Definition: Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 3:3. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense conflict and judgment after the death of King Jehoiatham. It says that even though he tried to avoid being involved in something bad, he still chose to commit sins – specifically, he continued to support Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was a powerful and rebellious leader. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins…” : This is a key word. "Cleaved" means to stick to something, to remain steadfast in a particular way. So, he tried to avoid being involved in something wrong. “…of Jeroboam the son of Nebat…” : This names the person and his role – Jeroboam was a king who defied the authority of King Solomon. He was known for leading Israel into rebellion. “which made Israel to sin…” : This is where it gets interesting. Jeroboam's rebellion led to widespread disobedience and sinful behavior among the Israelites. They were essentially straying from God’s laws. “…which departed not therefrom.” : This is the crucial part. “Departed” means he didn't stop. "From thence" means "from that place." So, he didn’t stop being involved in the sinful behavior – he continued to support and participate in it. So, what does this mean? It suggests a long-term pattern of support for Jeroboam and his rebellion. He wasn't just doing one bad thing; he was actively encouraging and participating in a cycle of sin and disobedience that affected the entire nation. It paints a picture of a leader who prioritized his own power over God’s will. Important Context: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of unchecked leadership and the importance of resisting temptation and rebellion against God. It’s a reminder that even those who try to avoid wrongdoing can be drawn into it. In short, this verse describes a powerful king who continued to support a rebel leader, contributing to a cycle of sin and disobedience that ultimately harmed the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Kings 3? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like its role in the story of Israel’s history)?