2 Kings 17:22

KJV

For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;

KJV (with Strong's)

For the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} walked {H3212} in all the sins {H2403} of Jeroboam {H3379} which he did {H6213}; they departed {H5493} not from them;

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el followed the example of all the sins that Yarov'am had committed and did not turn away from them,

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites persisted in all the sins that Jeroboam had committed and did not turn away from them.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:22 serves as a poignant theological indictment and concise summary of the Northern Kingdom of Israel's persistent and unyielding spiritual rebellion. This verse encapsulates the nation's unwavering commitment to the idolatrous practices initiated by their first king, Jeroboam, thereby providing a divine explanation for their eventual downfall and devastating exile at the hands of the Assyrians. It highlights the deeply ingrained nature of their apostasy, which permeated generations and ultimately sealed their fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial explanatory section of [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7-23 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - The Reasons for Israel's Exile"), which provides the theological rationale for the Assyrian conquest and deportation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Prior to this, the narrative has chronicled a succession of kings in Israel, almost all of whom "did evil in the sight of the LORD," perpetuating the sins of Jeroboam. Verse 22 acts as a climactic summary statement, following a detailed enumeration of Israel's specific transgressions, such as building high places, worshiping idols, and rejecting God's statutes, as described in [2 Kings 17:9-12](/2_kings/17-9-12 "2 Kings 17:9-12 - Israel's Idolatry and Disobedience"). It directly precedes the final pronouncement of their removal from God's sight in [2 Kings 17:23](/2_kings/17-23 "2 Kings 17:23 - Israel Removed from God's Sight"), solidifying the cause-and-effect relationship between their persistent sin and divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the death of Solomon, the united monarchy fractured into two kingdoms: Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom, established alternative worship sites at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves, to prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem for worship, fearing their allegiance might shift back to the Davidic dynasty. This act, detailed in [1 Kings 12:26-30](/1_kings/12-26-30 "1 Kings 12:26-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves and Sin"), became the foundational sin that plagued Israel for over two centuries. Successive kings, with few exceptions, continued and even intensified this idolatry, often incorporating Baal worship and other pagan practices. Culturally, this led to widespread syncretism, blurring the lines between the worship of Yahweh and the worship of Canaanite deities, a direct violation of the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai. The period leading up to the events of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel") was marked by political instability, moral decay, and the rising threat of the Assyrian Empire, which eventually overwhelmed the weakened and apostate Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes underscored by 2 Kings 17:22 include **Persistent Disobedience** and **Covenant Infidelity**, highlighting Israel's chronic and unyielding rebellion against God's commands. The phrase "walked in all the sins... they departed not from them" powerfully conveys the sustained nature of their apostasy, not just isolated acts. This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Judgment as Consequence**, demonstrating that their eventual exile was not arbitrary but a direct result of their refusal to heed warnings from prophets like Hosea and Amos, and turn from their wicked ways, as seen in [2 Kings 17:13](/2_kings/17-13 "2 Kings 17:13 - God's Warnings Through Prophets"). The verse also emphasizes the **Legacy of Leadership's Impact**, as Jeroboam's initial sin set a destructive precedent that subsequent generations embraced, leading to widespread **Idolatry and Apostasy**, the core sin of abandoning exclusive worship of the one true God in favor of man-made idols and pagan practices, violating the very essence of the Mosaic covenant found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walked (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This verb (H3212), often translated as "walked," signifies not merely physical movement but a manner of life, a habitual course of conduct, or a chosen path. When applied to sin, as here, it denotes a continuous, pervasive, and intentional lifestyle of disobedience rather than isolated acts. It implies a deliberate adherence to a particular way of living, characterizing Israel's generations-long commitment to Jeroboam's idolatry.
* **Sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʾâh'_):** This term (H2403) broadly refers to missing the mark, straying from the right path, or rebellion against God's revealed will. In the context of Jeroboam, it specifically points to the systemic idolatry and apostasy he instituted, which constituted a fundamental breach of the covenant, particularly the first two commandments. The plural "sins" indicates the manifold ways this foundational apostasy manifested in the nation's life, encompassing both the golden calves and the subsequent adoption of other pagan practices.
* **Departed (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This primitive root (H5493), used in the negative "departed not," emphasizes the stubborn, unyielding, and unrepentant nature of Israel's disobedience. It conveys a complete lack of turning away or repentance, despite repeated warnings and opportunities. It underscores the deep entrenchment of these sinful patterns within the national consciousness and practice, indicating a willful refusal to change course and return to covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did":** This clause establishes the comprehensive and continuous nature of Israel's apostasy. "The children of Israel" refers to the entire Northern Kingdom, indicating a pervasive national embrace of the idolatry. "Walked in all the sins" signifies that their entire way of life, their religious and social practices, were characterized by the specific forms of disobedience initiated by Jeroboam. This includes the worship of golden calves, the establishment of unauthorized priesthoods, and the abandonment of Jerusalem as the central place of worship, all of which constituted a fundamental rejection of the Mosaic covenant and the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The phrase "which he did" highlights the origin and enduring legacy of this foundational rebellion.
* **"they departed not from them":** This second clause powerfully reinforces the first, highlighting the unyielding and unrepentant nature of their rebellion. Despite prophetic warnings, divine judgments, and the unfolding historical consequences, the nation stubbornly refused to turn away from these established sinful patterns. This phrase underscores their chronic infidelity and their unwillingness to return to covenant faithfulness, illustrating a profound spiritual blindness and hardened heart that persisted across generations, ultimately sealing their fate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Summary Statement** is primary, as the verse condenses centuries of Israel's spiritual history into a single, concise theological explanation for their downfall. It acts as a divine verdict. **Repetition/Emphasis** is achieved through the dual phrasing "walked in all the sins" and "departed not from them," which powerfully underscores the persistent, pervasive, and unrepentant nature of Israel's disobedience. This serves to highlight the deliberate and continuous choice of the nation to remain in sin. Furthermore, the verse functions as a statement of **Cause and Effect**, implicitly linking Israel's unwavering commitment to Jeroboam's sins directly to the subsequent divine judgment of exile detailed in the surrounding context. Finally, it serves as **Theological Commentary**, offering God's own interpretation of Israel's history and the ultimate reason for their national catastrophe, framing it as a direct consequence of their covenant infidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound implications of 2 Kings 17:22 extend far beyond the historical context of ancient Israel, speaking to the enduring nature of sin, the steadfastness of God's justice, and the critical importance of covenant fidelity. It illustrates that sin, especially when institutionalized and unrepented of, becomes a pervasive force that can lead to national and personal ruin. The "sins of Jeroboam" represent a foundational compromise with truth that, once accepted, opened the door to widespread idolatry and a complete departure from God's commands. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's patience is not limitless, and His righteous character demands a response to persistent rebellion, ultimately leading to a just reckoning. It underscores the principle that true worship demands exclusive devotion to God, and any deviation, however small it may seem initially, can lead to profound spiritual decay and devastating consequences.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Stubborn Hearts")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Israel's persistent sin and subsequent judgment, encapsulated in 2 Kings 17:22, offers timeless and sobering lessons for believers today. We are called to examine our own lives and communities for any "sins of Jeroboam"—patterns of disobedience, compromise, or inherited traditions that contradict God's Word. This verse warns against the insidious danger of allowing past errors or cultural norms to dictate our spiritual walk if they deviate from biblical truth. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of vigilance and discernment, constantly evaluating our practices and beliefs against the unchanging standard of God's perfect will. Furthermore, it underscores the vital necessity of genuine repentance, reminding us that while God is patient and merciful, His patience is not infinite. When confronted with truth, we are called to turn decisively from sin and embrace the path of obedience. Finally, the lasting negative influence of Jeroboam's actions highlights the immense responsibility of all leaders—in homes, churches, workplaces, and governments—to lead righteously, understanding the profound and generational impact of their choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sins of Jeroboam" (i.e., inherited or normalized patterns of compromise or disobedience) might be present in my own life or in the Christian communities I am part of today?**
* **How does the phrase "departed not from them" challenge my understanding of repentance and the need for ongoing spiritual transformation?**
* **In what ways might I be allowing cultural or personal idols to take God's rightful place in my heart, consciously or unconsciously?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my "walk" (my daily life and choices) consistently aligns with God's Word, rather than drifting into habitual sin?**

### FAQ

**Who was Jeroboam and what were his "sins"?**

Answer: Jeroboam I was the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's death. His primary "sins," as repeatedly condemned throughout the Books of Kings, were establishing alternative worship centers at Dan and Bethel with golden calves, as recorded in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves"). This was a political move to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem to worship, fearing their allegiance would return to the Davidic dynasty. However, it constituted a profound spiritual apostasy, directly violating the first two commandments against idolatry and establishing a pattern of illegitimate worship that plagued the Northern Kingdom until its demise.

**Why is 2 Kings 17:22 considered so significant in the narrative of Israel's downfall?**

Answer: 2 Kings 17:22 is significant because it functions as a concise theological summary and divine explanation for the Northern Kingdom's eventual destruction and exile. Rather than simply recounting historical events, this verse, along with the surrounding passage in [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7-23 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - Why Israel Fell"), provides God's perspective on *why* Israel fell. It attributes their downfall not to military weakness or political maneuvering alone, but primarily to their persistent, unrepented, and comprehensive spiritual rebellion, rooted in the foundational sins introduced by Jeroboam. It highlights the principle of divine justice in response to covenant infidelity.

**What does it mean that "the children of Israel walked in all the sins" and "departed not from them"?**

Answer: The phrase "walked in all the sins" signifies that the nation's entire way of life, their habitual conduct, and their religious practices were characterized by the idolatry and disobedience initiated by Jeroboam. It implies a pervasive and comprehensive embrace of these sinful patterns, not just isolated incidents. The subsequent phrase, "they departed not from them," strongly emphasizes their stubborn refusal to repent or turn away from these established sinful ways, despite repeated warnings from God through His prophets. It underscores the unyielding and unrepentant nature of their apostasy, indicating a deep-seated resistance to spiritual reform that persisted across generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Israel's persistent failure, summarized in 2 Kings 17:22, serves as a powerful backdrop against which the glory of Christ shines ever brighter. Israel's inability to "depart from" the sins of Jeroboam, their chronic covenant infidelity, and their ultimate judgment underscore humanity's desperate need for a perfect King and a new covenant. Where Israel failed to walk in obedience, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law and the covenant, living a life utterly without sin, as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"). He is the true Israel, the faithful Son who never "walked in the sins" of fallen humanity but always did the will of His Father, as He Himself declared in [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus provides the ultimate solution to the problem of sin—not merely the "sins of Jeroboam," but all sin—offering forgiveness and the power to truly "depart from them." The new covenant, inaugurated in His blood, promises not just external laws but a transformed heart, where God's law is written on the spirit, enabling a genuine walk of righteousness through the indwelling Holy Spirit, as prophesied and fulfilled in [Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10-12 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant"). Thus, Israel's failure in 2 Kings 17:22 magnifies the grace and redemptive power found in Christ, who alone can deliver us from the dominion of sin and enable us to walk in newness of life, as proclaimed in [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

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.

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.

2 Kings 13:6

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.)

2 Kings 15:9

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

2 Kings 3:3

Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

2 Kings 10:31

But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin.

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.