2 Kings 17:2

KJV

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, but not as the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478} that were before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, although he wasn't as bad as the kings of Isra'el who had preceded him.

Berean Standard Bible

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.

American Standard Version

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, yet not as the kings of Israel that were before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:2 offers a succinct yet profound divine assessment of King Hoshea, the final monarch of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It declares that he "did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD," aligning him with the long line of wicked kings who preceded him. However, it adds a unique qualifier: "but not as the kings of Israel that were before him," suggesting a comparative distinction in the nature or degree of his evil, though it in no way absolves him of guilt or prevents the ultimate judgment upon the kingdom during his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Hoshea's reign in [2 Kings 17:1](/2-kings/17-1 "2 Kings 17:1 - Hoshea's Reign Begins"), marking the beginning of the end for the Northern Kingdom. The narrative in 2 Kings is structured around the reigns of kings, consistently evaluating them against God's covenant standards, often using the recurring phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD." Chapter 17 is pivotal, detailing the final conquest of Samaria by Assyria and the subsequent exile of Israel, a direct consequence of centuries of apostasy. Verses like [2 Kings 17:6](/2-kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile") narrate the fulfillment of this judgment, while later verses, such as [2 Kings 17:22](/2-kings/17-22 "2 Kings 17:22 - The Sins of Jeroboam Persist"), explicitly state that the Israelites "walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them," indicating that the foundational idolatry established by [Jeroboam I](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Jeroboam's Idolatry") persisted even under Hoshea.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hoshea's reign (c. 732-722 BC) occurred during a period of immense geopolitical turmoil. The mighty Assyrian Empire was the dominant power, systematically expanding its control over the Near East. Israel, weakened by internal strife and a succession of unstable kings, found itself caught between Assyria and Egypt. Hoshea initially paid tribute to Assyria but later conspired with Egypt, leading to Assyria's final invasion. The "kings of Israel that were before him" refers to a lineage of 19 kings, all of whom, from Jeroboam I onward, had led the nation into idolatry, primarily through the golden calves at Bethel and Dan, and often incorporating Baal worship. This systematic deviation from the Mosaic Covenant had been a constant source of prophetic condemnation, setting the stage for the inevitable divine judgment.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in [2 Kings 17](/2-kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel") and the broader Deuteronomistic History that this verse contributes to include **Divine Evaluation of Rulership**, where every king is measured by God's unwavering standard of faithfulness to the covenant. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD" is a theological verdict, not merely a human opinion. Another theme is **Degrees of Wickedness**, highlighted by the unique qualification "but not as the kings of Israel that were before him." While Hoshea was still deemed evil, this nuance suggests that his specific transgressions, or the extent of his active promotion of idolatry, might have differed from the egregious sins of notorious predecessors like Ahab or Manasseh. This does not imply righteousness but a comparative distinction within the realm of sin. Finally, the verse underscores the **Culmination of Judgment**, as Hoshea's reign, despite any perceived lesser degree of evil, ultimately precipitates the final downfall and exile of the Northern Kingdom, demonstrating that persistent, systemic sin, even if not always the most extreme, inevitably brings about divine consequences, as seen in [2 Kings 17:18](/2-kings/17-18 "2 Kings 17:18 - The Lord's Anger Against Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, רַע, _ra'_):** This term is a fundamental moral descriptor in the Old Testament, signifying that which is displeasing to God, contrary to His revealed will, and destructive to covenant relationship. It encompasses a wide range of actions, from idolatry and injustice to general disobedience. In the context of kings, it specifically denotes a failure to uphold the covenantal obligations of a righteous ruler, leading the nation astray from YHWH.
* **In the sight of the LORD (Hebrew, בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה, _b'eyney YHWH_):** This recurring phrase emphasizes that the assessment of a king's reign is not based on human political success or popular opinion, but on God's omniscient and righteous judgment. It underscores the theological framework of the Deuteronomistic History, where YHWH is the ultimate arbiter of morality and the sovereign over all human affairs, holding rulers accountable to His divine standards.
* **But not as (Hebrew, לֹא כַּאֲשֶׁר, _lo' ka'asher_):** This crucial comparative particle introduces a significant nuance. While Hoshea's actions were undeniably evil, this phrase suggests a qualitative or quantitative difference from his predecessors. Commentators speculate that this might mean he did not actively promote Baal worship, or perhaps he did not violently persecute prophets as some kings had. His primary sin might have been more political, such as his conspiracy with Egypt mentioned in [2 Kings 17:4](/2-kings/17-4 "2 Kings 17:4 - Hoshea's Conspiracy with Egypt"), rather than initiating new forms of religious apostasy, though the existing idolatry of Jeroboam's calves likely remained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD":** This clause delivers the standard divine verdict on Hoshea's reign. Despite any political maneuvering or attempts to navigate the Assyrian threat, his actions and policies were fundamentally contrary to God's will and covenant law. This assessment is a theological judgment, indicating a failure to lead the nation in faithfulness to YHWH, perpetuating the spiritual rebellion that had characterized the Northern Kingdom since its inception.
* **"but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.":** This qualifying clause introduces a comparative element, distinguishing Hoshea's evil from that of his predecessors. While still condemned, the text implies that his specific brand of wickedness might have been less egregious in certain respects, or perhaps he did not introduce *new* forms of idolatry or actively promote the most heinous practices seen under kings like Ahab. This nuance, however, does not negate the overall "evil" assessment; it merely places his specific transgressions within a spectrum of wickedness, highlighting that even a "lesser" evil still constitutes a profound rebellion against God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Divine Assessment** and **Contrast**. The recurring phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" is a formulaic **Divine Assessment** used throughout the Books of Kings to provide a theological evaluation of each monarch's reign, underscoring God's role as the ultimate judge. The phrase "but not as the kings of Israel that were before him" introduces a stark **Contrast**, distinguishing Hoshea's particular brand of evil from the more extreme or active idolatry of some of his predecessors. This contrast, while subtle, serves to highlight the nuanced nature of sin and divine judgment, even within a consistent pattern of disobedience. It also functions as a form of **Historical Summary**, concisely evaluating the final king in light of the entire lineage of Northern Kingdom rulers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 2 Kings 17:2 lies in its reiteration of God's unchanging standard for human leadership and His consistent judgment of sin, even while acknowledging degrees of wickedness. It reminds us that all actions are ultimately weighed in the divine scales, not merely by human comparison. While Hoshea's evil might have been less overt than some, it still represented a fundamental rejection of God's covenant, leading to the ultimate consequence of national destruction. This verse underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the principle that persistent disobedience, regardless of its specific manifestation, inevitably leads to divine judgment. It serves as a stark reminder that God's patience has limits, and His justice will ultimately prevail.

* [1 Kings 14:22](/1-kings/14-22 "1 Kings 14:22 - Rehoboam's Evil Reign")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Hoshea's story, encapsulated in this verse, offers a potent lesson for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own lives not merely by comparing ourselves to others, but by God's absolute standard of righteousness. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking "I'm not as bad as X" or "My sins aren't as egregious as Y," but this verse reminds us that "evil in the sight of the LORD" is still evil, regardless of its comparative degree. Our walk with God demands wholehearted devotion and obedience, not partial compliance or a lesser form of compromise. The consequences of persistent, even if seemingly "lesser," sin are still severe, both individually and corporately. This narrative calls us to a radical self-assessment: are we truly striving for holiness, or are we content with merely being "not as bad" as someone else? Our aim should be to please God in all things, seeking His approval above all else, and understanding that true freedom comes from complete surrender to His will, not from a calculated minimization of our shortcomings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be comparing myself to others rather than to God's perfect standard?**
* **How does the concept of "degrees of wickedness" challenge my understanding of sin and God's judgment?**
* **What "lesser" evils or compromises might I be tolerating in my life that, though not overtly scandalous, still displease the Lord?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of complete devotion and obedience, rather than settling for partial compliance?**

### FAQ
**What does "not as the kings of Israel that were before him" specifically mean?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly detail *how* Hoshea's evil differed, leading to scholarly speculation. It generally implies that while he was still unfaithful and led the nation in sin, his reign might not have featured the same aggressive promotion of Baal worship, persecution of prophets, or initiation of new, more heinous idolatrous practices seen under some of his predecessors (e.g., Ahab, Manasseh). His primary sin might have been more political, such as his [conspiracy with Egypt against Assyria](/2-kings/17-4 "2 Kings 17:4 - Hoshea's Conspiracy"), rather than a zealous religious apostasy. However, it's crucial to understand that the foundational sin of Jeroboam's golden calves likely persisted, as indicated by [2 Kings 17:22](/2-kings/17-22 "2 Kings 17:22 - The Sins of Jeroboam Endure"), meaning the nation remained in a state of rebellion against YHWH. The phrase highlights a comparative distinction, not an exoneration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The assessment of King Hoshea in 2 Kings 17:2, like all evaluations of Old Testament kings, ultimately points to the profound need for a perfect King, one who would not merely be "not as bad as" his predecessors, but entirely righteous. The consistent failure of Israel's kings, even those with nuanced degrees of evil, underscores humanity's inability to meet God's perfect standard and lead His people in true righteousness. This narrative finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the only King who "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1-peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), and who "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Unlike Hoshea, whose reign ended in judgment and exile, Jesus, the true Son of David and the promised Messiah, establishes an everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering forgiveness and reconciliation for the very "evil in the sight of the LORD" that plagued Israel's kings and continues to plague humanity. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ fulfills the law and provides the means for all who believe to be declared righteous in God's sight, not by their own flawed efforts or comparative goodness, but by His perfect sacrifice ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")).

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.