What is the definition of 2 Kings 10:29? ๐ ๐
Howbeit [from] the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, [to wit], the golden calves that [were] in Bethel, and that [were] in Dan.
Explanation:
Okay, letโs break down this verse from 2 Kings 10:29. Itโs a really important passage about repentance and forgiveness. Here's a simplified explanation:
The Basic Story:
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Jeroboam was a Problem:
The verse describes Jeroboam, the second son of Nebat, as a leader who caused Israel to sin. He built two altars โ one in Bethel (a significant place) and another in Dan (another important location).
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The Golden calves were there:
These altars werenโt just for worship; they were also made of golden calf โ a symbol of idolatry, which is worshipping other gods instead of God. It was a really serious offense to God.
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Jehu Arrives:
Jehu, who was a judge and a warrior, arrives in the area. Heโs not trying to punish Jeroboam; he's actually ๐trying to save Israel๐.
What happened next?
Jehu doesn't immediately kill Jeroboam. Instead, he takes the golden calves and brings them back to the place where they were originally built โ Bethel and Dan. He lets them be.
The Key Message:
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Forgiveness Through Repentance:
The verse emphasizes that Jehu didnโt just ๐stop๐ the sin; he ๐allowed it๐ to happen. This is a crucial point. It's not about punishing Jeroboam for his mistakes, but about offering forgiveness and allowing God to continue working with Israel.
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Repentance is Key:
The act of bringing the calves back shows that Jehu was showing repentance โ acknowledging his mistake and promising to change.
In short, this verse says that after a period of sin, Jehu didnโt punish Jeroboam; he allowed the people to return the golden calves, demonstrating a willingness to forgive and move forward.
Think of it like this:
It's not about punishing someone for doing something wrong. Itโs about showing that someone is ready to turn away from their mistakes and seek forgiveness.
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Do you want me to:
๐ Explain another part of the verse?
๐ Connect this passage to a larger theme in the Bible (like repentance or justice)?