King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:9 Mean?

2 Kings 15:9 in the King James Version says “And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jerob... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

2 Kings 15:9 · KJV


Context

7

So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

8

In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

9

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

10

And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

11

And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
עָשׂ֖וּ1 of 17

And he did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָרַע֙2 of 17

that which was evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 17

in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 17

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשׂ֖וּ6 of 17

And he did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֲבֹתָ֑יו7 of 17

as his fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לֹ֣א8 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

סָ֗ר9 of 17

he departed

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽחַטֹּאות֙10 of 17

not from the sins

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

יָֽרָבְעָ֣ם11 of 17

of Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן12 of 17

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נְבָ֔ט13 of 17

of Nebat

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא15 of 17

to sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אֶת16 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

who made Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 15:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 15:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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