2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 19

Authorized King James Version

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Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.

Original Language Analysis

גַּם H1571
גַּם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
יְהוּדָ֕ה Also Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֕ה Also Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 2 of 13
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֔ר kept H8104
שָׁמַ֔ר kept
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 4 of 13
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִצְוֹ֖ת not the commandments H4687
מִצְוֹ֖ת not the commandments
Strong's: H4687
Word #: 6 of 13
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יְהוָ֣ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 7 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם their God H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם their God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 8 of 13
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
וַיֵּ֣לְכ֔וּ H1980
וַיֵּ֣לְכ֔וּ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 9 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּחֻקּ֥וֹת in the statutes H2708
בְּחֻקּ֥וֹת in the statutes
Strong's: H2708
Word #: 10 of 13
a statute
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 11 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 12 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשֽׂוּ׃ which they made H6213
עָשֽׂוּ׃ which they made
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 13 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis & Commentary

Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.

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