2 Kings 17:17
And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽ֠יַּעֲבִירוּ
to pass
H5674
וַֽ֠יַּעֲבִירוּ
to pass
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
1 of 15
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵיהֶ֤ם
And they caused their sons
H1121
בְּנֵיהֶ֤ם
And they caused their sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֽוֹתֵיהֶם֙
and their daughters
H1323
בְּנֽוֹתֵיהֶם֙
and their daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
5 of 15
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וַיִּקְסְמ֥וּ
and used
H7080
וַיִּקְסְמ֥וּ
and used
Strong's:
H7080
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
קְסָמִ֖ים
divination
H7081
קְסָמִ֖ים
divination
Strong's:
H7081
Word #:
8 of 15
a lot; also divination (including its fee), oracle
וַיְנַחֵ֑שׁוּ
and enchantments
H5172
וַיְנַחֵ֑שׁוּ
and enchantments
Strong's:
H5172
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, to hiss, i.e., whisper a (magic) spell; generally, to prognosticate
וַיִּֽתְמַכְּר֗וּ
and sold
H4376
וַיִּֽתְמַכְּר֗וּ
and sold
Strong's:
H4376
Word #:
10 of 15
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
themselves to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
themselves to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
13 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
2 Kings 21:6And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.2 Kings 16:3But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel.Ezekiel 23:37That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them.1 Kings 21:20And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.1 Kings 21:25But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.Leviticus 19:26Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.Leviticus 18:21And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.Micah 5:12And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:
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 caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
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.