2 kings 10:29 - However, Jehu didn’t depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel to sin, the golden calves that were in Bethel and that were in Dan.

Generated Verse: 2 kings 10:29

What does "2 kings 10:29" mean?


This verse from 2 Kings 10:29 means that despite Jehu's zealous purge of Baal worship and the house of Ahab, he did not abolish the idolatrous practices instituted by Jeroboam I. Specifically, he allowed the worship of the golden calves in Bethel and Dan to continue.

Here's a breakdown:

"However, Jehu didn’t depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat..." This establishes a contrast. Jehu is praised elsewhere in the chapter for his aggressive actions against Baal worshippers. However, this verse highlights a crucial area where he fell short.

"...with which he made Israel to sin..." This references Jeroboam I's introduction of calf worship as a political and religious strategy to prevent the people of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) from traveling to Jerusalem in the Southern Kingdom (Judah) to worship at the Temple. He feared this would lead to reunification under the Davidic dynasty and diminish his power.

"...the golden calves that were in Bethel and that were in Dan." These were the specific locations where Jeroboam I established rival worship centers, each housing a golden calf. These calves were meant to represent Yahweh, but their creation and use were strictly forbidden by God's law, making them idols.

In essence, the verse is saying that Jehu's reformation was incomplete. While he eliminated one form of idolatry (Baal worship), he retained another, the politically motivated worship of the golden calves established by Jeroboam I. This was a critical flaw that ultimately led to continued spiritual decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

What categories does "2 kings 10:29" have?