He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin which he made Israel to sin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking thing here isn't just that this king was evil, but that his evil was inherited and contagious. He didn't just repeat Jeroboam's sins; he actively walked in the path Jeroboam forged, perpetuating a cycle that led Israel astray.
He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin which he made Israel to sin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse wraps up the account of King Asa of Judah, who, despite some good deeds, ultimately failed to fully remove idolatry from the land. The narrative highlights his continued struggles with faithfulness to God, contrasting his reign with the even deeper wickedness of kings like Jeroboam, who previously led the northern kingdom of Israel into widespread sin. This sets the stage for future kings of Judah to face similar challenges and consequences for their choices.
Some sins cast long shadows, affecting not just individuals but entire nations. This verse points to a specific, destructive legacy.
King Abijam's Bad Example
King Abijam, also known as Abijah, followed in the footsteps of his father, Rehoboam. The text doesn't give us details about Abijam's specific evil acts, but it powerfully links his sin to Jeroboam's sin.
Jeroboam, the first king of the divided Northern Kingdom of Israel, set a precedent of rebellion against God. His primary sin was establishing false worship at Bethel and Dan, creating golden calves for the people to worship instead of going to Jerusalem. This was a deliberate turning away from God's commanded way of worship.
Abijam's evil wasn't just a personal failing; it was a continuation of a national sin that corrupted Israel's relationship with God. This shows how leaders can perpetuate spiritual corruption across generations, making it harder for the people to return to the Lord.
What does it truly mean to do 'evil in the sight of the LORD'? It's more than just breaking rules; it's a profound disconnect from God's heart.
The Standard of God's View
The phrase 'evil in the sight of the LORD' is used repeatedly in the Old Testament to describe actions that were fundamentally wrong because they went against God's character and commands.
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It signifies:
For Abijam, this wasn't about personal preference or a different opinion on worship. It was a deliberate choice to align himself with actions that God Himself declared detestable. His reign was marked by this spiritual blindness, choosing a path that led away from the life and blessing God intended.
Understand the original words
rāʿ · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A general term for deeds, actions, or conduct that deviates from God's revealed will. In the context of Israel's kings, it specifically denotes apostasy, idolatry, and failure to uphold the covenant requirements of YHWH.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant-making God of Israel. It represents His self-revelation, His faithfulness to His people, and the standard by which human conduct, especially leadership, is judged.
derek · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical expression referring to a person's life pattern, moral character, or systematic religious devotion. Walking in a certain 'way' implies imitating the conduct and following the established principles of that leader.
ḥaṭṭā'ṯ · Hebrew Noun
A moral failure or rebellion against God’s law. In the context of the Northern Kingdom, it specifically refers to the establishment of unauthorized golden calf worship at Bethel and Dan, which caused the people to turn away from true worship in Jerusalem.
The verse points directly to the foundational sin of the northern kingdom: Jeroboam I's decision to create unauthorized worship centers with golden calves. This act set a precedent for idolatry that subsequent kings, including those in Judah like Abijam and later kings of Israel like Baasha and Omri, followed or even worsened, plunging the nation deeper into spiritual rebellion.
c. 931 BC
Kingdom Divides
After Solomon's reign, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel (ten tribes) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (two tribes). Rehoboam rules Judah, while Jeroboam I rules Israel.
c. 931-910 BC— this verse
Jeroboam's Sin at Bethel and Dan
To prevent his people from worshipping in Jerusalem (under Judah's control), King Jeroboam I sets up golden calves at Bethel and Dan, creating centers of worship and leading Israel into idolatry.
c. 910-909 BC
Reign of Nadab
Nadab, Jeroboam I's son, succeeds him but reigns only briefly. He continues his father's sinful ways, and his reign ends with a coup.
c. 909-908 BC
Reign of Baasha
Baasha overthrows Nadab and becomes king of Israel. He continues the pattern of sin established by Jeroboam, further entrenching idolatry.
c. 886-875 BC
Reign of Omri
Omri becomes king and eventually establishes a new dynasty. While militarily successful and founding Samaria as the new capital, he and his son Ahab deepen Israel's apostasy.
c. 875-853 BC
Reign of Ahab
Ahab, Omri's son, marries Jezebel and promotes Baal worship even more aggressively. This period represents a significant low point in Israel's spiritual history.
This passage describes Jeroboam's creation of golden calves and the establishment of unauthorized religious festivals, directly detailing the 'sin which he made Israel to sin' that later kings followed.
1 Kings 14:15-16This verse links Jeroboam's sin with the Lord's decision to drive Israel away, highlighting the severe and lasting consequences of leading God's people into idolatry.
2 Chronicles 13:8-12King Abijah reminds the Northern Kingdom of Israel of Jeroboam's sin and his rebellion against God's established worship, showing how this pattern of rebellion was a recognized and condemned corruption.
2 Kings 17:21-23This passage explains that the Northern Kingdom was exiled partly because Jeroboam tore Israel from following the Lord and committed great sins, reinforcing the pervasive and destructive legacy of his actions.
The most striking thing here isn't just that this king was evil, but that his evil was inherited and contagious. He didn't just repeat Jeroboam's sins; he actively walked in the path Jeroboam forged, perpetuating a cycle that led Israel astray.
This verse wraps up the account of King Asa of Judah, who, despite some good deeds, ultimately failed to fully remove idolatry from the land. The narrative highlights his continued struggles with faithfulness to God, contrasting his reign with the even deeper wickedness of kings like Jeroboam, who previously led the northern kingdom of Israel into widespread sin. This sets the stage for future kings of Judah to face similar challenges and consequences for their choices.
This verse wraps up the account of King Asa of Judah, who, despite some good deeds, ultimately failed to fully remove idolatry from the land. The narrative highlights his continued struggles with faithfulness to God, contrasting his reign with the even deeper wickedness of kings like Jeroboam, who previously led the northern kingdom of Israel into widespread sin. This sets the stage for future kings of Judah to face similar challenges and consequences for their choices.
"He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of Jeroboam and in his sin which he made Israel to sin." — The most striking thing here isn't just that this king was evil, but that his evil was inherited and contagious. He didn't just repeat Jeroboam's sins; he actively walked in the path Jeroboam for…
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Last reviewed October 2026