2 Kings 13:6

KJV

Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, [but] walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.)

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless they departed {H5493} not from the sins {H2403} of the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379}, who made Israel {H3478} sin {H2398}, but walked {H1980} therein: and there remained {H5975} the grove {H842} also in Samaria {H8111}.)

Complete Jewish Bible

Despite that, instead of turning from the sins of the house of Yarov'am, who made Isra'el sin, they continued to live in this sinful way. Moreover, the asherah continued to stand in Shomron.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, they did not turn away from the sins that the house of Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit, but they continued to walk in them. The Asherah pole even remained standing in Samaria.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, wherewith he made Israel to sin, but walked therein: and there remained the Asherah also in Samaria.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 13:6 starkly encapsulates the enduring spiritual decline of the Northern Kingdom of Israel under King Jehoahaz, son of Jehu. Despite God's gracious intervention and deliverance from Aramean oppression, the nation stubbornly refused to abandon the deeply ingrained idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam I, particularly the golden calves, and continued to tolerate the pagan Asherah cult in their capital, Samaria. This verse highlights Israel's persistent spiritual compromise and unrepentant heart, even in the face of divine mercy, setting the stage for their eventual judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Lord's compassionate response to King Jehoahaz's plea for deliverance from the oppressive Arameans (Syrians). While God had provided a "deliverer" (likely a series of deliverers, including Elisha, and later kings like Joash, Jehoahaz's son), 2 Kings 13:6 serves as a crucial parenthetical statement, interrupting the narrative of divine aid to underscore Israel's spiritual failure. It explains *why* the nation continued to suffer despite God's help—their unyielding commitment to idolatry. The subsequent verses detail the continued Aramean oppression and Jehoahaz's diminished military strength, reinforcing the consequences of their spiritual state.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "sins of the house of Jeroboam" refer to the establishment of golden calves at Bethel and Dan by Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom, as alternative worship sites to Jerusalem. This act was a political maneuver to prevent the northern tribes from returning to Judah for worship, thereby consolidating his rule, but it constituted a profound theological rebellion against Yahweh, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves"). This foundational sin became the standard idolatry for every subsequent king of Israel. The "grove" (Hebrew: *Asherah*) in Samaria points to the pervasive Canaanite fertility cult of Asherah, often represented by a sacred pole or tree, which was strictly forbidden by God's law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:3](/deuteronomy/12-3 "Deuteronomy 12:3 - Destroying Pagan Altars")). Its continued presence in the capital signified deep-seated syncretism, a mixing of Yahweh worship with pagan rites.
* **Key Themes:** Second Kings 13:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the books of Kings. It exemplifies **Persistent Idolatry**, showcasing Israel's stubborn refusal to abandon false worship despite experiencing both divine judgment and divine deliverance. This verse underscores the **Legacy of Jeroboam's Sin**, illustrating how the initial spiritual compromise of a leader can have generational, corrupting consequences, as seen throughout the narrative of the Northern Kingdom (e.g., [2 Kings 17:21-23](/2_kings/17-21-23 "2 Kings 17:21-23 - Israel's Exile and Jeroboam's Sin")). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Compromise**, where Israel was willing to seek God's help in times of crisis but unwilling to fully purge the pagan elements from their national life, demonstrating a superficial repentance that never reached the heart of the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Departed (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This verb (H5493) signifies "to turn off," "remove," or "withdraw." The phrase "departed not" emphasizes Israel's stubborn refusal to turn away from their sinful practices, even in the face of divine intervention and deliverance. It highlights a deliberate, unyielding choice to remain in disobedience rather than to remove themselves from the path of sin, reflecting a deep-seated spiritual rebellion.
* **Sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This noun (H2403) derives from the verb "to miss" (H2398) and refers to an "offence," "habitual sinfulness," or even the penalty and sacrifice associated with it. Here, "the sins of the house of Jeroboam" specifically denote the systemic idolatry of the golden calves, which was not an isolated incident but a pervasive, institutionalized rebellion against Yahweh, leading to national guilt and judgment. It speaks to a deep-seated corruption that permeated the nation's spiritual life.
* **Grove (Hebrew, _ʼăshêrâh'_):** This term (H842), often translated as "grove" in older versions, is not merely a cluster of trees but refers to a cult object, specifically a wooden pole or image, dedicated to Asherah, the Canaanite goddess of fertility and consort of Baal. Its continued presence in Samaria, the capital city, was a blatant symbol of Israel's syncretistic worship, a direct violation of God's command to destroy all pagan idols and altars. The continued existence of the Asherah pole signifies the deep entrenchment of paganism within Israelite society, even at the highest levels, and their persistent spiritual unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam,"**: This opening phrase serves as a stark contrast to the preceding narrative of God's gracious deliverance. "The sins of the house of Jeroboam" refers specifically to the state-sanctioned idolatry of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan, established by Jeroboam I to prevent the northern tribes from worshipping in Jerusalem. This clause emphasizes the deep-seated nature of Israel's apostasy, indicating a national, systemic failure to turn away from this foundational sin.
* **"who made Israel sin, [but] walked therein:"**: This part clarifies the profound impact of Jeroboam's actions, stating that he "made Israel sin," meaning his policies and example led the entire nation into idolatry. The phrase "walked therein" reinforces the active and continuous participation of the people in these forbidden practices. It signifies not just an occasional lapse but a consistent lifestyle and national policy of disobedience, indicating a lack of genuine repentance despite experiencing God's judgment and mercy.
* **"and there remained the grove also in Samaria."**: This final clause provides a concrete example of Israel's unrepentant heart and continued spiritual compromise. The "grove" (Asherah pole) in Samaria, the capital, was a visible, tangible symbol of pagan worship. Its continued presence, even after God's intervention, demonstrates Israel's unwillingness to fully purge idolatry from their midst. It signifies a persistent syncretism, where elements of Yahweh worship were mixed with pagan rites, a practice anathema to the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Second Kings 13:6 employs several literary techniques to underscore its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the verse immediately follows God's merciful response to Jehoahaz's plea, yet highlights Israel's unyielding sinfulness. Despite divine deliverance, the nation remains entrenched in the very practices that provoke God's displeasure. **Symbolism** is powerfully used through "the grove" in Samaria, which stands as a tangible representation of Israel's spiritual compromise and their persistent embrace of paganism. It is not merely a physical object but a symbol of their divided loyalty and unrepentant heart. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "sins of the house of Jeroboam" functions as a **Leitmotif** throughout the books of Kings, serving as a constant reminder of the foundational apostasy of the Northern Kingdom and its enduring, corrupting influence on successive generations, leading inevitably to their downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the tragic cycle of sin, judgment, and superficial repentance that plagued Israel. It underscores God's immense patience and willingness to deliver His people even when they are undeserving, yet it also highlights the dire consequences of unaddressed, systemic sin. The continued presence of the "grove" in Samaria reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of true repentance, which requires not just a cry for help in distress but a complete turning away from all forms of idolatry and compromise. Theologically, it speaks to the nature of corporate sin and the long-lasting impact of leadership choices, demonstrating how the spiritual decisions of one generation can profoundly affect subsequent ones. It also foreshadows the eventual exile of the Northern Kingdom, a direct result of their persistent idolatry despite numerous warnings and opportunities for repentance.

* [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry at Bethel and Dan")
* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2-4 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Worship Sites")
* [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7-18 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Israel's Persistent Sin Leading to Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Kings 13:6 offers a sobering mirror for contemporary believers and communities, challenging us to examine the depth of our own repentance and commitment to God. It warns against the danger of superficial faith—seeking God's help in times of crisis while clinging to "groves" or "sins of Jeroboam" in our lives, whether they be subtle idols of comfort, approval, or self-reliance, or inherited patterns of compromise. True repentance demands a radical turning away from anything that competes with God's supreme authority and purity. This verse calls us to vigilant self-examination, ensuring that our faith is not merely a convenient accessory but a transformative allegiance that purges all competing loyalties and practices. It also reminds us of the profound impact of leadership, both within the church and in society, urging us to pray for and support leaders who will consistently guide others toward uncompromised devotion to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "groves" or inherited patterns of spiritual compromise might still exist in my life or community, subtly drawing my devotion away from God?**
* **How does my response to God's grace and deliverance reflect the depth of my repentance, or do I, like Israel, return to familiar sins?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking God's help for my circumstances without fully addressing the underlying spiritual issues in my heart?**
* **What steps can I take to actively dismantle spiritual "idols" and cultivate a more pure and undivided devotion to God?**

### FAQ
**What were "the sins of the house of Jeroboam" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "sins of the house of Jeroboam" refer primarily to the establishment of golden calves at Bethel and Dan by Jeroboam I (see [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). These were set up as alternative worship centers to Jerusalem, intended to prevent the northern tribes from returning to the Davidic dynasty for worship. This act was a political maneuver that resulted in a profound spiritual apostasy, leading the entire Northern Kingdom into idolatry and becoming the defining sin of all subsequent Israelite kings.

**What does "the grove" refer to, and why was its presence significant?**

Answer: "The grove" translates the Hebrew word *Asherah* (אֲשֵׁרָה), which was not a natural grove of trees but a cult object—typically a wooden pole or idol—dedicated to Asherah, a Canaanite fertility goddess. Her worship often involved immoral rites. Its continued presence in Samaria, the capital city, was highly significant because it symbolized Israel's deep-seated syncretism, mixing the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices. This was a direct violation of God's commands to destroy all pagan idols and was a clear indicator of the nation's unfaithfulness and spiritual compromise (see [Deuteronomy 12:3](/deuteronomy/12-3 "Deuteronomy 12:3 - Destroying Pagan Altars")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Kings 13:6, with its poignant depiction of Israel's persistent idolatry and superficial repentance, finds its ultimate resolution and answer in Jesus Christ. The "sins of the house of Jeroboam" and the pagan "grove" represent humanity's inherent tendency to create alternative gods and worship structures, seeking deliverance and blessing apart from the one true God. Israel's inability to truly depart from these sins highlights the deep-seated nature of human rebellion and the futility of human effort in achieving true righteousness or lasting deliverance. Christ, however, is the ultimate "deliverer" (as mentioned in [2 Kings 13:5](/2_kings/13-5 "2 Kings 13:5 - God Provides a Deliverer")), not merely from external oppressors but from the very power and penalty of sin itself. He offers a new covenant where true worship is not tied to a physical location or external rituals, but is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus breaks the power of sin and idolatry, enabling a genuine, heart-level repentance that Israel consistently failed to achieve. He is the one who truly cleanses the "groves" of our hearts ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory in Christ")) and leads us into a life of undivided devotion to God, fulfilling the law's demand for complete obedience and offering the grace for us to "walk" in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")).

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 16:33

And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.

2 Kings 13:2

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.

Deuteronomy 7:5

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.

Deuteronomy 32:15

¶ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Deuteronomy 32:18

Of the Rock [that] begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

1 Kings 15:3

And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

2 Kings 23:4

¶ And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.