering disapproval of any deviation from His covenantal commands, particularly the worship of false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding summary statement for Baasha's reign, a common literary device in the Books of Kings used to evaluate each monarch's fidelity to the LORD. It follows the account of Baasha's rise to power, where he assassinated Nadab, Jeroboam's son, and wiped out Jeroboam's entire household, thus fulfilling the prophecy delivered by Ahijah the Shilonite in [1 Kings 14:10-11](/1_kings/14-10 "1 Kings 14:10-11 - Prophecy against Jeroboam's House"). Immediately preceding this verse, [1 Kings 15:33](/1_kings/15-33 "1 Kings 15:33 - Baasha's Reign Length") states that Baasha reigned for twenty-four years in Tirzah. The subsequent chapter, [1 Kings 16](/1_kings/16 "1 Kings 16 - Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab"), opens with a divine judgment against Baasha himself, delivered by the prophet Jehu, for his failure to deviate from Jeroboam's sinful path, foreshadowing the demise of Baasha's own dynasty. The repetition of the "way of Jeroboam" motif throughout the narratives of the Northern Kingdom's kings highlights the persistent spiritual problem that plagued Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Baasha reigned over the Northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 909-886 BC), a kingdom established after the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's death. Jeroboam I, the first king of Israel, had established golden calves in Dan and Bethel ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")) as alternative worship centers to Jerusalem, primarily to prevent his people from returning to the Davidic dynasty in Judah for worship. This act, driven by political expediency, became the foundational sin of the Northern Kingdom, leading to widespread idolatry and syncretism. Culturally, this represented a profound departure from the Mosaic covenant, which strictly forbade idolatry and commanded worship solely at the central sanctuary. Baasha, despite witnessing the divine judgment on Jeroboam's house for this very sin, chose to perpetuate it, indicating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and a lack of true repentance or reform within the nation's leadership.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Book of Kings") that this verse contributes to include the **sovereignty of God** over human rulers and historical events, as seen in Baasha's role in fulfilling prophecy. It also powerfully illustrates the **corrupting influence of idolatry** and the **perpetuation of sin** across generations, where the "way of Jeroboam" becomes a recurring indictment. The verse highlights the critical theme of **leadership accountability**, emphasizing that kings were judged not only on their personal piety but also on their responsibility for the spiritual direction of the nation. The consistent divine assessment of kings' actions as "doing evil in the sight of the LORD" underscores God's unwavering moral standards and His demand for exclusive worship, as outlined in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). Finally, the verse foreshadows the **inevitable consequences of persistent disobedience**, setting the stage for the eventual downfall and exile of the Northern Kingdom due to its unrepentant idolatry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** This term, frequently used in the Old Testament, describes actions or conditions that are morally bad, wicked, or displeasing in God's eyes. When applied to kings, it signifies a failure to uphold covenant obligations, especially regarding exclusive worship of the LORD and adherence to His laws. It denotes a fundamental spiritual and ethical corruption, not merely a minor transgression but a deep-seated rebellion against divine standards.
* **Walked (Hebrew, _halak'_):** Often translated "walked," this verb in Hebrew idiomatically refers to one's manner of life, conduct, or habitual practice. To "walk in the way of Jeroboam" means to consistently follow and adopt Jeroboam's pattern of behavior, particularly his religious policies and idolatrous practices. It implies a deliberate and sustained commitment to a particular path, in this case, one of spiritual deviation.
* **Made... to sin (Hebrew, _heḥeṭi'_):** This is the Hiphil (causative) stem of the verb _ḥaṭa'_ ("to sin"). It means "to cause to sin," "to lead into sin," or "to make guilty." This is a strong indictment, indicating that Jeroboam, and subsequently Baasha, were not merely engaging in personal sin but actively leading the entire nation into transgression. It highlights the profound and destructive influence of leadership in shaping the spiritual trajectory of a people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did evil in the sight of the LORD":** This is a standard theological assessment in the Books of Kings, indicating that Baasha's reign was characterized by actions and policies that were morally and spiritually offensive to God. It signifies a profound departure from the covenant relationship and God's holy standards, particularly concerning idolatry. This phrase establishes the divine perspective on his rule, overriding any human or political success he might have achieved.
* **"and walked in the way of Jeroboam":** This clause specifies the nature of Baasha's evil. The "way of Jeroboam" refers to the specific religious innovations introduced by Jeroboam I: the establishment of golden calves in Dan and Bethel as alternative worship sites to Jerusalem, along with a non-Levitical priesthood and unauthorized festivals. Baasha's adoption of this "way" signifies his allegiance to this false system of worship, perpetuating the foundational sin of the Northern Kingdom.
* **"and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin":** This final phrase emphasizes the corporate impact of Baasha's leadership. It's not just that he personally sinned, but that he actively led the entire nation into transgression, just as Jeroboam had done. This highlights the severe responsibility of those in authority, whose choices can lead an entire populace away from God and into idolatry, incurring collective guilt and divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "the way of Jeroboam," which functions as a literary shorthand throughout the Books of Kings to denote the persistent idolatry and spiritual rebellion of the Northern Kingdom. This repetition underscores the cyclical nature of sin and the failure of successive kings to break free from this destructive pattern. The use of **Formulaic Language** ("did evil in the sight of the LORD") provides a consistent divine judgment against each king, establishing a clear moral framework for evaluating their reigns. Furthermore, the **Causative Verb** in "made Israel to sin" ("heḥeṭi'") highlights the active and destructive agency of the king's leadership. This linguistic device emphasizes the profound responsibility of those in power to either lead their people toward righteousness or away from it, with dire consequences. Finally, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual downfall of the Northern Kingdom due to its unyielding adherence to the "way of Jeroboam."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Kings 15:34 powerfully illustrates the theological truth that God holds leaders accountable not only for their personal actions but also for the spiritual direction they impart to their people. Baasha's condemnation for "walking in the way of Jeroboam" and "making Israel to sin" reveals God's unwavering opposition to idolatry and any form of worship that deviates from His prescribed commands. It highlights the enduring and destructive legacy of corporate sin, where the choices of one generation can establish a pattern of disobedience that ensnares subsequent generations. This verse serves as a sober reminder that God's judgment is impartial, falling upon those who persist in rebellion, regardless of their political power or initial role in divine plans.

* [1 Kings 14:16](/1_kings/14-16 "1 Kings 14:16 - Jeroboam's Sin Causes Israel to Sin"): "For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger."
* [Deuteronomy 12:29-32](/deuteronomy/12-29 "Deuteronomy 12:29-32 - Warning Against Idolatry"): "When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it."
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - The Futility of Idolatry"): "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The condemnation of King Baasha in 1 Kings 15:34 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and leaders. It challenges us to critically examine the traditions and established norms we inherit, ensuring they align with God's truth rather than merely perpetuating past errors. The "way of Jeroboam" represents any deviation from God's explicit commands, whether through idolatry, syncretism, or prioritizing human expediency over divine revelation. This verse serves as a potent reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with leadership, whether in the church, family, community, or workplace. Those in positions of influence are called not only to personal integrity but also to actively guide those under their care toward righteousness, understanding that their choices can profoundly impact the spiritual trajectory of others. Ultimately, 1 Kings 15:34 calls each individual to personal accountability, urging us to cultivate a discerning heart that prioritizes God's will above all else, even when it means standing against prevailing cultural or religious currents. Our ultimate allegiance must be to the LORD alone, for He is the one who judges both kings and commoners.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ways" or traditions in my life or community might be inherited patterns of sin that need to be critically re-evaluated in light of God's Word?**
* **In what areas of my influence (family, work, church) am I responsible for leading others, and how can I ensure I am guiding them in "the way of the LORD" rather than "the way of Jeroboam"?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of personal accountability versus corporate sin, and what steps can I take to ensure my own walk is pleasing in the sight of the LORD?**
* **What idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for my devotion today, and how can I actively turn from them to worship God alone?**

### FAQ
**What was the "sin of Jeroboam" that Baasha perpetuated?**

Answer: The "sin of Jeroboam" refers primarily to the establishment of alternative worship centers in Dan and Bethel, where Jeroboam I set up golden calves for the people of the Northern Kingdom to worship, preventing them from going to Jerusalem to worship the LORD. This was a direct violation of the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods, No Idols")) and the command to worship exclusively at the central sanctuary in Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 12:5-14](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-14 - The Central Place of Worship")). While Jeroboam's motivation was political (to secure his kingdom by preventing his subjects from returning to the Davidic dynasty in Judah), his actions led to widespread idolatry, syncretism, and a corrupted priesthood, fundamentally undermining Israel's covenant relationship with God. Baasha, despite knowing the judgment that fell on Jeroboam's house for this very sin, continued these practices, thus perpetuating the spiritual apostasy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless cycle of sin and judgment in the Books of Kings, epitomized by Baasha's continuation of "the way of Jeroboam," powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a perfect King and a definitive solution to sin. The recurring phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" highlights the impossibility of any human king, even those used by God for specific purposes, to truly lead His people in righteousness. This narrative points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King, who alone perfectly fulfilled God's will and never "walked in the way" of sin. Unlike earthly kings who "made Israel to sin," Jesus came to "take away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and to lead His people in truth and righteousness. He is the true Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), not leading them astray into idolatry, but guiding them into eternal life. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ breaks the power of inherited sin patterns, offering forgiveness and the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower believers to "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ"))—a stark contrast to the destructive "way of Jeroboam." His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it established by political maneuvering or idolatry, but by divine power and truth, offering true freedom from the dominion of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 15:26

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.

1 Kings 14:16

And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.

1 Kings 12:28

Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

1 Kings 12:29

And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.

Isaiah 1:4

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

1 Kings 13:33

After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places.

1 Kings 13:34

And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut [it] off, and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth.