Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a really important and sobering passage from the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a moment of profound betrayal and wickedness by King Solomon’s son, Jeroboam, who was acting in opposition to God’s commands. Let’s unpack each part: “2 Kings 15:9” : This refers to a specific event described in the Book of Kings. It's a detail about a significant incident in ancient Israel. “And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD…” : This is the key part. “Evil” here doesn’t mean just being bad; it means acting against God’s will, disobeying His commands, and committing sin. The word "evil" emphasizes a deliberate choice to do something wrong. "...as his fathers had done..." : This connects the event to a long history of disobedience. It's saying that Jeroboam was repeating the mistakes of his ancestors – those who disobeyed God in similar ways. This highlights a pattern of sin throughout Israel’s history. “he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat…” : This is crucial! The verse states that Jeroboam didn't stop being wicked. He continued to act against God’s rule, just like his father did before him. This shows a continuation of a cycle of wrongdoing. "...who made Israel to sin." : This tells us the context: Jeroboam was leading Israel into a period of disobedience and rebellion against God's laws, leading them to commit sins. In short: The verse paints a picture of a king who deliberately chose to defy God’s authority, repeating the mistakes of his predecessors and causing significant hardship for the people of Israel. It’s a warning about the dangers of pride and disobedience. Why is this important? This story is considered one of the earliest examples of a king actively defying God's will. It’s a reminder that even those in positions of power can fall into sin, and it highlights the importance of obedience to God’s laws as a way to maintain righteousness and peace. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss what this verse might teach us about leadership or sin?