2 Kings 17:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they caused their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323} to pass {H5674} through the fire {H784}, and used {H7080} divination {H7081} and enchantments {H5172}, and sold {H4376} themselves to do {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, to provoke him to anger {H3707}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They had their sons and daughters pass through fire [as a sacrifice]. They used divination and magic spells. And they gave themselves over to do what was evil from ADONAI's perspective, thereby provoking him;

Berean Standard Bible

They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

American Standard Version

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:17 serves as a profound indictment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, meticulously detailing the spiritual depravity and covenant infidelity that ultimately precipitated their devastating exile at the hands of the Assyrians. This verse encapsulates the nation's wholesale abandonment of Yahweh for abhorrent pagan practices, including child sacrifice, occult arts, and a deliberate, self-willed surrender to evil, all of which intensely provoked the righteous anger of the LORD and necessitated His just judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Second Kings 17 stands as the climactic chapter detailing the demise of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The preceding verses, particularly [2 Kings 17:7-16](/2-kings/17-7-16 "2 Kings 17:7-16 - Israel's Persistent Sins Leading to Exile"), provide a comprehensive theological explanation for Israel's downfall, attributing it not to military weakness but to their persistent and egregious sin against God. This section meticulously lists their idolatry, rejection of God's statutes, and adoption of pagan customs, framing the subsequent judgment as entirely just. Verse 17 specifically summarizes the most heinous of these transgressions, acting as a crucial bridge between the detailed accusations and the pronouncement of exile in [2 Kings 17:18](/2-kings/17-18 "2 Kings 17:18 - The Lord's Anger and Israel's Exile"). The chapter then continues to describe the Assyrian resettlement of Samaria and the syncretistic worship that emerged, further emphasizing the complete rupture of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Kings 17](/2-kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel") unfold against the backdrop of the Assyrian Empire's rise to dominance in the 8th century BCE. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, fell in 722 BCE to the Assyrian king Sargon II. Israel's engagement in practices like child sacrifice ("passing through the fire") was a direct adoption of the detestable customs of the Canaanite peoples, particularly associated with the worship of Molech and Baal, which were rampant in the ancient Near East. These practices were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices Forbidden"). Divination and enchantments were also common pagan methods of seeking guidance or manipulating spiritual forces, directly contrasting with God's provision of prophets and His revealed Word. Israel's embrace of these practices represented a profound betrayal of their covenant identity and a complete rejection of their unique calling as God's people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several critical themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights the theme of **extreme idolatry and apostasy**, vividly portraying Israel's complete abandonment of the One True God for pagan deities and their associated abhorrent rituals. Their actions were not merely deviations but a wholesale rejection of the covenant relationship established at Sinai. The chilling practice of **child sacrifice** ("caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire") is presented as the pinnacle of their spiritual depravity, a direct affront to God's holiness and the sanctity of human life, as detailed in [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice to Molech"). Furthermore, their engagement in **occult practices** ("used divination and enchantments") demonstrates a profound distrust in God's sovereignty and a preference for forbidden magical arts. The powerful statement "sold themselves to do evil" signifies a **deliberate and willful rebellion**, indicating a conscious choice to dedicate their lives to opposing God's will, much like the disposition of [King Ahab in 1 Kings 21:20](/1-kings/21-20 "1 Kings 21:20 - Ahab's Wickedness"). Ultimately, these actions culminated "to provoke him to anger," emphasizing the theme of **divine provocation and righteous anger**, where God's patience was exhausted by their persistent sin, necessitating His just judgment, a concept echoed in [Psalm 78:58](/psalm/78-58 "Psalm 78:58 - Israel's Provocation of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, this primitive root means "to cross over" or "to pass through." In the context of "passing through the fire," it refers to a ritualistic act that, while sometimes debated as mere dedication, is overwhelmingly understood in biblical and archaeological contexts (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice") and [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominations of the Nations")) as the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice by immolation. This act was considered one of the most detestable sins in God's sight, representing the ultimate spiritual and moral degradation.
* **Divination (Hebrew, _qeçem'_):** From H7081, this term refers to various forms of fortune-telling, augury, or seeking omens. It encompasses attempts to gain secret knowledge or predict the future through non-divine means, often involving magical rituals, interpreting signs, or consulting spirits. This practice was strictly forbidden under the Mosaic Law, as it bypassed God's revealed will and sought guidance from sources opposed to Him, implying a lack of trust in His sovereignty and provision.
* **Sold (Hebrew, _mâkar'_):** From H4376, this primitive root means "to sell," literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery) or figuratively (to surrender). In 2 Kings 17:17, the verb appears in the Hithpael (reflexive) form, meaning "they sold themselves." This emphasizes that the action was self-initiated and deliberate, signifying a willing, active, and complete surrender to evil. This powerful imagery conveys a profound moral degradation and a conscious, uncoerced choice by Israel to abandon God's ways and dedicate themselves to wickedness, indicating a hardened heart and a deep-seated rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire":** This clause describes the most heinous of Israel's sins—child sacrifice. It points to a deliberate, active participation in the ritualistic immolation of their own children, a practice explicitly forbidden by Yahweh and considered an abomination. This act was a direct assault on the sanctity of life, the covenant relationship, and God's character, demonstrating the depth of their apostasy and their willingness to adopt the most depraved customs of the surrounding pagan nations.
* **"and used divination and enchantments":** This phrase details Israel's engagement in various occult practices. "Divination" refers to seeking knowledge of the future or hidden things through forbidden means (e.g., fortune-telling, omens), while "enchantments" (often associated with sorcery or magic) refers to attempts to manipulate spiritual forces or gain power through illicit rituals. These practices were a rejection of God's exclusive authority as the source of truth and guidance, indicating a profound spiritual infidelity and a dangerous reliance on demonic or deceptive powers.
* **"and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD":** This powerful statement emphasizes the intentionality and totality of Israel's rebellion. The phrase "sold themselves" implies a willing, self-initiated surrender to wickedness, as if they had willingly entered into a binding contract with evil. It suggests a profound moral degradation where they consciously chose to dedicate their lives and actions to opposing God's will, not out of ignorance or weakness, but out of a deliberate and active desire to pursue sin, making their transgression all the more culpable in God's holy presence.
* **"to provoke him to anger":** This concluding phrase reveals the direct consequence and ultimate impact of Israel's actions on God. Their persistent and egregious sins were not merely violations of law but direct affronts to God's holiness, justice, and patience. The accumulation of such deliberate wickedness exhausted God's long-suffering, necessitating His righteous wrath and judgment. It underscores that God's anger is not capricious but a just and holy response to profound and unrepentant rebellion against His character and covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Second Kings 17:17 employs several literary devices to convey the gravity of Israel's sin. The use of **Enumeration** (listing multiple specific sins: child sacrifice, divination, enchantments) serves to build a cumulative picture of comprehensive apostasy, emphasizing the breadth and depth of their rebellion. The phrase "sold themselves to do evil" is a powerful **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, likening their willful surrender to wickedness to the act of selling oneself into slavery, highlighting the deliberate and profound nature of their moral degradation. This also implies a sense of **Irrevocability**, suggesting a point of no return in their spiritual journey. The concluding phrase "to provoke him to anger" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (anger) to God, not to suggest human weakness, but to convey the intensity of His righteous indignation and the just nature of His response to such profound covenant infidelity. The verse also functions as a **Summary Statement**, condensing the essence of Israel's long history of rebellion into a concise, impactful declaration that justifies the impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 17:17 is a stark reminder of the profound seriousness of idolatry and rebellion against the living God. It illustrates that sin, particularly the deliberate rejection of God's revealed will and the adoption of practices anathema to His character, inevitably provokes His righteous anger and leads to severe consequences. The verse underscores God's absolute holiness, His intolerance for evil, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. It reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to persistent and unrepentant sin, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and His moral governance of the world. The depth of Israel's depravity, culminating in child sacrifice and occultism, highlights the terrifying extent to which humanity can fall when it abandons the true God and seeks fulfillment or power in false deities and forbidden practices.

* [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices Forbidden")
* [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice to Molech")
* [Psalm 106:37-38](/psalm/106-37-38 "Psalm 106:37-38 - Israel's Idolatry and Child Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific sins of child sacrifice and ancient occult practices may seem distant, the underlying principles of 2 Kings 17:17 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a powerful warning against any form of idolatry, reminding us that anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives—be it wealth, power, pleasure, status, or even our own desires—becomes an idol that provokes His displeasure. We are called to examine our hearts for subtle forms of "divination" or "enchantments," which might manifest as seeking guidance from worldly wisdom, self-help philosophies, or even social media trends rather than solely from God's Word and Spirit. The chilling phrase "sold themselves to do evil" challenges us to consider the cumulative effect of our choices: are we incrementally hardening our hearts and surrendering to patterns of sin, or are we actively choosing to live in humble obedience and devotion to God? This passage calls for radical repentance, a turning away from all forms of spiritual compromise, and a wholehearted commitment to worshiping and serving the LORD alone, recognizing that true freedom and blessing come only from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" or "false gods" in my life that might be subtly competing for the devotion due only to God?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking guidance or control from sources other than God's Word and the Holy Spirit, akin to "divination" or "enchantments"?**
* **Am I making conscious choices that align with God's will, or am I gradually "selling myself" to selfish desires or worldly values?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous anger in this passage deepen my appreciation for His patience and mercy towards me?**

### FAQ

**What does "caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase, while sometimes debated, most commonly refers to the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, specifically the ritualistic immolation of children as offerings to pagan deities like Molech or Baal. This was a detestable custom of the Canaanites, explicitly forbidden by God in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice to Molech"), [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices Forbidden")). It was considered the pinnacle of spiritual depravity and a profound violation of God's covenant and the sanctity of human life.

**Why was God so angry with Israel's actions?**

Answer: God's anger was a righteous and just response to Israel's profound and persistent rebellion against His holiness and covenant. Their actions were not mere mistakes but deliberate choices to abandon the One True God for detestable pagan practices. Child sacrifice directly violated His commands regarding human life and worship, while divination and enchantments demonstrated a rejection of His sovereignty and a seeking of guidance from demonic sources. These acts were direct affronts to God's character, His exclusive claim to worship, and His covenant faithfulness, thus "provoking him to anger" as a necessary expression of His justice against such egregious sin.

**How does this historical account apply to believers in the modern world?**

Answer: While the specific forms of sin may differ, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. The passage warns against any form of idolatry, urging us to examine what we truly worship and prioritize in our lives beyond God. It cautions against seeking guidance from sources other than God's Word and Spirit, which can be a modern form of "divination." Most importantly, it highlights the danger of a hardened heart, where one "sells oneself to do evil" through repeated, deliberate choices against God's will. It calls for wholehearted devotion, constant repentance, and a commitment to living in obedience to God alone, recognizing the serious consequences of spiritual compromise and the importance of maintaining a pure relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Kings 17:17 vividly portrays the depth of human depravity and the righteous anger of God against sin, particularly idolatry and rebellion. In the Old Covenant, Israel's repeated failure to uphold their covenant obligations, culminating in such heinous acts, demonstrated humanity's inability to perfectly obey God and avert His just wrath. This desperate need for a perfect deliverer and a new covenant is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Where Israel "sold themselves to do evil," Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly "gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age" ([Galatians 1:4](/galatians/1-4 "Galatians 1:4 - Christ's Sacrifice for Our Sins")). His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection provide the definitive answer to the problem of human sin and God's righteous anger. Through His sacrifice, Christ bore the full weight of the "provocation" that humanity's sin caused, satisfying divine justice and offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. He delivers us from the power of idolatry and occult practices, breaking the chains of spiritual bondage and empowering us by His Spirit to worship God alone in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, 2 Kings 17:17, while a record of judgment, ultimately points to the profound grace and redemption found only in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is our only hope for true freedom and reconciliation with a holy God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 21:6

And 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.

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:12

For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

2 Kings 16:3

But 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.

1 Kings 21:20

And 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.

Ezekiel 23:37

That 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].

Leviticus 18:21

And 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.