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.

And he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}; he departed {H5493} not from all the sins {H2403} of Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}, who made Israel {H3478} sin {H2398}: but he walked {H1980} therein.

He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective and did not turn from all the sins of Yarov'am the son of N'vat, who made Isra'el sin; on the contrary, he lived in this sinful way.

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

And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, wherewith he made Israel to sin; but he walked therein.

Commentary

2 Kings 13:11 provides a concise spiritual assessment of King Jehoahaz of Israel, indicating his failure to depart from the widespread idolatry that plagued the Northern Kingdom. This verse is part of the historical account detailing the reigns of Israelite kings, often characterized by their spiritual standing before God.

Context

King Jehoahaz was the son of Jehu and ruled over Israel for seventeen years. The historical books of Kings frequently evaluate the kings of the divided kingdom based on their faithfulness to the LORD. For the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a recurring condemnation was their adherence to the "sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat." Jeroboam introduced golden calves at Bethel and Dan as alternative worship centers to Jerusalem, thereby leading the people into idolatry and away from the true worship of God. Jehoahaz, like most of his predecessors, continued this pattern of religious disobedience.

Key Themes

  • Persistent Disobedience: The phrase "he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" is a standard biblical indictment, signifying that Jehoahaz's reign was characterized by actions and policies contrary to God's will and covenant.
  • The Enduring Legacy of Sin: This verse highlights how the sin initiated by Jeroboam continued to corrupt subsequent generations of Israelite leadership and society. Jehoahaz's inability or unwillingness to "depart not from all the sins of Jeroboam" underscores the powerful, detrimental impact of established patterns of sin within a nation.
  • Divine Displeasure: The consistent use of "in the sight of the LORD" emphasizes God's perspective and judgment on human actions. God is not merely an observer but an active judge who holds kings and nations accountable for their spiritual choices. This persistent rebellion ultimately led to dire consequences for Israel, detailed later in 2 Kings 17:7-18, culminating in their exile.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (Hebrew: רַע בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה, ra' be'eyney Yahweh) is a critical theological assessment used throughout the books of Kings. It signifies a fundamental moral and spiritual failing, indicating a king's deviation from God's commands, often specifically referring to idolatry and a failure to uphold the covenant with the one true God. This judgment is not subjective but reflects God's objective standard of righteousness.

Practical Application

The commentary on King Jehoahaz offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Gravity of Leadership: Leaders, whether in government, community, or family, have a profound impact. Their choices can establish patterns of righteousness or sin that affect many for generations.
  • Breaking Cycles: While the verse highlights a cycle of disobedience, it also implicitly calls for individuals to break from inherited or established patterns of sin. Personal and corporate repentance is always possible and desired by God.
  • God's Unchanging Standard: God's standards of righteousness and holiness are consistent. What was considered "evil" in His sight in ancient Israel remains so today. Understanding and adhering to His will is essential for spiritual well-being.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 13:2 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 3:3 (2 votes)

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