2 Kings 17:16
And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעַזְב֗וּ
And they left
H5800
וַיַּֽעַזְב֗וּ
And they left
Strong's:
H5800
Word #:
1 of 20
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִצְוֹת֙
all the commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹת֙
all the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
4 of 20
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֔ם
their God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֔ם
their God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 20
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
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
and made
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
and made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מַסֵּכָ֖ה
them molten images
H4541
מַסֵּכָ֖ה
them molten images
Strong's:
H4541
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour
עֲגָלִ֑ים
calves
H5695
עֲגָלִ֑ים
calves
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
11 of 20
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
and made
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
and made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲשֵׁירָ֗ה
a grove
H842
אֲשֵׁירָ֗ה
a grove
Strong's:
H842
Word #:
13 of 20
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲווּ֙
and worshipped
H7812
וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲווּ֙
and worshipped
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
14 of 20
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צְבָ֣א
all the host
H6635
צְבָ֣א
all the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
16 of 20
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
of heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
17 of 20
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
וַיַּֽעַבְד֖וּ
and served
H5647
וַיַּֽעַבְד֖וּ
and served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
18 of 20
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
Cross References
1 Kings 14:23For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.1 Kings 12:28Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.1 Kings 14:15For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.1 Kings 16:31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.Deuteronomy 4:19And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.1 Kings 22:53For he served Baal, and worshipped him, and provoked to anger the LORD God of Israel, according to all that his father had done.1 Kings 16:33And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.1 Kings 15:13And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.2 Kings 21:3For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.2 Kings 11:18And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.
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
And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
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.