What does 2 Kings 15:24 mean?
"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 15:24

2 Kings 15:24 (KJV) states, "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."
This verse is part of the historical account of the reign of Menahem, who ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel. Menahem is described as doing evil in the sight of the Lord, following in the sinful ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. To fully understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it was written, as well as the themes and symbolism present within it.
First, it is crucial to understand the historical context of this verse. Menahem came to power during a tumultuous time in the history of Israel. The nation had been plagued by political instability and was facing threats from foreign powers. Menahem's rule was marked by a brutal conquest of Tirzah, where he killed many people, including pregnant women. He also enforced heavy taxation on the wealthy to bolster his grip on power. This verse serves as a condemnation of his actions and a reminder of the consequences of straying from the ways of the Lord.
The overarching theme of 2 Kings 15:24 is the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. Throughout the book of 2 Kings, there is a recurring pattern of kings either following the ways of the Lord and experiencing blessings, or turning away from Him and facing judgment. Menahem's actions are seen as a rejection of God's commands, and as a result, he brought further turmoil and suffering upon the nation of Israel. This verse underscores the idea that obedience to God is essential for both individual and national well-being.
The verse also carries symbolic significance, particularly in its reference to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel following the division of the nation into two separate kingdoms. He is remembered for leading the people into idolatry by setting up golden calves for worship, thus perpetuating a legacy of sin and disobedience. By mentioning Menahem's adherence to the sins of Jeroboam, the verse reinforces the idea that the consequences of sin can have a lasting impact on future generations. It serves as a warning against the enduring effects of unfaithfulness and the importance of breaking free from the cycle of sin.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 15:24 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of straying from the ways of the Lord. It offers a powerful commentary on the importance of faithfulness and obedience, as well as the enduring impact of sin. This verse, situated within the broader historical context of the Book of 2 Kings, provides valuable insights into the cyclical nature of disobedience and the pivotal role of faith in the life of individuals and nations. As such, it continues to serve as a timeless lesson for readers today, urging them to uphold the principles of righteousness and faithfulness in their own lives.
Have questions about 2 Kings 15:24?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 15:24 Artwork
2 Kings 15:24 - "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."
"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 15:24
2 Kings 24:15 - "And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon."
2 kings 6:24
2 Kings 15:15 - "And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 24:5 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 3:15
2 Kings 15:11 - "And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 15:6 - "And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
1 Kings 15:24 - "And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 24:11 - "And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city, and his servants did besiege it."
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 15:36 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 15:26 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 24:10 - "¶ At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged."
2 Kings 13:24 - "So Hazael king of Syria died; and Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 24:19 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done."
2 Kings 24:6 - "So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 24:17 - "¶ And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah."
2 Kings 15:29 show the army and attack
2 Kings 24:9 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father had done."
2 Kings 18:15 - "And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house."
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
"And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon." - 2 Kings 24:15
2 Kings 6:24 - "¶ And it came to pass after this, that Ben-hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria."
2 Kings 15:22 - "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 24:4 - "And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon."