2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 33

Authorized King James Version

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They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

Original Language Analysis

אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָי֣וּ H1961
הָי֣וּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 3 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יְרֵאִ֑ים H3372
יְרֵאִ֑ים
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 4 of 14
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙ their own gods H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙ their own gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 14
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
הָי֣וּ H1961
הָי֣וּ
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עֹֽבְדִ֔ים and served H5647
עֹֽבְדִ֔ים and served
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 8 of 14
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
כְּמִשְׁפַּט֙ after the manner H4941
כְּמִשְׁפַּט֙ after the manner
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 9 of 14
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם of the nations H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם of the nations
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 10 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 11 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִגְל֥וּ whom they carried away H1540
הִגְל֥וּ whom they carried away
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 12 of 14
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֹתָ֖ם H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 13 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשָּֽׁם׃ H8033
מִשָּֽׁם׃
Strong's: H8033
Word #: 14 of 14
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis & Commentary

They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

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. 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.

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