Why did Jehu not turn away from "the sins of Jeroboam" in 2 Kings 10:29? Context of 2 Kings 10:29 “But Jehu did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit, including the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.” What Were “the Sins of Jeroboam”? • 1 Kings 12:28-30 – Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, saying, “Here is your god, O Israel.” • This counterfeit worship deliberately kept the people from going to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:26-27). • It blended reverence for the LORD with idolatrous images, violating Exodus 20:4-5. Jehu’s Initial Zeal—But Only Part-Way • He destroyed Ahab’s house (2 Kings 10:11). • He wiped out Baal worship (2 Kings 10:18-28). • Yet he left the calf-shrines untouched (2 Kings 10:29). Why Jehu Stopped Short • Political security – Removing the calves might drive pilgrims south to Judah’s temple, threatening his throne (compare 1 Kings 12:27). • Popular religion – The calves had become socially acceptable after nearly a century; rooting them out risked unrest. • Partial devotion – 2 Kings 10:31 notes, “Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD with all his heart.” He obeyed where it suited him. • Self-reliance – Hosea 1:4-5 later says Jehu’s dynasty would fall for bloodshed at Jezreel; he trusted political calculation more than God’s covenant commands. Consequences of Jehu’s Compromise • Israel kept sinning (2 Kings 13:2; 17:21-23). • The nation lost territory under Hazael of Aram (2 Kings 10:32-33). • Jehu received only a limited four-generation dynasty (2 Kings 10:30), not the enduring promise given to David. Takeaways for Today • Zeal in one area cannot offset disobedience in another (James 2:10). • Political advantage must never override clear commands of Scripture. • Half-hearted obedience invites long-term loss, even when short-term gains seem obvious (Luke 9:25). |
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