2 Kings 17:16

Authorized King James Version

And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּֽעַזְב֗וּ

H5800

And they left

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִצְוֹת֙

H4687

all the commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֔ם

H430

their God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

and made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֛ם

מַסֵּכָ֖ה

H4541

them molten images

properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour

#10

שְׁנֵ֣ים

H8147

even two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#11

עֲגָלִ֑ים

H5695

calves

a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)

#12

וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ

H6213

and made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

אֲשֵׁירָ֗ה

H842

a grove

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

#14

וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲווּ֙

H7812

and worshipped

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#15

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

צְבָ֣א

H6635

all the host

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#17

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#18

וַיַּֽעַבְד֖וּ

H5647

and served

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#19

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#20

הַבָּֽעַל׃

H1168

Baal

baal, a phoenician deity

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Kings.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within 2 Kings chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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