2 Kings 17:7
For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חָטְא֤וּ
had sinned
H2398
חָטְא֤וּ
had sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
בְנֵֽי
For so it was that the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
For so it was that the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
against the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֣ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
gods
H430
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 19
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
הַמַּֽעֲלֶ֤ה
which had brought them up
H5927
הַמַּֽעֲלֶ֤ה
which had brought them up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 19
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
out of the land
H776
מֵאֶ֣רֶץ
out of the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
10 of 19
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
מִתַּ֕חַת
H8478
מִתַּ֕חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
12 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יַ֖ד
from under the hand
H3027
יַ֖ד
from under the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 19
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
וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ
and had feared
H3372
וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ
and had feared
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
17 of 19
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
Cross References
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.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.Nehemiah 9:26Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.Exodus 20:2I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
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
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,
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. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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.