A Devastating Start

A devastating start.  As we read through the kings, we see that a majority of the kings of Judah are good kings, and those of Israel are evil, not doing what was right in the sight of the Lord.  Did you also notice the reference point of each of these evil kings?  Here are a few examples:  King Menahem of Israel “did not turn away from the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit”, King Pekahiah of Israel “did not turn away from the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had cause Israel to commit”, and King Pekah of Israel “did not turn away from the sins Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit” (2 Kings 15:18, 24, and 28).  This is summarized again by stating, “When the Lord tore Israel from the house of David, Israel made Jeroboam son of Nebat kin.  Then Jeroboam led Israel away from following the Lord and caused them to commit immense sin.  The Israelites persisted in all the sins that Jeroboam committed and did not turn away from them” (2 Kings 17:21-22).  All of the generations of continued sin were referenced back to King Jeroboam son of Nebat as the source.  However, despite the devastating start, the repeated phrase of “did not turn away” indicates each generation had a choice, but they continue in the same devastating, sinful path.