Throughout the history of Israel, the nation was often led by individuals whose actions were contrary to the commandments and expectations set by God. These leaders, through their disobedience and moral failings, played significant roles in leading the people of Israel away from their covenant relationship with God. The Bible provides numerous accounts of such leaders, highlighting their sins and the consequences that followed.

1. Jeroboam I:

Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, is a prominent example of a sinful leader. He is infamous for establishing idol worship in Israel, setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent the Israelites from going to Jerusalem to worship. This act of idolatry is repeatedly condemned in Scripture. 1 Kings 12:28-30 states, "After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, 'Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.' And he set up one in Bethel and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves."

2. Ahab and Jezebel:

King Ahab, along with his wife Jezebel, is another notorious example. Ahab's reign was marked by the promotion of Baal worship, which was heavily influenced by Jezebel, a Phoenician princess. Their actions led to widespread idolatry and the persecution of the prophets of Yahweh. 1 Kings 16:30-33 records, "Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it were a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him."

3. Manasseh:

King Manasseh of Judah is another leader whose reign was characterized by significant sin. He rebuilt high places, erected altars for Baal, and even practiced child sacrifice. His actions led Judah into deep idolatry and moral decay. 2 Kings 21:2-6 describes his reign: "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done; he bowed down to all the host of heaven and served them. He built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, 'In Jerusalem I will put My Name.' In both courtyards of the house of the LORD, he built altars to all the host of heaven. He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger."

4. The Religious Leaders of Jesus' Time:

In the New Testament, the religious leaders during Jesus' ministry, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, are often depicted as sinful due to their hypocrisy and legalism. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their outward show of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Matthew 23:27-28 records Jesus' words: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

These leaders, through their actions and decisions, led the people of Israel into sin, often resulting in divine judgment and national calamity. Their accounts serve as cautionary tales about the importance of faithful and righteous leadership in accordance with God's commandments.