2 Kings 15:28

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

2 Kings 15:28 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the historical record of the kings of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament. The person described is Pekahiah, who became king of Israel after his father Menahem died (2 Kings 15:23-24). The writer evaluates his reign not by political achievements but by his relationship to God’s commands.

At this time the nation was divided into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The kings of Israel consistently failed to worship the Lord faithfully, and their reigns were marked by idolatry and disobedience.

Meaning

The phrase “he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord” is a standard judgment used throughout the books of Kings. It measures a ruler’s conduct against God’s revealed will rather than human success. Pekahiah’s evil is specified: he “departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.“

Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom after the nation split. He set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, directing the people to worship there instead of going to Jerusalem as God had commanded. His actions led Israel into idolatry and away from the true worship of the Lord. The expression “who made Israel to sin” points to Jeroboam’s powerful influence in leading the nation astray.

The verse does not list Pekahiah’s specific deeds. Instead, it identifies his failure to turn from the established sinful pattern. He continued what his predecessors had begun, perpetuating idolatry rather than leading the people back to God. His short reign followed the same spiritual path as those before him.

Biblical connections

The same evaluation appears repeatedly in the accounts of Israel’s kings, showing a recurring pattern of disobedience. The reference to Jeroboam’s sins serves as a standard of comparison, demonstrating that Pekahiah walked in the same evil way. This repeated formula underscores how seriously God regards idolatry and how easily ungodly examples are passed from one generation to the next.

Application

The dangers of idolatry remain relevant. Idolatry means worshipping false gods or putting anything above God, and it still leads to spiritual decline and separation from him. Believers are called to guard their hearts against such tendencies and to pursue wholehearted devotion to the one true God.

Pekahiah’s failure also highlights the importance of spiritual leadership. Leaders bear responsibility to lead by example, promote righteousness, and guide others in the ways of God. Those in positions of influence should strive to be faithful and direct others toward him.

Personal obedience matters as well. Each person must follow God’s commandments and depart from sin, not simply conform to the practices of those around them. The verse warns that persisting in disobedience brings consequences and separates us from God. It invites self-examination, asking whether we are walking in righteousness and obedience before him.

Reflection

Pekahiah’s story is a sobering reminder of the influence of leadership and the weight of personal responsibility. It also shows that God evaluates our lives by his standards, not by outward success. The call is to learn from these examples, reject the sins of the past, and choose faithful obedience to the Lord.