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.
Read it in contextReigns of Abijam, Asa, Nadab, and Baasha
Start reading at 1 Kings 15:1 (1 Kings 15:1 to 1 Kings 15:34).
The verse 1 Kings 15:26 is part of a continuous historical account detailing the reigns of several kings in both Judah and Israel, beginning at the start of the chapter.
15:1Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.
15:2Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
15:3And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.
15:4Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:
15:5Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
15:6And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
15:7Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.
15:8And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
15:9And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.
15:10And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.
15:11And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.
15:12And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
15:13And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.
15:14But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
15:15And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver, and gold, and vessels.
15:16And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
15:17And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.
15:18Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,
15:19There is a league between me and thee, and between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold; come and break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.
15:20So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.
15:21And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.
15:22Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.
15:23The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.
15:24And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.
15:25And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years.
15:26And 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.
15:27And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.
15:28Even in the third year of Asa king of Judah did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his stead.
15:29And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:
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.
15:31Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
15:32And there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.
15:33In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years.
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.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 15:1–16:34): The successive kings and people of Judah and Israel are described in the royal histories; prophetic warnings address particular rulers and their houses. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The main event described is Nadab's reign as king of Israel, characterized by his wicked actions in the sight of the LORD. A central theme is his continuation of the idolatrous sins of his father, Jeroboam, which led the people of Israel into sin.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His righteous judgment against kings who lead His people into sin, demonstrating that He holds leaders accountable for their actions and their influence on the nation. He shows that generational sin, particularly idolatry, incurs His displeasure and brings consequences.
What is the literary style? The literary style is narrative history, characterized by concise accounts of royal reigns, formulaic evaluations of kings' conduct before the LORD, and a focus on the moral and spiritual state of the nation under their leadership.
When
When was it written? The book of 1 Kings was written approximately 560 to 540 B.C. book background
When does the event take place? The event of Nadab's reign and his evil actions took place during the period of the divided kingdom, specifically in the second and third years of Asa's reign over Judah (1 Kings 15:25, 15:28), which falls within the broader timeframe of approximately 970 to 850 B.C. for the events of 1 Kings. stated in the text
Where
Where did it happen? The events described concern Nadab's reign as king over Israel, the northern kingdom. His father Jeroboam's sins, which Nadab continued, were centered in places like Dan and Bethel where the golden calves were set up (1 Kings 12:28-29). Nadab himself was killed at Gibbethon (1 Kings 15:27). stated in the text
Where was the author located? The author of 1 Kings was likely located in Judah or Babylon. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Reigns of Abijam, Asa, Nadab, and Baasha (1 Kings 15:1 to 1 Kings 15:34).
Start reading at 1 Kings 15:1. The verse 1 Kings 15:26 is part of a continuous historical account detailing the reigns of several kings in both Judah and Israel, beginning at the start of the chapter.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse fits into the broader context of the books of Kings by continuing the historical narrative of the divided kingdom, specifically detailing the reign of Nadab, the second king of Israel. It reinforces the recurring theme of the northern kingdom's persistent sin, particularly the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam, and foreshadows the divine judgment and dynastic change that will follow due to this wickedness. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The repeated failure of earthly kings, such as Nadab, to lead God's people in righteousness and their tendency to perpetuate sin, underscores the profound need for a perfect, sinless King. Nadab's reign, marked by evil and leading Israel into idolatry, serves as a stark contrast to Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah and King, who perfectly obeys God, never leads His people astray, and ultimately delivers them from sin and establishes an eternal kingdom of righteousness. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the significant influence leaders have, whether for good or for evil, and the importance of personal accountability before God. It challenges believers today to examine their own lives, ensuring they do not perpetuate sinful patterns from their past or succumb to the prevailing sins of their culture. Instead, it calls us to diligently follow the LORD's ways and to be careful not to lead others into sin, recognizing that our actions have consequences for ourselves and those around us. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 15
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author.
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.