It was for the sins of Jeroboam that he sinned and that he made Israel to sin, and because of the anger to which he provoked the LORD, the God of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just state Jeroboam's sins, but emphasizes that his actions specifically caused Israel to sin, highlighting the contagious and devastating ripple effect of a leader's disobedience. It also points out that God's anger was a direct response to being provoked, not a random outburst, underscoring the seriousness of turning away from Him.
It was for the sins of Jeroboam that he sinned and that he made Israel to sin, and because of the anger to which he provoked the LORD, the God of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes as the narrator recounts the reign of Baasha, who followed King Nadab, Jeroboam's son. Baasha's actions are described as being directly linked to Jeroboam's ongoing sin and his instigation of Israel's idolatry, a legacy that continued to provoke God's anger. The text emphasizes that Baasha's own reign was marked by this inherited sinfulness, setting the stage for further judgment on the northern kingdom.
Ever wonder how one person's bad choices can impact so many others? Jeroboam's life is a powerful example.
This verse highlights how sin isn't just a personal matter; it has far-reaching consequences. Jeroboam didn't just sin himself; his actions actively led an entire nation astray.
Leading Others Astray
Jeroboam's primary sin, as detailed earlier in 1 Kings, was setting up golden calves at Bethel and Dan as alternative places of worship to Jerusalem. This was a direct defiance of God's command to worship only at the appointed place and in the appointed way.
The Burden of Leadership
As king, Jeroboam had a profound responsibility before God. His rebellion against God's established worship not only separated him from God but also corrupted the spiritual lives of the people he ruled, creating a legacy of sin that plagued Israel for generations.
The Bible doesn't shy away from describing God's emotions. What does it mean for God to be angry, and how is it provoked?
The phrase 'because of the anger to which he provoked the LORD' points to a crucial aspect of God's character: He is not indifferent to sin, especially when it involves His covenant people turning away from Him.
Righteous Indignation
God's anger is not like human anger, which is often impulsive, selfish, or uncontrolled. God's anger is a righteous and holy response to rebellion, injustice, and the violation of His perfect will. It is an expression of His commitment to justice and His deep love for His people, which is wounded by their straying.
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The Cause of Provocation
Jeroboam's deliberate and persistent idolatry was a direct affront to the LORD, the God of Israel. It was a betrayal of the covenant relationship God had established. This kind of intentional turning away, especially by a leader responsible for the spiritual well-being of a nation, is what 'provokes' God's holy displeasure.
Understand the original words
ka'as · Hebrew Noun
In the Bible, God's anger refers to His righteous, holy, and settled opposition to sin and rebellion. It is not an unbridled human emotion, but a consistent reaction of a holy God against that which violates His covenant and righteousness.
ka'as · Hebrew Verb
To provoke is to stir up, incite, or cause a strong reaction in another. In a biblical context, it often refers to human actions that incite the holy jealousy or righteous displeasure of God.
This verse highlights how Jeroboam's deliberate political strategy to secure his new kingdom led to profound spiritual corruption, setting a pattern of sin that plagued Israel for centuries and ultimately brought divine judgment.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Splits after Solomon
Upon Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam's harsh response to the people's grievances led to the northern ten tribes seceding, forming the Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam. This division fractured the united nation.
c. 931-910 BC— this verse
Jeroboam's Idolatry
Jeroboam, fearing that a united religious center in Jerusalem would draw his people back to the southern Kingdom of Judah, set up golden calves at Bethel and Dan. He also established non-Levitical priests and unauthorized festivals.
c. 910-909 BC
Reign of Nadab
Jeroboam's son Nadab succeeded him. His reign was short and marked by continued sin, as he followed his father's wicked ways, further solidifying the religious apostasy of the northern kingdom.
c. 909 BC
Baasha Usurps the Throne
Baasha assassinated Nadab and seized the throne. He continued Jeroboam's pattern of sin, ensuring the northern kingdom remained estranged from the true worship of God and the Davidic line.
c. 909-886 BC
Reign of Baasha
Baasha's reign was characterized by conflict with Judah and, crucially, by his continuation of Jeroboam's religious corruptions, deeply entrenching the sin that the LORD condemned.
This passage describes God's judgment on Jeroboam's house due to his sin and how he led Israel into sin, directly linking to the reason for the sin mentioned in 1 Kings 15:30.
2 Chronicles 11:14-15This text explains Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship centers and the appointment of non-Levites as priests, detailing the specific sins that provoked God's anger.
Jeremiah 23:13-14The prophet Jeremiah condemns the prophets of Samaria for their sinful actions and false prophecies, mirroring Jeroboam's sin of leading Israel astray and provoking God's wrath.
Romans 11:22Paul speaks of God's severity and kindness, showing that falling away leads to being cut off, which resonates with the consequences Jeroboam faced for his sin against God and Israel.
The verse doesn't just state Jeroboam's sins, but emphasizes that his actions specifically caused Israel to sin, highlighting the contagious and devastating ripple effect of a leader's disobedience. It also points out that God's anger was a direct response to being provoked, not a random outburst, underscoring the seriousness of turning away from Him.
This verse comes as the narrator recounts the reign of Baasha, who followed King Nadab, Jeroboam's son. Baasha's actions are described as being directly linked to Jeroboam's ongoing sin and his instigation of Israel's idolatry, a legacy that continued to provoke God's anger. The text emphasizes that Baasha's own reign was marked by this inherited sinfulness, setting the stage for further judgment on the northern kingdom.
This verse comes as the narrator recounts the reign of Baasha, who followed King Nadab, Jeroboam's son. Baasha's actions are described as being directly linked to Jeroboam's ongoing sin and his instigation of Israel's idolatry, a legacy that continued to provoke God's anger. The text emphasizes that Baasha's own reign was marked by this inherited sinfulness, setting the stage for further judgment on the northern kingdom.
"It was for the sins of Jeroboam that he sinned and that he made Israel to sin, and because of the anger to which he provoked the LORD, the God of Israel." — The verse doesn't just state Jeroboam's sins, but emphasizes that his actions specifically caused Israel to sin, highlighting the contagious and devastating ripple effect of a leader's disobedien…
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Last reviewed October 2026