Although there was economic prosperity, it was really not going well spiritually and ethically (see e.g., also Hosea 1:1 – 2:23; Hosea 4:15; Hosea 13:1–16, and Amos 2:6–16; Amos 4:1–13; Amos 5:1–27; Amos 7:10–17). We may see an important motive in this against the prosperity gospel. For here it shows that economic prosperity and financial gain are not automatically proof of God’s friendly face and are not necessarily signs of God’s blessing!
Jeroboam II treads in the tracks of his earlier namesake, meaning that he continues with the (golden) calf service in Dan and Bethel; he lets people build temples on several high places; and he appoints priests from among all the people (see 1 Kings 12:25–32).
24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin.