What is the meaning of 2 Kings 14:24? And he did evil in the sight of the LORD ‒ Scripture presents God’s evaluation, not mere human opinion. Just as 1 Kings 15:26 and 2 Kings 13:2 repeat the divine verdict on earlier kings, this line weighs Jeroboam II on the unchanging standard of God’s holiness (cf. Psalm 51:4). ‒ “Evil” points to active rebellion against the covenant laid out in Exodus 19–24; it is measured by God’s commandments, not by political success. ‒ The phrase reminds us that outward prosperity (2 Kings 14:25–28) never excuses sin; God’s gaze penetrates appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). and did not turn away ‒ Repentance was available, yet Jeroboam II refused, echoing the stubbornness warned against in Deuteronomy 30:17–18 and later condemned in 2 Kings 17:14. ‒ Throughout Israel’s history, moments of turning bring mercy (2 Chronicles 30:9), while refusal to turn invites judgment (Ezekiel 18:30–32). Jeroboam II chose the latter path. from all the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit ‒ Jeroboam I’s defining sins (1 Kings 12:28-33) included: • Setting up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, reshaping worship into idolatry. • Establishing unauthorized priests (v. 31). • Inventing a festival to replace the God-given feasts (v. 32). ‒ These innovations became systemic, ensnaring every northern king afterward (2 Kings 17:21-23). Hosea 8:5-6 singles out the calf for God’s particular anger. ‒ Jeroboam II perpetuated the entire package—“all the sins”—showing that partial reform is no reform at all (James 2:10 illustrates the principle). summary 2 Kings 14:24 portrays Jeroboam II as continuing the entrenched idolatry begun by Jeroboam I, refusing repentance, and living under God’s clear disapproval despite national success. The verse warns that God sees every generation’s choices, that inherited sin must be broken rather than maintained, and that genuine turning to the LORD alone brings favor and life. |
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