2 Kings 17:21

For he rent Israel from the house of Dauid, and they made Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat king, and Ieroboam draue Israel from following the Lord, and made them sinne a great sinne. 2 Kings 17:21 (KJV)

Historical Background: The verse is situated in the context of the divided kingdom of Israel. After the reign of Solomon, the united kingdom split into two: the northern kingdom, called Israel, and the southern kingdom, called Judah. The verse describes the reign of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, after the division of the kingdom.

God’s Covenant and Israel’s Disobedience: The verse begins by mentioning how God “rent Israel from the house of David.” This refers to the division of the kingdom, which was a consequence of Israel’s disobedience to God’s commandments and also a consequence of Solomon’s own sins and idolatry, not solely due to the general disobedience of the people. God had made a covenant with the nation of Israel, promising blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. The division of the kingdom was a result of Israel’s persistent rebellion against God’s laws and of Solomon’s persistent rebellion against God’s laws.

Jeroboam’s Reign: The verse states that Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, became the king of Israel. He was chosen by the people and appointed by God as a result of Solomon’s disobedience (1 Kings 11:29-39). Unfortunately, Jeroboam did not lead the people in obedience to the Lord. Instead, he “drove Israel from following the Lord.” Jeroboam introduced idolatry in Israel by erecting golden calves and instituting unauthorized worship practices to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:25-33). This led to a great sin and departure from the true worship of God.

The Consequences of Sin: The verse concludes by stating that the people of Israel, under Jeroboam’s leadership, committed a great sin. This sin refers to their idolatry and abandonment of God’s commandments. Israel’s disobedience had severe consequences. Eventually, the Assyrians invaded and conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of the Israelite people (2 Kings 17:5-23).

Key Lessons: Obedience to God’s commands is crucial: Israel’s division and subsequent downfall were a direct result of their disobedience to God’s laws and of Solomon’s sins and idolatry. The danger of idolatry: Jeroboam’s introduction of idol worship led the people away from the true worship of God. Consequences of sin: Israel’s sin had grave consequences.