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.

Nevertheless he cleaved {H1692} unto the sins {H2403} of Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}, which made Israel {H3478} to sin {H2398}; he departed {H5493} not therefrom.

Nevertheless, he clung to the sins of Yarov'am the son of N'vat, with which he had led Isra'el into sin; he never turned away from them.

Nevertheless, he clung to the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.

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

Commentary

2 Kings 3:3 describes the continued spiritual compromise of King Jehoram (also known as Joram) of Israel, despite some positive changes in his reign. The verse states, "Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom." This highlights a persistent pattern of disobedience that plagued the Northern Kingdom.

Context of 2 Kings 3:3

This verse follows the introduction of Jehoram's reign, which began in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah (2 Kings 3:1). Jehoram was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, notorious for their promotion of Baal worship in Israel. While Jehoram did remove the image of Baal that his father had made (2 Kings 3:2), signifying a partial break from his parents' extreme idolatry, he did not abandon the foundational religious apostasy established by Jeroboam I. This "sin of Jeroboam" refers to the establishment of golden calves at Bethel and Dan, designed to prevent the ten northern tribes from returning to Jerusalem for worship, thereby securing his political control (see 1 Kings 12:28-30).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persistent Idolatry: The phrase "cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam" (Hebrew: dabaq, meaning to cling or stick fast) emphasizes a deep-seated adherence to false worship. Even though Jehoram removed Baal, he maintained the calf worship, indicating a stubborn refusal to fully commit to the Lord God of Israel.
  • Consequences of Leadership: Jeroboam's initial political maneuver had profound spiritual consequences, "which made Israel to sin." This verse underscores how the choices of leaders can profoundly impact the spiritual trajectory of an entire nation, leading generations astray. Many kings after Jeroboam, like Baasha (1 Kings 15:34) and Omri (1 Kings 16:26), are similarly condemned for following Jeroboam's path.
  • Partial Obedience vs. Full Devotion: Jehoram's actions illustrate the danger of partial obedience. While removing one form of idolatry (Baal) was commendable, retaining another (the golden calves) demonstrated a lack of complete dedication to God. True repentance and restoration require a full turning away from all forms of disobedience.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew verb dabaq (Χ“Χ‘Χ§), translated as "cleaved unto," suggests a strong, almost inseparable bond. It's the same word used to describe a man "cleaving" to his wife in marriage (Genesis 2:24). Its use here highlights the deep-rooted and persistent nature of Jehoram's adherence to these sins, not just a passive acceptance but an active commitment to them.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for individuals and leaders today. It cautions against spiritual compromise and the temptation to cling to "acceptable" sins or traditions that subtly divert us from complete obedience to God. Just as Jehoram made some reforms but not a full break, we must examine our lives for areas where we might be holding onto "golden calves"β€”things that substitute for or distract from genuine worship and devotion to the Lord. True faith demands a full and undivided heart (Deuteronomy 6:5), not merely the absence of the most egregious offenses.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 14:16 (7 votes)

    And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.

  • 2 Kings 15:18 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 13:33 (3 votes)

    After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places.

  • 1 Kings 15:34 (3 votes)

    And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.

  • 2 Kings 13:11 (3 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.

  • 1 Kings 12:26 (3 votes)

    And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:

  • 1 Kings 12:33 (3 votes)

    So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, [even] in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense.