He Did Evil in the LORD's Sight
A recurring judgment in Kings describes conduct as evil or bad in the LORD’s eyes.
The Bible says that “He Did Evil in the LORD’s Sight” is recurring judgment language in 1 and 2 Kings: the word or idea recurs in at least 20 verses across 2 books, describing conduct as evil or bad in the LORD’s eyes.
In 1 Kings 11:6, Solomon is said to have done evil and not followed the LORD completely, in contrast with David his father. 1 Kings 14:9 associates doing more evil than predecessors with making other gods and metal images. Omri is likewise described as doing evil and as more evil than those before him (1 Kings 16:25).
Several passages connect the judgment with not turning aside from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, sins by which Israel was caused to sin (2 Kings 13:2; 2 Kings 15:24). The wording can also make comparisons: one person did what was bad, though not as the kings before him (2 Kings 17:2), while another is compared with the abominations of nations driven out before Israel (2 Kings 21:2).
Key verses
Across Scripture
1 Kings · 2 Kings