2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 2
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he did
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רַ֗ק
H7535
רַ֗ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לֹ֚א
H3808
לֹ֚א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.