2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 22
For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙
H1980
וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּנֵ֣י
For the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
For the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַטֹּ֥אות
in all the sins
H2403
חַטֹּ֥אות
in all the sins
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
5 of 11
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֑ה
which he did
H6213
עָשָׂ֑ה
which he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
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
For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. 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.