2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 38

Authorized King James Version

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And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.

Original Language Analysis

וְהַבְּרִ֛ית And the covenant H1285
וְהַבְּרִ֛ית And the covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 1 of 10
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 2 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כָּרַ֥תִּי that I have made H3772
כָּרַ֥תִּי that I have made
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 3 of 10
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
אִתְּכֶ֖ם H854
אִתְּכֶ֖ם
Strong's: H854
Word #: 4 of 10
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשְׁכָּ֑חוּ with you ye shall not forget H7911
תִשְׁכָּ֑חוּ with you ye shall not forget
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 6 of 10
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
וְלֹ֥א H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽירְא֖וּ neither shall ye fear H3372
תִֽירְא֖וּ neither shall ye fear
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 8 of 10
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
אֱלֹהִ֥ים gods H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים gods
Strong's: H430
Word #: 9 of 10
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
אֲחֵרִֽים׃ other H312
אֲחֵרִֽים׃ other
Strong's: H312
Word #: 10 of 10
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

Analysis & Commentary

And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.

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.

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