2 Kings 13:2

KJV

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and followed {H3212}{H310} the sins {H2403} of Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}, which made Israel {H3478} to sin {H2398}; he departed {H5493} not therefrom.

Complete Jewish Bible

He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective; he followed the sins of Yarov'am the son of N'vat, who made Isra'el sin; and he never ceased committing those sins.

Berean Standard Bible

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and followed the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.

American Standard Version

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, wherewith he made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 13:2 succinctly introduces the reign of King Jehoahaz of Israel, son of Jehu, characterizing it as a continuation of the spiritual apostasy that plagued the Northern Kingdom. It declares his actions to be "evil in the sight of the LORD," primarily because he perpetuated the foundational idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam I—specifically, the worship of golden calves. The concluding phrase, "he departed not therefrom," underscores the stubborn and unrepentant nature of his reign, highlighting a persistent failure to turn back to the covenant God of Israel, thereby ensuring the nation's continued spiritual decline and exposure to divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the brief introduction of Jehoahaz's reign in [2 Kings 13:1](/2_kings/13-1 "2 Kings 13:1 - Jehoahaz Reigns Over Israel"), establishing the spiritual tone for his rule. It is part of the larger narrative of the Divided Kingdom found in the books of Kings, which consistently evaluates the kings of both Israel and Judah based on their fidelity to the Mosaic Covenant and their adherence to the worship of Yahweh alone. The recurring phrase "did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD" serves as a theological judgment, linking Jehoahaz's reign to the long line of unfaithful kings of Israel. His father, Jehu, though divinely appointed to eradicate Baal worship, had himself failed to fully depart from the sins of Jeroboam ([2 Kings 10:29-31](/2_kings/10-29 "2 Kings 10:29-31 - Jehu's Incomplete Obedience")), setting a tragic precedent that Jehoahaz faithfully followed. The subsequent verses in [2 Kings 13](/2_kings/13 "2 Kings 13 - Jehoahaz's Reign and Elisha's Death") detail the consequences of this evil, including the oppression Israel suffered at the hands of Hazael, king of Aram.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The sins of Jeroboam I, mentioned explicitly in this verse, refer to the establishment of golden calves for worship in Bethel and Dan after the division of the kingdom ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Jeroboam's motivation was primarily political: to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem (in Judah) for worship, which he feared would lead to their defection back to the house of David. This act, however, constituted a profound theological rebellion, replacing the true worship of Yahweh at the temple with idolatrous practices that violated the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")). By Jehoahaz's time, these practices had become deeply entrenched in the religious life of the Northern Kingdom, representing a systemic spiritual corruption that spanned generations. This period was also marked by significant geopolitical pressures, particularly from the Arameans (Syrians) to the north, whose military might often served as God's instrument of judgment against Israel's persistent idolatry, as seen in [2 Kings 13:3](/2_kings/13-3 "2 Kings 13:3 - Aram's Oppression of Israel").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **persistent nature of idolatry** in the Northern Kingdom. Despite numerous prophetic warnings and divine judgments, the kings of Israel consistently failed to abandon the Jeroboam cult, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual stubbornness. Secondly, it underscores the **corrupting influence of leadership**. The king's spiritual choices had a direct and profound impact on the nation, as Jehoahaz "made Israel to sin" by his example and decree. This theme emphasizes the immense responsibility of those in authority to lead their people in righteousness. Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to the **consequences of covenant disobedience**. While not explicitly detailing the judgment here, the description of Jehoahaz's sin sets the stage for the oppression and suffering that Israel would endure, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His willingness to bring judgment upon His people for their unfaithfulness, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The inability to "depart therefrom" signifies a tragic cycle of sin and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'_):** This term is a broad descriptor for that which is morally, ethically, or spiritually bad, wicked, or displeasing. In the context of the books of Kings, when applied to a king's reign "in the sight of the LORD," it specifically denotes actions and policies that violate God's covenant commands, particularly regarding exclusive worship of Yahweh. It signifies a profound spiritual rebellion and a departure from the divine standard of righteousness.
* **Sins of Jeroboam (Hebrew, _ḥaṭṭō’t Yārob‘ām_):** This phrase refers specifically to the idolatrous cult established by Jeroboam I, involving the golden calves at Bethel and Dan ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). These were not merely minor transgressions but a fundamental perversion of Israelite worship, designed to replace the legitimate cult at Jerusalem. By consistently following these "sins," Jehoahaz perpetuated a systemic apostasy that led the entire nation astray from the true God.
* **Departed not therefrom (Hebrew, _lō’ sār mimmennāh_):** This powerful concluding phrase emphasizes the stubborn persistence and lack of repentance characterizing Jehoahaz's reign. It indicates a deliberate and unyielding refusal to turn away from the established pattern of sin. This phrase highlights not merely a passive continuation but an active choice to remain in disobedience, despite the historical lessons and prophetic warnings available to him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD":** This is a standard judgmental formula used throughout the books of Kings to assess the spiritual quality of a king's reign. It signifies that Jehoahaz's actions and policies were morally and spiritually reprehensible, not according to human standards, but from God's divine perspective. It implies a direct violation of God's covenant expectations for Israel's king.
* **"and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin":** This clause specifies the nature of Jehoahaz's "evil." He adhered to and perpetuated the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom. The phrase "which made Israel to sin" underscores the profound and devastating impact of the king's leadership. By maintaining the golden calf cult, Jehoahaz not only sinned personally but also led the entire nation into corporate sin and rebellion against Yahweh, confirming the king's immense spiritual responsibility.
* **"he departed not therefrom":** This concluding statement provides a damning summary of Jehoahaz's reign. It signifies his unyielding commitment to the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam. There was no turning, no repentance, no attempt to reform the spiritual life of the nation. This stubborn persistence in sin is a recurring tragic theme in the history of the Northern Kingdom, ultimately leading to its downfall.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Most prominent is **Formulaic Language**, particularly the recurring phrase "did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD," which functions as a theological assessment and a structural marker throughout the books of Kings. This formula establishes a consistent divine standard by which all kings are judged, highlighting the repetitive nature of Israel's apostasy. The explicit mention of "the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat" serves as a **Stock Phrase** or **Epithet**, immediately identifying the specific and foundational idolatry that plagued the Northern Kingdom. The **Repetition** of this phrase across multiple reigns underscores the deep-seated and generational nature of this spiritual corruption. Finally, the concluding statement, "he departed not therefrom," acts as a powerful **Summary Statement** or **Concluding Emphasis**, reinforcing the king's stubbornness and lack of repentance, thereby setting a somber tone for the narrative of his reign and foreshadowing the inevitable divine consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the core theological problem of the Northern Kingdom: a persistent, systemic rebellion against the exclusive worship of Yahweh, rooted in the political expediency of Jeroboam I. It highlights the principle of **generational sin** and the **corrupting influence of ungodly leadership**. Despite God's patience and the warnings of prophets, Jehoahaz, like many before him, refused to turn from idolatry, demonstrating the human heart's stubborn propensity toward sin. This continuous pattern of disobedience ultimately invited divine judgment, as God, in His justice and faithfulness to His covenant, allowed foreign powers to oppress His people as a disciplinary measure, aiming for their repentance. The inability to "depart therefrom" speaks to a spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that tragically defined much of Israel's history.

* [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry at Bethel and Dan")
* [Deuteronomy 4:23-25](/deuteronomy/4-23 "Deuteronomy 4:23-25 - Warning Against Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-24 - Disobedience and Stubborn Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of King Jehoahaz serves as a profound warning for all generations. It reveals the insidious power of inherited spiritual patterns and the critical importance of personal accountability before God. Jehoahaz was not merely a victim of his circumstances or his predecessors' choices; he actively chose to perpetuate the "sins of Jeroboam," thereby leading his own generation further into apostasy. This challenges us to critically examine the traditions, beliefs, and practices we have inherited or adopted. Are they truly rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word, or are they human constructs that, like Jeroboam's calves, subtly or overtly divert our worship and loyalty from the one true God? For leaders, whether in the church, family, or community, the verse underscores the immense weight of influence. Our choices, our spiritual direction, and our integrity—or lack thereof—have far-reaching consequences, potentially "making others to sin" or leading them toward righteousness. The phrase "he departed not therefrom" is a chilling reminder of the dangers of unrepentant persistence in sin, highlighting the urgent need for genuine, continuous repentance and a deliberate turning towards the Lord, regardless of societal norms or inherited patterns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sins of Jeroboam" or inherited patterns of disobedience might I be unknowingly perpetuating in my own life or within my community?**
* **In what areas of my life am I reluctant to "depart therefrom" even when I know God's will?**
* **How does my personal spiritual walk impact those I lead or influence, whether in my family, workplace, or church?**
* **What steps can I take today to ensure my worship and loyalty are exclusively directed towards the LORD, free from any competing idols or human traditions?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were "the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat" that were so consistently condemned?**

Answer: "The sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat" refer to the idolatrous religious system established by Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, after the kingdom divided from Judah ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Fearing that his subjects would return their allegiance to the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem if they continued to worship at the Temple there, Jeroboam set up two golden calves—one in Bethel (south) and one in Dan (north). He declared, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" ([1 Kings 12:28](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28 - Jeroboam's Declaration")). He also appointed non-Levitical priests and instituted new feast days. This was a direct violation of God's commands against idolatry ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")) and centralized worship at the Jerusalem Temple ([Deuteronomy 12:5-14](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-14 - The Chosen Place of Worship")). These actions became the foundational spiritual corruption of the Northern Kingdom, consistently leading Israel away from the true worship of Yahweh and inviting divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic cycle of sin and unrepentant leadership exemplified by Jehoahaz and his inability to "depart therefrom" finds its ultimate and glorious contrast in Jesus Christ. The kings of Israel, even those appointed by God, consistently failed to lead their people in righteousness, perpetuating the very sins that led to their nation's downfall. Jesus, however, is the true and perfect King, the Son of David, who not only did no evil in the sight of the LORD but perfectly fulfilled all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Righteousness")). Unlike Jehoahaz, who "made Israel to sin" by his idolatry, 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 lead His people in truth and life. Where Israel's kings were unable to "depart therefrom" the patterns of disobedience, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, breaks the power of sin and offers true deliverance from its dominion ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freedom from Sin")). He is the one who enables His followers to truly "depart therefrom" their old ways and walk in newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:2-4](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2-4 - Life in the Spirit")). In Christ, we find the perfect leader, the one who perfectly obeys God and empowers us to do the same, offering not a temporary reprieve from judgment but eternal salvation and transformation.

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 12:26

And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:

1 Kings 12:33

So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, [even] in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.

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.

Hosea 5:11

Ephraim [is] oppressed [and] broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment.

2 Kings 13:11

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin: [but] he walked therein.

2 Kings 10:29

¶ Howbeit [from] the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, [to wit], the golden calves that [were] in Bethel, and that [were] in Dan.