Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a pretty serious one and speaks about a significant turning point in biblical history. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of extreme wickedness by God, specifically targeting King Jeroboam. It says that while he was doing something truly bad – and it wasn’t just a small mistake – he didn’t stop. He continued to commit the same sins he had previously done. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD:" This is a very strong way of saying "He did something terrible." “Evil” means morally wrong or sinful. It’s not just a minor transgression; it’s a significant act that goes against God's will and principles. "he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat..." This is crucial. “Departed” means stopped, halted, or abandoned. Jeroboam was King of Israel, and this verse says he continued to do the same bad things – the same sins – that he had previously done. "...who made Israel to sin." This tells us why it was evil. Jeroboam's actions led to Israel disobeying God’s commands and committing sin. In short, this verse describes a period where King Jeroboam continued to be a bad person, and that badness continues to affect the people of Israel. What does this tell us about God's perspective? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God was disappointed with Jeroboam’s leadership. It suggests that God wasn’t satisfied by Jeroboam’s actions and might have been angry or concerned about the continued spread of sin. It highlights a challenging time for Israel, showing God's judgment and desire for righteousness. Important Note: This is just one verse in a longer story! The Bible often has layers of meaning, and this verse is part of a larger narrative that explores themes of disobedience, punishment, and God’s plan for humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another passage from the same book? Discuss the context surrounding this verse in more detail (like its time period)?