2 Kings 17:26

This verse, 2 Kings 17:26, captures a pivotal moment following the Assyrian conquest and deportation of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria). It reveals the perspective of the newly settled foreign peoples regarding their predicament and their understanding of the local deity.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the fall of Samaria in 722 BC to Assyria, the Assyrian king, as was their policy to prevent rebellion and assimilate conquered populations, removed the native Israelites and resettled various foreign peoples from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim into the cities of Samaria. These new inhabitants brought with them their own polytheistic religious practices and gods. Upon settling, they faced attacks by lions, which they interpreted through their pagan worldview: they believed the lions were sent by the "God of the land" because they did not know how to properly worship or appease Him. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief in territorial deities, where each land had its own specific god who needed to be honored.

Key Themes and Messages

• Territorial Deity vs. Universal God: The verse highlights the pagan concept of a "God of the land," a localized deity tied to a specific geographic region. This stands in stark contrast to the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the one true God, sovereign over all creation and all nations (Psalm 24:1). The foreign settlers' complaint, while based on a flawed premise, inadvertently acknowledges a divine power at work.
• Consequences of Ignorance: The settlers explicitly state they are being afflicted "because they know not the manner of the God of the land." While their understanding of God was limited and syncretistic, their experience underscores the biblical principle that ignorance or rejection of God's ways can lead to severe consequences. The lions can be seen as a form of divine judgment or discipline, even if the recipients didn't fully comprehend the true nature of the God sending them (Leviticus 26:22).
• Foreshadowing of Syncretism: This complaint sets the stage for the subsequent request to the Assyrian king to send back an Israelite priest to teach them the "manner" of the God of the land. This ultimately leads to a mixture of worship, where these foreign peoples feared the Lord but also served their own gods, forming the basis of the later Samaritan religion (2 Kings 17:33).

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "know not the manner of the God of the land" is significant. The Hebrew word translated "manner" is mishpat (מִשְׁפַּט), which can mean "judgment," "custom," "ordinance," or "rule." Here, it refers to the prescribed way of worship, the proper religious customs, laws, or ordinances that the God of that land demanded. It implies a lack of adherence to His required practices, not just a lack of understanding of His character.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a localized or regional deity to be appeased like a pagan idol, but the sovereign Lord of all the earth who desires genuine worship and obedience. For believers today, it highlights the importance of truly knowing God's "manner"—His character, His commands, and His will—as revealed in His Word. Superficial or partial understanding, or attempting to mix His truth with worldly practices (syncretism), can lead to spiritual and practical consequences. True peace and blessing come from seeking to know and follow God fully, not merely from superstitious appeasement to avoid trouble.