2 Kings 17:14-20

14 But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the LORD their God.

15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the LORD had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.”

16 They forsook all the commands of the LORD their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves, and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts, and they worshiped Baal.

17 They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.

18 So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left,

19 and even Judah did not keep the commands of the LORD their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced.

20 Therefore the LORD rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers, until he thrust them from his presence.

2 Kings 17:14-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 17

This chapter relates the captivity of the ten tribes of Israel, and how it came about, 2Ki 17:1-6, the cause of it, their idolatry, which they persisted in, notwithstanding the remonstrances made against it, 2Ki 17:7-23, in whose stead were placed people from different parts, who exercised a mixed religion, partly Heathenish, and partly Israelitish, 2Ki 17:24.

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 32:9; Deuteronomy 31:27; Acts 7:51
• 2. S Leviticus 26:11; Deuteronomy 29:25; Judges 2:20; 1 Kings 11:11; 2 Kings 18:12; Psalms 78:10; Ezekiel 5:6; Malachi 2:10
• 3. S Deuteronomy 32:21; Hosea 11:2; Romans 1:21-23
• 4. Jeremiah 2:5
• 5. S Deuteronomy 12:4; Deuteronomy 12:30-31
• 6. S Exodus 32:4; 1 Kings 12:28
• 7. S Deuteronomy 16:21; 1 Kings 14:15,23
• 8. S Genesis 2:1; Isaiah 40:26; Jeremiah 19:13; 2 Kings 21:3
• 9. S Judges 2:11; 1 Kings 16:31
• 10. S Deuteronomy 12:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; 2 Kings 16:3; Ezekiel 16:21
• 11. S Leviticus 19:26
• 12. S 1 Kings 21:20; Romans 7:14
• 13. S Genesis 4:14; S Exodus 33:15; S 2 Kings 13:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:9
• 14. 1 Kings 14:22-23; 2 Kings 16:3; Jeremiah 3:6-10; Ezekiel 23:13
• 15. S ver 6; 2 Kings 15:29
• 16. Jeremiah 7:15; Jeremiah 15:1