2 Kings 10:29

but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit--the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

Study Bible

but he did not turn away
This phrase highlights a critical moment of decision and failure. The Hebrew root for "turn away" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or repent. In the context of the Old Testament, repentance is a turning back to God, a theme that resonates throughout the scriptures. Despite Jehu's zeal in eradicating Baal worship, his failure to fully repent and turn away from other sins underscores the incomplete nature of his reforms. This serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, not just partial obedience.

from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat
Jeroboam's sins are a recurring theme in the narrative of the Kings. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, established a pattern of idolatry that plagued Israel for generations. The Hebrew word for "sins" is "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ah), which implies a moral failure or offense against God. Jeroboam's actions set a precedent that led Israel away from the worship of Yahweh, illustrating how leadership can profoundly influence a nation's spiritual direction.

which he had caused Israel to commit
This phrase emphasizes the responsibility of leadership in leading others into sin. The Hebrew verb "חָטָא" (chata) means to sin or miss the mark. Jeroboam's establishment of idol worship was not just a personal failing but a national one, as he led the people into collective sin. This highlights the biblical principle that leaders are accountable for the spiritual welfare of those they lead, a sobering reminder of the weight of leadership.

the worship of the golden calves
The golden calves were a direct violation of the first and second commandments, which prohibit idolatry. The Hebrew word for "calves" is "עֵגֶל" (egel), which refers to a young bull. This idolatry was a syncretistic attempt to blend the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, a common temptation for Israel. The golden calves symbolized a tangible, yet false, representation of God, leading the people into a form of worship that was easier but ultimately destructive.

at Bethel and Dan
Bethel and Dan were the two locations where Jeroboam set up the golden calves. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of these cultic sites, which were strategically placed at the southern and northern borders of the kingdom. Bethel, meaning "house of God," was a place of significant historical and spiritual importance, while Dan was a northern city that served as a convenient worship site for those far from Jerusalem. These locations were chosen to prevent the Israelites from going to Jerusalem to worship, thus consolidating Jeroboam's political power but leading the nation into spiritual compromise.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehu
The king of Israel who was anointed by God to destroy the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship from Israel. Despite his zeal for God in these tasks, he failed to fully turn away from idolatry.

2. Jeroboam son of Nebat
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division. He established the worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan to prevent the Israelites from going to Jerusalem, leading them into sin.

3. Bethel and Dan
Locations in the northern kingdom of Israel where Jeroboam set up golden calves as objects of worship, leading the people into idolatry.

4. Golden Calves
Idols made by Jeroboam to represent God, which became a significant sin for Israel, as it was a direct violation of the commandment against idolatry.

5. The Sins of Jeroboam
Refers to the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam, which became a recurring sin for the northern kingdom of Israel.

Teaching Points

Partial Obedience is Disobedience
Jehu's failure to remove the golden calves shows that partial obedience to God is not enough. True obedience requires a complete turning away from sin.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry, in any form, leads us away from God. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing idols from our lives, whether they are physical objects or misplaced priorities.

The Influence of Leadership
Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual direction of their people. Jehu's failure to lead Israel away from idolatry had lasting consequences. As leaders in our communities, we must guide others toward righteousness.

The Consequences of Sin
The sins of Jeroboam had long-lasting effects on Israel. Our actions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jehu's failure to remove the golden calves about the importance of complete obedience to God?

2. How does the account of the golden calves in Bethel and Dan relate to the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32, and what lessons can we draw from these events?

3. In what ways might we be tempted to create "golden calves" in our own lives today, and how can we guard against this form of idolatry?

4. How does the leadership of Jehu compare to that of Jeroboam, and what does this teach us about the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness?

5. Reflecting on the consequences of Jeroboam's sins, how can we ensure that our actions today positively impact future generations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai, which parallels the sin of Jeroboam in leading the people into idolatry.

1 Kings 12:25-33
Details Jeroboam's establishment of the golden calves and the reasons behind it, providing context for the ongoing sin in Israel.

Hosea 8:5-6
The prophet Hosea condemns the calf worship in Samaria, highlighting God's displeasure with Israel's idolatry.

2 Kings 17:21-23
Describes the eventual downfall of Israel due to persistent idolatry, including the sins of Jeroboam.