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.

And he did {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, as his fathers {H1} had done {H6213}: he departed {H5493} not from the sins {H2403} of Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}, who made Israel {H3478} to sin {H2398}.

He did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, just as his ancestors had done; he did not turn from all the sins of Yarov'am the son of N'vat, who made Isra'el sin.

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit.

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

Commentary

Context

2 Kings 15:9 introduces Zachariah, the son of Jeroboam II, as the new king of Israel. This period marks a rapid decline and instability in the Northern Kingdom, characterized by frequent changes in leadership, assassinations, and continued spiritual apostasy. Zachariah's reign was brief, lasting only six months, before he was assassinated. The phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" is a recurring judgment pronounced upon nearly every king of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and many kings of Judah, indicating their failure to uphold God's covenant and laws.

Key Themes

  • Generational Sin: The verse explicitly states Zachariah followed "as his fathers had done," highlighting a persistent pattern of disobedience and idolatry passed down through the kings of Israel. This cycle of sin ultimately led to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom.
  • The Sins of Jeroboam: The specific reference to "the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat" is crucial. This refers to the idolatrous worship of golden calves established by Jeroboam I at Bethel and Dan, which became the foundational sin of the Northern Kingdom from its very inception. This religious deviation was a political move to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship, but it fundamentally violated the First and Second Commandments (Exodus 20:3-4).
  • Leadership's Influence: Jeroboam I "made Israel to sin," underscoring the immense responsibility and impact of national leadership. A leader's choices, particularly in spiritual matters, profoundly affect the entire populace.
  • God's Consistent Judgment: The repeated indictment of kings "doing evil in the sight of the LORD" demonstrates God's consistent standard of righteousness and His unwavering judgment against idolatry and unfaithfulness.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (Hebrew: וַיַּעַשׂ הָרַע בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה, vayya'as hara b'einei YHWH) is a standard theological formula used throughout the books of Kings to assess the reign of each monarch. It signifies a profound moral and spiritual failure from God's perspective, often revolving around idolatry and injustice rather than merely political or military prowess. This consistent divine evaluation highlights God's ultimate authority over human rulers and His moral expectations for His people.

Significance and Application

This verse serves as a stark reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Gravity of Idolatry: The persistent return to the sins of Jeroboam highlights the deep-seated nature of idolatry and its destructive power. Any deviation from worshipping God alone is considered evil in His sight.
  • The Weight of Influence: Leaders, whether in a nation, family, or church, bear a heavy responsibility for the spiritual direction of those they lead. Their choices can "make others sin" or lead them towards righteousness.
  • Breaking Cycles of Sin: The pattern of "as his fathers had done" illustrates generational sin. For individuals and communities, there is a call to break free from ungodly patterns and to seek God's righteousness, rather than passively continuing in inherited transgressions. This requires intentional repentance and a turning back to God's ways, as seen in calls for repentance throughout the prophets (e.g., Jeremiah 3:22).
  • God's Unchanging Standard: Despite the changing kings and political landscapes, God's standard for righteousness remains constant. He continually observes and judges human actions, holding all accountable to His divine law.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 10:31 (2 votes)

    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 14:24 (2 votes)

    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 to sin.

  • 2 Kings 13:11 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Kings 13:2 (2 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.