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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 16 - Verse 2

16:2
Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel; and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins;

Meaning

The verse highlights God's disappointment towards the former king of Israel, whom He exalted from humble beginnings to prince over His people. Despite being given a position of power and authority, the king failed to lead the people in righteousness and instead followed the sinful ways of Jeroboam. The king's actions led to widespread sin and idolatry among the Israelites, ultimately provoking God to anger. This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from God's commands and the consequences that follow when leaders lead their people astray. It emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and His teachings, especially when in positions of influence and leadership.

Theological Overview

Here, the theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the idea of God's faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience. The verse highlights how God had exalted a certain individual, making them a prince over His people Israel, showing His grace and favor upon them. However, despite the honor bestowed upon them, the individual chose to follow in the sinful ways of Jeroboam, leading the people of Israel astray and provoking God to anger. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of remaining faithful to God's commands and the repercussions of turning away from His path. Through this verse, followers are reminded of the significance of obedience and the consequences of straying from God's will. It emphasizes the need to stay true to God's teachings to avoid His disappointment and anger. By studying the context and word choices in this verse, individuals can glean important lessons about remaining steadfast in their faith and following God's commands.

American Standard Version

Forasmuch as I exalted thee out of the dust, and made thee prince over my people Israel, and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins;
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