2 Kings 17:35
With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת
had made
H3772
וַיִּכְרֹ֨ת
had made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
1 of 18
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
יְהוָ֤ה
With whom the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
With whom the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִתָּם֙
H854
אִתָּם֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
בְּרִ֔ית
a covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֔ית
a covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
4 of 18
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽירְא֖וּ
Ye shall not fear
H3372
תִֽירְא֖וּ
Ye shall not fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
8 of 18
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 18
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
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ
nor bow
H7812
תִשְׁתַּחֲו֣וּ
nor bow
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
12 of 18
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַֽעַבְד֔וּם
yourselves to them nor serve
H5647
תַֽעַבְד֔וּם
yourselves to them nor serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
15 of 18
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Judges 6:10And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.Joshua 23:16When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.Joshua 23:7That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:Jeremiah 10:5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.2 Kings 17:15And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.
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?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
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.