2 Kings 17:21 (KJV) states, "For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a great sin."

This verse is a part of the story of the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel, a tragic and sobering account of the consequences of disobedience and turning away from God. To fully understand the meaning and commentary of 2 Kings 17:21, it is important to explore its context within the biblical narrative, as well as the themes, symbolism, and historical significance it holds.

The book of 2 Kings is a historical account of the kings of Israel and Judah, documenting their reigns and the events that transpired during their rule. Chapter 17 in particular focuses on the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel, which occurred as a result of their persistent disobedience and idolatry. Throughout the chapter, the author highlights the continuous pattern of rebellion against God, which ultimately led to the kingdom's destruction.

In verse 21, the phrase "he rent Israel from the house of David" signifies the breaking of the united kingdom of Israel, which had previously been ruled by King David's descendants. The division of the nation into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah was a direct result of the people's sinful behavior and disregard for God's commandments.

The verse also introduces Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who became the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after leading a revolt against King Solomon's son, Rehoboam. Jeroboam's reign was marked by his deliberate efforts to lead the nation away from the worship of the true God, as he "drave Israel from following the Lord." He established a system of idolatry, erecting golden calves as objects of worship and instituting festivals and sacrifices that deviated from the practices outlined in the Law of Moses.

The phrase "and made them sin a great sin" emphasizes the severity of the idolatrous practices and the spiritual degradation that resulted from Jeroboam's leadership. The Israelites' departure from the worship of the Lord not only constituted a great sin in itself, but also set the stage for further moral decline and the eventual downfall of the kingdom.

One of the central themes in this verse is the destructive nature of idolatry and disobedience to God. The consequences of turning away from the true God are clearly illustrated in the tragic fate of the northern kingdom of Israel. The verse serves as a warning to future generations about the perils of forsaking the Lord and seeking after false gods.

Furthermore, the verse underscores the significance of leadership and the impact it can have on a nation or community. Jeroboam's actions as a leader had profound negative effects on the spiritual and moral direction of the entire nation, leading them astray and ultimately contributing to their downfall.

In terms of symbolism, the rift between the house of David and the establishment of Jeroboam as king represents the division and disunity that resulted from the people's disobedience. Additionally, the golden calves and the idolatrous practices instituted by Jeroboam serve as symbols of the people's rejection of the true God and their embrace of false gods.

In conclusion, 2 Kings 17:21 is a poignant reflection on the consequences of disobedience and idolatry, as well as a sobering reminder of the power of leadership to influence the spiritual direction of a community. The verse carries profound lessons about the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of straying from His commandments. It stands as a timeless admonition to all who read it, urging them to heed the warnings of history and remain steadfast in their devotion to the one true God.