1 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 26
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he did
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
H1980
וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אָבִ֔יו
of his father
H1
אָבִ֔יו
of his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 12
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וּ֨בְחַטָּאת֔וֹ
and in his sin
H2403
וּ֨בְחַטָּאת֔וֹ
and in his sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
8 of 12
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא
to sin
H2398
הֶֽחֱטִ֖יא
to sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
Cross References
1 Kings 14:16And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.1 Kings 15:30Because of the sins of Jeroboam which he sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger.1 Kings 15:34And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.