And he wrought evil in the sight of the LORD; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made.

2 KINGS 3:2KJV
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2 Kings 3:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 3:2 mean?

2 Kings 3:2 says that King Jehoram did what was evil in God’s eyes, but he was not as bad as his parents, because he removed the statue of Baal that his father had made. The verse points out that, although Jehoram continued in wrongdoing, he did take one step away from the worst practices of his family.

This verse is part of a summary about Jehoram, king of Israel, who was the son of Ahab and Jezebel. The writer is describing Jehoram’s character and reign, especially in comparison to his notorious parents. The verse highlights that Jehoram’s actions were still considered “evil,” but he did make a notable change by getting rid of the idol to Baal, which his father had set up.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 3:2

  • “Evil” (רַע, ra‘): This word means “bad” or “evil” and is often used in the Hebrew Bible to describe actions that go against God’s ways. Here, it shows that Jehoram’s reign was still marked by wrongdoing, even if it was less severe than his parents’.
  • “Image” (מַצֵּבָה, matzevah): This word refers to a standing stone or idol. The verse points out that Jehoram removed the specific idol to Baal that his father had made, which was a significant act given the deep influence of Baal worship in his family.
  • “Baal” (בַּעַל, Ba‘al): Baal was a Canaanite god, and worship of Baal was a major issue in Israel during this period. The mention of Baal here underlines the seriousness of Jehoram’s decision to remove the idol, even though he did not fully turn away from other wrong practices.

Why 2 Kings 3:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoram was not as deeply involved in idol worship as his parents, Ahab and Jezebel, even though he still did wrong in God’s eyes. It helps the reader see the difference in the level of evil between generations.
  • The verse highlights the ongoing struggle in Israel between worshiping the LORD and following other gods, especially Baal. Jehoram’s removal of the Baal image is a small but important step in the larger story of Israel’s spiritual history.
  • By mentioning both his father and mother, the verse reminds readers of the powerful influence of family and upbringing, but also that individuals can make different choices, even if only in part.

Where else these words appear

“image” Hebrew H4676 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 28:18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 23:14 And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men.

“Baal” Hebrew H1168 · used in 68 verses

  • Judges 2:11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
  • 1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:17 Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.