2 Kings 17:21, commentary and pictures

The verse records the rending of Israel from the house of David, the making of Jeroboam the son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam's driving of Israel from following the Lord into a great sin. That downfall began when God's ways were rejected for human ways. The apostasy was furthered by Solomon's alliances with heathen nations, which led many Israelites into idolatry and other heathen practices.

After the strength and uprightness gained under David, later kings sought their own glory, turned from God to idol worship, and rebelled against Him. The great sin included rejecting God's statutes and covenant, worshiping idols including the two calves, and turning to other forbidden practices. The apostasy continued as Israel followed the practices of other nations until they fell prey to those nations and became subject to them.

God warned Israel through the prophets and called them to repent, but they refused. Persistent disobedience brought judgment in affliction, the capture of Samaria, exile to Assyria and scattering of the ten tribes among other nations, with enemies plundering the land and taking the people captive.