2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 39

Authorized King James Version

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But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֛י H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִֽם H518
אִֽם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 2 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֥ה But the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה But the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם your God H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֖ם your God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 12
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
תִּירָ֑אוּ ye shall fear H3372
תִּירָ֑אוּ ye shall fear
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 6 of 12
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
וְהוּא֙ H1931
וְהוּא֙
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 7 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יַצִּ֣יל and he shall deliver H5337
יַצִּ֣יל and he shall deliver
Strong's: H5337
Word #: 8 of 12
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אֶתְכֶ֔ם H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִיַּ֖ד you out of the hand H3027
מִיַּ֖ד you out of the hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 10 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֹֽיְבֵיכֶֽם׃ of all your enemies H341
אֹֽיְבֵיכֶֽם׃ of all your enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 12 of 12
hating; an adversary

Analysis & Commentary

But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.

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