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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 21 - Verse 2

21:2
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

Meaning

This verse from the book of 2 Kings describes a period when the king of Israel, following in the ways of the nations around him, committed evil in the eyes of the Lord. The verse refers to the king's idolatry, possibly worshiping false gods or engaging in practices that were detestable to the Lord. By emulating the heathen practices that the Lord had previously condemned and expelled, the king of Israel was forsaking the commandments of God and leading his people away from the true faith. This disobedience had serious consequences, as it went against the covenant relationship between God and the children of Israel. The verse serves as a warning against falling into the trap of following worldly customs and turning away from the teachings of the Lord. It underscores the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience to God's commands, even in the face of temptation or pressure to conform to the ways of the world.

Theological Overview

This verse from 2 Kings describes a king of Israel who committed acts that were considered evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the practices of the nations who had inhabited the land before the Israelites. This highlights the significance of adhering to God's commandments and not succumbing to the temptations of worldly practices. The word "abominations" used in this verse emphasizes the detestable nature of these practices in the eyes of God. By straying from the ways of the Lord and adopting the customs of the heathen nations, the king of Israel was not upholding the covenant between God and His chosen people. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and not conform to the sinful ways of the world, but instead to seek righteousness and obedience to God's will.

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