2 Kings 13:11 – “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he continued in them.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes the moral and spiritual evaluation of Jehoash (also spelled Joash), king of Israel. It says that he “did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” meaning that his reign was marked by disobedience to God. Specifically, Jehoash followed the sinful practices that Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom, had introduced. These sins included idolatry, such as the worship of the golden calves that Jeroboam set up to prevent the Israelites from going to Jerusalem to worship God. Instead of leading the people back to true worship, Jehoash continued in the same idolatrous practices that had plagued Israel for generations.

Historical Context

This verse takes place during the divided kingdom period, where Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) were separate political entities. Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, had established idolatrous worship practices as a means of maintaining control over his people. These practices persisted throughout the reigns of many kings in Israel, including Jehoash. Despite several military challenges and periods of hardship, the leaders of Israel did not turn back to God, continuing in their rebellious ways. Jehoash’s reign reflected this ongoing spiritual decline, despite occasional acts of mercy from God.

Theological Implications

This verse shows the consequences of a nation’s leaders choosing to walk in disobedience. Jehoash’s decision to continue in the sins of Jeroboam had a widespread impact, not only leading him away from God but also reinforcing the idolatry of the entire nation of Israel. This teaches us that sin can become entrenched over generations if not confronted and repented of. Theologically, this verse underscores the importance of leadership in influencing a nation’s spiritual direction. It also highlights the long-lasting effects of disobedience and the need for a heart that is willing to turn back to God in repentance.

Literary Analysis

The phrase “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” is commonly used throughout the Books of Kings to describe rulers who failed to lead the nation in obedience to God. This verse not only condemns Jehoash’s reign but ties it directly to the earlier sins of Jeroboam. The repetition of this formulaic expression emphasizes the ongoing spiritual decline of Israel’s leadership. The verse presents a contrast between God’s expectations for His people and their persistent rebellion.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Kings 12:28-30 – This passage details how Jeroboam set up golden calves for Israel to worship, a sin that continued throughout many generations of kings.
• 2 Kings 10:29 – Even Jehu, another king of Israel who did much to rid the nation of Baal worship, did not remove the sins of Jeroboam.
• Deuteronomy 5:7-9 – God’s command against idolatry and worshiping other gods, which Jehoash and Israel continually disobeyed.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of continuing in sinful practices without repentance. Just as Jehoash followed in the sins of his predecessors, we too can fall into patterns of disobedience if we are not careful to seek God’s will and turn away from behaviors that dishonor Him. It challenges believers to examine their own lives and ask whether there are any “sins of Jeroboam” that we have allowed to persist. It also reminds us that God sees all that we do, and He desires obedience and worship that is centered on Him alone.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in the fact that, despite Jehoash’s disobedience, He continued to show patience and mercy toward Israel. Although Jehoash did evil in God’s eyes, God did not immediately abandon His people. His love is persistent and long-suffering, giving people opportunities to repent and return to Him. This verse shows that God’s desire is for His people to come back to Him, even after generations of rebellion. However, it also demonstrates that God will not ignore sin forever; He expects His people to turn away from wrongdoing.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The continual failure of Israel’s kings, including Jehoash, to lead the people in righteousness points to the need for a perfect King who would fully obey God’s will. Jesus Christ fulfills this role as the ultimate King who not only leads His people in righteousness but also provides the way for true forgiveness and redemption. Unlike the earthly kings who did evil in the eyes of the Lord, Jesus lived a sinless life and reigns eternally as the King who brings spiritual restoration (Hebrews 4:15). Through Christ, we have the power to break free from the cycles of sin that Jehoash and other kings perpetuated.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jehoash continued in the sins of Jeroboam despite seeing the consequences of idolatry?
2. Are there any patterns of disobedience in your life that you need to address and turn away from?
3. How does God’s patience with Israel show His love and desire for His people to return to Him?
4. In what ways does Jesus provide the perfect leadership and deliverance that Israel’s kings failed to offer?