Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Kings 17:21

"For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drove Israel from following Jehovah, and made them sin a great sin." — 2 Kings 17:21 (ASV)

The strong expression “drave Israel” alludes to the violent measures to which Jeroboam resorted: stopping the outflow of the more religious portion of his subjects into Judea (2 Chronicles 11:13–16), calling in Shishak, and permanently assuming a hostile attitude toward the southern kingdom.