How does 2 Kings 13:11 warn against following ungodly leadership? Setting the Verse “And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit; he continued in them.” (2 Kings 13:11) King Jehoahaz has died, and his son Jehoash (also spelled Joash) now rules Israel. Though God showed mercy during Jehoahaz’s reign, his son refuses to change course. One short verse summarizes his legacy: he “continued” in Jeroboam’s sin. That single statement forms a sober warning about the danger of following ungodly leadership. The Warning Exposed • God’s assessment is immediate and clear: “he did evil in the sight of the LORD.” • The evil is not vague; it is specifically “the sins that Jeroboam … had caused Israel to commit.” • Jehoash knew the history, saw the judgment that had already fallen, yet “he continued in them.” • The verse reminds us that ungodly leadership normalizes sin; it persuades people to accept what God rejects. What Happens When Leaders Reject God • Ungodly precedent becomes national practice. (1 Kings 12:28-33) • Spiritual compromise filters down through every layer of society. (Isaiah 9:16) • People become desensitized to idolatry and moral disorder. (Jeremiah 5:30-31) • Judgment is delayed at times, but never withdrawn unless there is repentance. (2 Kings 13:3-7; Romans 2:4-5) Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 29:12 — “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.” • Psalm 118:8-9 — “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” • 1 Corinthians 15:33 — “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” • Matthew 15:14 — “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” • Hosea 10:13 — “You have eaten the fruit of lies because you trusted in your own way.” Applying the Warning Today • Test every leader’s words and actions against Scripture, not popularity or tradition. • Refuse to participate in practices that contradict God’s revealed will, even if they are culturally accepted. • Remember that partial obedience is still disobedience; Jehoash “continued” in sin while possibly doing other things well. • Influence flows both ways—choose leaders who will spur you toward holiness rather than drag you into compromise. • Pray for discernment and courage to stand apart when leaders go astray. (Acts 5:29) Takeaway Truths • God never overlooks sin simply because it is endorsed by those in authority. • Following an ungodly leader makes us complicit in that leader’s rebellion. • True safety and blessing are found in aligning with God’s commands, even if it means standing alone. |
    |