1 Kings 16:19

For his sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin.

For his sins {H2403} which he sinned {H2398} in doing {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, in walking {H3212} in the way {H1870} of Jeroboam {H3379}, and in his sin {H2403} which he did {H6213}, to make Israel {H3478} to sin {H2398}.

This came about because of the sins he committed in doing what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, in living as Yarov'am had lived, and in sinning by making Isra'el sin.

because of the sins he had committed, doing evil in the sight of the LORD and following the example of Jeroboam and the sin he had committed and had caused Israel to commit.

for his sins which he sinned in doing that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin which he did, to make Israel to sin.

Commentary

1 Kings 16:19 describes the divine judgment pronounced against Zimri, who reigned as king of Israel for only seven days. This verse concisely summarizes the reasons for his swift downfall and death, highlighting his moral and spiritual failings in the eyes of God.

Context

This verse falls within a tumultuous period of Israel's history, specifically the Northern Kingdom (Israel) after the kingdom split following Solomon's reign. The narrative in 1 Kings 15 and 16 details a rapid succession of kings, often marked by violence, treachery, and a consistent pattern of idolatry. Zimri came to power by assassinating his predecessor, King Elah, fulfilling a prophecy against the house of Baasha (Elah's father). Despite his short reign, Zimri's actions were immediately condemned, reflecting God's unwavering standard for leadership and national righteousness. His brief time on the throne and violent end serve as a stark warning about the consequences of rebellion against God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse clearly states that Zimri's demise was a direct consequence of "his sins which he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the LORD." This emphasizes God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His righteous judgment against wickedness.
  • The Sin of Jeroboam: A recurring indictment against the kings of the Northern Kingdom was their adherence to "the way of Jeroboam." This refers to the idolatrous worship practices initiated by King Jeroboam I, who set up golden calves in Dan and Bethel as alternative worship sites to Jerusalem. This act was a fundamental rebellion against the true worship of Yahweh and became the defining sin of the Northern Kingdom, leading many astray.
  • Leadership's Corrupting Influence: Zimri's sin was not only personal but also had a national impact, as he "did, to make Israel to sin." This highlights the profound responsibility of leaders, whose actions and policies can either guide a nation toward righteousness or lead it into spiritual rebellion and moral decay. The pattern of kings making Israel sin is a tragic theme throughout the books of Kings, ultimately contributing to the nation's downfall (see 2 Kings 17:22).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "doing evil in the sight of the LORD" is a standard theological and moral assessment used repeatedly in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It signifies that actions are judged not merely by human standards or political expediency, but by God's absolute moral law and His divine perspective. The Hebrew phrase often implies a deliberate and defiant rebellion against God's commands. The repeated emphasis on "his sins" reinforces the personal accountability of Zimri for his choices, even within a corrupt system.

Practical Application

1 Kings 16:19 offers timeless lessons relevant for today:

  • Accountability for Actions: Regardless of one's position or the length of their influence, all individuals are accountable to God for their choices and actions. Sin, especially deliberate rebellion against God's will, carries consequences.
  • The Danger of Leading Others Astray: Those in positions of influence—whether political, spiritual, familial, or social—bear a heavy responsibility. Their choices can have far-reaching effects, potentially leading others into sin or away from God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to consider the ripple effect of our decisions.
  • Learning from History: The consistent pattern of sin and judgment in the book of Kings demonstrates the unchanging nature of God's character and His opposition to evil. Understanding these historical accounts can help us avoid repeating past mistakes and encourage us to pursue righteousness and obedience to God.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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 15:34

    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.

  • 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 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 16:7

    And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

  • Psalms 58:9

    Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in [his] wrath.

  • Psalms 58:11

    So that a man shall say, Verily [there is] a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
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