What is the meaning of 2 Kings 15:18? And he did evil in the sight of the LORD “Evil” here is evaluated by God, not by shifting human standards. The LORD’s view is the only verdict that counts (Proverbs 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:10). King Menahem’s actions—especially his brutality in 2 Kings 15:16—mirror the pattern of earlier northern rulers who “did what was evil in the sight of the LORD” (Judges 2:11; 1 Kings 14:22). In Scripture, “evil” usually points to idolatry and injustice together; both break covenant fidelity with God and harm people made in His image. and throughout his reign Sin was not an isolated lapse but the settled direction of Menahem’s ten-year rule (2 Kings 15:17). Contrast with kings like Asa, who “did what was right” for most of his life (1 Kings 15:11), showing long-term obedience is possible. A reign marked by unbroken rebellion demonstrates a hardened heart (Hebrews 3:13), and it infects the nation over time (Hosea 4:9). he did not turn away Repentance is the God-given path back to blessing (2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 3:19). Menahem refused it. Notice the active wording: “he did not turn.” Turning is a deliberate choice. Even after facing Assyrian pressure and enormous tribute payments (2 Kings 15:19–20), he still clung to sin. Persistent refusal to repent invites judgment and eventually exile, as later chapters reveal (2 Kings 17:22–23). from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat Jeroboam I established rival worship sites at Bethel and Dan with golden calves, telling Israel, “Here are your gods” (1 Kings 12:28–30). That counterfeit system became the default religion of the northern kingdom (1 Kings 13:33–34). Every subsequent king was measured against it. By holding to Jeroboam’s pattern, Menahem rejected the temple in Jerusalem and the priesthood ordained by God (Deuteronomy 12:5–6). had caused Israel to commit Leadership influences a whole people (Luke 6:40; James 3:1). Jeroboam’s initial compromise led generations into idolatry. Menahem perpetuated that legacy, confirming Proverbs 29:12—“If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials become wicked.” National sin never excuses personal responsibility; each Israelite still answered to God (Ezekiel 18:30). Yet when kings endorse sin, the nation’s slide accelerates (2 Kings 17:21). summary 2 Kings 15:18 shows King Menahem as another link in a chain of rebellion begun by Jeroboam. God’s verdict—“He did evil”—is based on unrepentant idolatry that persisted “throughout his reign.” Refusal to turn amplifies the damage, proving how leadership can pull an entire nation away from covenant loyalty. The verse calls readers to heed God’s assessment, practice continual repentance, and recognize the serious influence of their own example on others. |
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