2 Kings 17:21

KJV

For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he rent {H7167} Israel {H3478} from the house {H1004} of David {H1732}; and they made Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028} king {H4427}: and Jeroboam {H3379} drave {H5080}{H5077} Israel {H3478} from following {H310} the LORD {H3068}, and made them sin {H2398} a great {H1419} sin {H2401}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He tore Isra'el away from the house of David. They made Yarov'am the son of N'vat king; and Yarov'am drew Isra'el away from following ADONAI and made them commit a great sin.

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin.

American Standard Version

For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drove Israel from following Jehovah, and made them sin a great sin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:21 succinctly encapsulates the pivotal moment that initiated the spiritual decline and eventual downfall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse chronicles the foundational schism where the ten northern tribes severed ties with the unified monarchy of the House of David, establishing an independent kingdom under Jeroboam, whose subsequent actions deliberately led the nation into profound idolatry and apostasy, setting a destructive trajectory that culminated in their Assyrian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"), a chapter dedicated to explaining the theological reasons behind the Assyrian conquest and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The preceding verses ([2 Kings 17:7-20](/2_kings/17-7-20 "2 Kings 17:7-20 - Israel's Persistent Rebellion")) provide a sweeping indictment of Israel's persistent rebellion against Yahweh, detailing their abandonment of His commandments, their adoption of Canaanite and other pagan religious practices, and their rejection of the prophetic warnings sent by God. Verse 21 serves as a crucial historical and theological anchor, pinpointing the very genesis of this national apostasy by tracing it back to the kingdom's inception, thereby establishing a direct causal link between Jeroboam's initial "great sin" and the ultimate divine judgment. The narrative flow of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel") is one of divine patience exhausted by human stubbornness, with verse 21 highlighting the original sin that set the Northern Kingdom on its irreversible path.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the death of King Solomon, the unified kingdom of Israel faced a critical juncture. His son, Rehoboam, inherited a kingdom burdened by Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor. When the people, led by Jeroboam, petitioned Rehoboam for relief, his arrogant refusal (detailed in [1 Kings 12:1-15](/1_kings/12-1-15 "1 Kings 12:1-15 - Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom's Division")) directly precipitated the political and religious schism. The ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's rule, fulfilling the prophecy delivered to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (see [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Jeroboam, now king of Israel, feared that if his people continued to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem—the designated place of Yahweh's worship and the seat of the Davidic monarchy—their allegiance might revert to the House of David. To counteract this, he established alternative worship centers in Dan and Bethel, installing golden calves as objects of worship, a deliberate and culturally significant act of idolatry reminiscent of the sin at Mount Sinai.
* **Key Themes:** Several critical themes converge in [2 Kings 17:21](/2_kings/17-21 "2 Kings 17:21 - Jeroboam's Sin and the Division of Israel"). Firstly, the **Schism and the House of David** highlights the fracturing of God's chosen nation and the rejection of the divinely ordained Davidic dynasty (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). This division was not merely political but profoundly theological, undermining the unity of worship and the centralized authority of Jerusalem. Secondly, **Jeroboam's Idolatry and Spiritual Deviation** is presented as the primary catalyst for Israel's downfall. His establishment of the golden calves (recounted in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")) became the defining "great sin" of the Northern Kingdom, a sin perpetuated by nearly every successive king. This act represented a deliberate leading of the people away from exclusive worship of Yahweh, violating the very first commandments (see [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience and Covenant Violation**. Jeroboam's actions set a precedent of apostasy that led to generations of spiritual rebellion, ultimately fulfilling the solemn warnings and curses of the Mosaic Covenant, particularly those outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"), which prophesied exile for persistent unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rent (Hebrew, _qâraʻ_):** This verb (H7167) signifies a violent tearing or ripping apart, like fabric. It vividly portrays the decisive and forceful separation of the northern tribes from the Davidic monarchy, emphasizing the traumatic and irreversible nature of the schism. It's not a gentle separation but a forceful rending, highlighting the severity of the national division and its profound impact on God's chosen people.
* **drave (Hebrew, _nâdach_):** This verb (H5080), often translated as "to push off" or "to mislead," indicates that Jeroboam actively and deliberately led Israel astray. In its Hiphil form, as used here, it implies a forceful expulsion from the right path or a deceptive enticement into error. Jeroboam was not merely a passive participant; he was the instigator and perpetrator of Israel's spiritual deviation, actively drawing them away from the LORD.
* **great sin (Hebrew, _chăṭâʼâh gâdôwl_):** This phrase (H2401, H1419) emphasizes the egregious and profound nature of Jeroboam's actions. It is not merely a transgression but a foundational, monumental sin that set the spiritual trajectory for the entire Northern Kingdom. This "great sin" primarily refers to his establishment of idolatrous worship, which directly violated the core tenets of the Mosaic covenant, particularly the prohibition against other gods and images, thereby corrupting the nation's spiritual identity at its very inception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he rent Israel from the house of David;":** This clause establishes the political and theological rupture. The "he" refers to God, indicating divine sovereignty in the division, even though human agency (Rehoboam's folly, Jeroboam's ambition) was involved. The "renting" signifies the permanent separation of the ten northern tribes from the lineage of David, ending the united monarchy and establishing a separate kingdom, Israel (in the north), in contrast to Judah, which remained loyal to the Davidic line. This act was a fulfillment of prophecy, but also a judgment on Solomon's apostasy.
* **"and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king:":** This describes the immediate consequence of the "renting." The northern tribes, having rejected Rehoboam, chose Jeroboam as their king. This highlights the people's collective decision to follow a new leader, one who would subsequently lead them away from the LORD. Jeroboam's rise to power was a popular choice, yet one with devastating spiritual ramifications, as it solidified the political schism and paved the way for religious deviation.
* **"and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.":** This is the core indictment of Jeroboam. His actions were not accidental but deliberate. To consolidate his power and prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship (and thus to the Davidic king), he instituted alternative worship sites with golden calves. This act of idolatry, a direct violation of the First and Second Commandments, actively alienated the people from the true worship of Yahweh and became the defining "great sin" that characterized the entire history of the Northern Kingdom, leading to its eventual destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The verb "rent" (קָרַע, _qâraʻ_) functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, likening the political and spiritual division of Israel to the tearing of fabric, emphasizing the violent, irreversible, and painful nature of the schism. This imagery underscores the depth of the fracture within God's people and the severity of the covenant breach. Furthermore, the phrase "great sin" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the profound gravity and far-reaching consequences of Jeroboam's idolatry. It's not just a transgression, but a "great" one, signifying its foundational and pervasive corruption of the nation's spiritual life, setting a trajectory of apostasy for centuries. The entire verse also exhibits **Causality**, explicitly linking Jeroboam's actions (his enthronement and subsequent idolatry) directly to Israel's deviation from the LORD and their ultimate downfall. This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the theological principle that persistent disobedience, particularly from leadership, inevitably leads to divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Kings 17:21](/2_kings/17-21 "2 Kings 17:21 - Jeroboam's Sin and the Division of Israel") is a foundational text for understanding the trajectory of Israel's spiritual decline and the consequences of leadership that prioritizes political expediency over divine obedience. It underscores the profound theological truth that true worship of Yahweh is non-negotiable and that any deviation into idolatry, even for seemingly practical reasons, constitutes a "great sin" with catastrophic national implications. The verse highlights the gravity of covenant unfaithfulness and serves as a stark reminder that God holds leaders accountable for the spiritual well-being of those under their charge. The "renting" from the House of David also foreshadows the ultimate failure of human kingship to maintain God's covenant, pointing to the need for a perfect, eternal King.

* [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Establishment of Golden Calves")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Hosea 8:4-6](/hosea/8-4-6 "Hosea 8:4-6 - Israel's Self-Made Kings and Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound historical and spiritual warning, echoing through the centuries with timeless principles for individuals and communities today. It reminds us that leadership carries immense spiritual weight; a leader's choices, whether in a nation, a church, a family, or a personal sphere of influence, can either guide people closer to God or lead them dangerously astray. Jeroboam's politically motivated idolatry underscores the perennial temptation to compromise spiritual truth for perceived stability, comfort, or worldly gain. We are cautioned against substituting authentic worship with convenient or self-serving alternatives, as such compromises inevitably lead to deeper spiritual bondage and ultimately, judgment. The "great sin" of idolatry is not limited to golden calves but extends to anything that usurps God's rightful place in our hearts—be it wealth, power, reputation, comfort, or even self-worship. This passage challenges us to examine what truly holds the preeminence in our lives and to ensure that our worship is directed solely and authentically to the one true God, according to His revealed will, not our own inventions or desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or leaders I follow, be tempted to compromise spiritual principles for worldly expediency or personal gain?**
* **What "golden calves" or idols might I be allowing into my life that subtly or overtly draw my heart away from exclusive devotion to the LORD?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of leadership and accountability, both for myself and for those in authority over me?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my worship of God is authentic and uncompromised by cultural pressures or personal convenience?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jeroboam's sin considered "great" and so pivotal to Israel's downfall?**

Answer: Jeroboam's sin is deemed "great" for several critical reasons. Firstly, it was a direct and deliberate violation of the First and Second Commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols (see [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The Ten Commandments")). By establishing golden calves in Dan and Bethel, Jeroboam institutionalized idolatry as the state religion of the Northern Kingdom, actively leading the people away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh at the Temple in Jerusalem. Secondly, his sin was politically motivated, born out of a fear that if his subjects continued to worship in Jerusalem, their allegiance would revert to the Davidic dynasty (see [1 Kings 12:26-27](/1_kings/12-26-27 "1 Kings 12:26-27 - Jeroboam's Political Fear")). This demonstrated a profound lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision. Thirdly, Jeroboam's actions set a destructive precedent that was followed by nearly every subsequent king of Israel, becoming the defining sin of the Northern Kingdom (frequently referenced as "the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat"). This systemic apostasy accumulated over generations, ultimately leading to God's judgment and the Assyrian exile of Israel, as detailed throughout [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "renting" of Israel from the House of David, initiated by Jeroboam's idolatry, highlights the inherent fragility and ultimate failure of human kingship and the earthly kingdom to maintain perfect fidelity to God's covenant. This historical tragedy, where a king actively led his people away from the LORD, underscores the profound need for a perfect, eternal King who would never falter or lead His people astray. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the true Son of David (as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel's Prophecy to Mary")) who establishes an unshakeable kingdom. Unlike Jeroboam, who "drave Israel from following the LORD" through false worship, Jesus actively draws His people to the Father, declaring Himself the way, the truth, and the life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The "great sin" of idolatry, which plagued Israel, finds its ultimate remedy in Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and redeems us from all forms of false worship, calling us to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). In Him, the fractured kingdom finds its true unity, and the reign of a perfect King brings eternal peace and righteousness, fulfilling the promises that no earthly king could ever fully embody.

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 11:11

Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.

1 Kings 11:31

And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:

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 12:30

And this thing became a sin: for the people went [to worship] before the one, [even] unto Dan.

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.

Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

2 Chronicles 11:15

And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.