2 Kings 17:26
Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
Original Language Analysis
אַשּׁוּר֮
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁוּר֮
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
3 of 30
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
הַגּוֹיִ֗ם
The nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֗ם
The nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
5 of 30
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִגְלִ֙יתָ֙
which thou hast removed
H1540
הִגְלִ֙יתָ֙
which thou hast removed
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
7 of 30
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
וַתּ֙וֹשֶׁב֙
and placed
H3427
וַתּ֙וֹשֶׁב֙
and placed
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 30
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּעָרֵ֣י
in the cities
H5892
בְּעָרֵ֣י
in the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 30
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֹֽדְעִ֔ים
know
H3045
יֹֽדְעִ֔ים
know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
12 of 30
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁפַּ֖ט
not the manner
H4941
מִשְׁפַּ֖ט
not the manner
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
14 of 30
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
of the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
of the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 30
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
וַיְשַׁלַּח
therefore he hath sent
H7971
וַיְשַׁלַּח
therefore he hath sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
17 of 30
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מְמִיתִ֣ים
among them and behold they slay
H4191
מְמִיתִ֣ים
among them and behold they slay
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
22 of 30
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
23 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
24 of 30
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֵינָ֣ם
H369
יֹֽדְעִ֔ים
know
H3045
יֹֽדְעִ֔ים
know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
26 of 30
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
27 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁפַּ֖ט
not the manner
H4941
מִשְׁפַּ֖ט
not the manner
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
28 of 30
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
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
Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
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.