2 Kings 17:30

KJV

And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} of Babylon {H894} made {H6213} Succothbenoth {H5524}, and the men {H582} of Cuth {H3575} made {H6213} Nergal {H5370}, and the men {H582} of Hamath {H2574} made {H6213} Ashima {H807},

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus the people from Bavel made Sukkot-B'not, those from Kutah made Nergal, those from Hamat made Ashima,

Berean Standard Bible

The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima,

American Standard Version

And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse precisely enumerates specific pagan deities introduced into the land of Samaria by the foreign peoples resettled there by the Assyrian king following the Northern Kingdom of Israel's exile. It serves as a stark illustration of the pervasive religious syncretism that permeated the former Israelite territory, highlighting the diverse idolatrous practices that supplanted the exclusive worship of Yahweh and further underscored God's righteous judgment on a nation that had already tragically strayed into idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial chapter that narrates the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the subsequent Assyrian resettlement of Samaria. Following the capture of Samaria and the deportation of Israelites (as described in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria and Exile")), the Assyrian king implemented a policy of population transfer, populating the land with various foreign groups. The preceding verses explain *why* Israel was exiled—their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant (see [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7-18 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Israel's Sin and Exile")). The verses immediately following [2 Kings 17:30](/2_kings/17-30 "2 Kings 17:30 - Foreign Gods in Samaria") continue to list these foreign groups and their gods, culminating in a description of a mixed, syncretistic religion where the newcomers "feared the Lord, and served their own gods" ([2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - Syncretistic Worship")). This entire section underscores the tragic consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the pervasive nature of idolatry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After the fall of Samaria in 722/721 BC, the Assyrian Empire, under Sargon II, implemented a policy of population transfer. This strategy aimed to prevent rebellion by breaking up national identities and mixing conquered peoples. The foreign groups mentioned—from Babylon, Cuth, and Hamath—were from various parts of the vast Assyrian empire. When these peoples were resettled in Samaria, they brought their native religious practices, deities, and cultic objects with them. This influx created a religiously diverse landscape where the worship of Yahweh, which had already been corrupted by Israelite idolatry, was further diluted and challenged by a multitude of pagan cults. The mention of specific deities like Nergal and Ashima reflects the rich pantheons of Mesopotamia and Syria, which often included gods of war, pestilence, fertility, and the underworld, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic demands of the Mosaic Covenant found in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema").

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Idolatry**, vividly demonstrated by the specific naming of foreign deities and their introduction into the land of Israel. This act directly violates the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Closely related is **Syncretism**, the blending of different religious beliefs and practices. The foreign settlers, and later even some of the remaining Israelites, attempted to combine the worship of Yahweh with their native gods, a practice vehemently condemned throughout the Old Testament as spiritual adultery (e.g., [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8-9 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Israel's Adultery")). Finally, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience** and **Divine Judgment**. Israel's exile was a direct result of their unfaithfulness, and the subsequent paganization of their land serves as a powerful, visual testament to the judgment that befell them, transforming a land dedicated to Yahweh into a hub of diverse pagan worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Succothbenoth (Hebrew, _Çukkôwth bᵉnôwth'_):** The identity of this deity is highly debated. The name literally means "booths of (the) daughters" or "tents of daughters," leading some scholars to suggest it refers to a deity associated with temporary shelters, perhaps for ritual prostitution, or a cultic practice involving young women. Others propose it is a corrupted form or a popular rendering of a Babylonian goddess like Zarpanitu, the consort of Marduk, often associated with fertility and creation. Given the Babylonian origin, it likely pertains to a fertility or creative deity worshipped in a specific cultic setting, potentially involving impure purposes.
* **Nergal (Foreign Origin, _Nêrᵉgal'_):** A well-attested and prominent Mesopotamian deity, Nergal was the god of the underworld, pestilence, war, and destruction. He was particularly associated with the city of Cuth (Cutha), which was a major cultic center for his worship. His presence signifies the introduction of a powerful, often feared, deity whose domain included death and disease, reflecting the dark aspects of Babylonian religious cosmology.
* **Ashima (Foreign Origin, _ʼAshîymâʼ'_):** This deity was worshipped by the men of Hamath, a Syrian city-state. Ashima is believed to be related to the Syrian deity Ashim-Bethel, possibly associated with fate, destiny, or the divine presence within a sanctuary. Some scholars connect Ashima to the Phoenician god Eshmun, a god of healing, or to a female deity. Its inclusion demonstrates the diverse pantheon of gods brought from the western parts of the Assyrian empire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth":** This clause identifies the first group of foreign settlers, the Babylonians, and the specific deity or cultic object they established in Samaria. The verb "made" (from H6213, _ʻâsâh_) implies the construction of an idol, an altar, or a cultic center dedicated to Succothbenoth, indicating the active establishment of their native worship practices in the new land. This act directly contravened the exclusive worship of Yahweh.
* **"and the men of Cuth made Nergal":** This continues the enumeration, specifying the people from Cuth (a city in Babylonia) and their principal deity, Nergal. The act of "making" again signifies the physical manifestation of their worship, likely through an idol or a dedicated shrine, reinforcing the widespread introduction of foreign gods and the systematic paganization of the land.
* **"and the men of Hamath made Ashima":** The final clause in this verse names the people from Hamath (a Syrian city-state) and their deity, Ashima. This further emphasizes the diverse origins of the resettled populations and the distinct religious traditions they brought with them, each establishing their particular god in the land once exclusively dedicated to the Lord, thereby completing the picture of religious pluralism and idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is **Enumeration**, as it systematically lists the various foreign groups and the specific deities they introduced into Samaria. This detailed cataloging serves to emphasize the sheer scale and diversity of the pagan religions now polluting the land of Israel, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the spiritual compromise. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** at play; the meticulous listing of these foreign gods stands in stark opposition to the singular, exclusive worship demanded by Yahweh in the Mosaic Law. This contrast underscores the profound spiritual degradation that had occurred, transforming a land meant for monotheistic devotion into a hub of polytheistic idolatry. The idols themselves serve as **Symbolism**, representing not merely physical objects but the spiritual apostasy and the abandonment of the covenant with the one true God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological dangers of idolatry and syncretism, which were central issues throughout Israel's history. The introduction of these foreign gods into the very heart of the land promised to Abraham and consecrated to Yahweh represents the ultimate spiritual defilement. It underscores God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship, a principle enshrined in the very first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me." The narrative here serves as a historical warning against spiritual compromise, demonstrating how the failure to remain faithful to God alone inevitably leads to a proliferation of false worship and ultimately, divine judgment. The presence of these idols in Samaria is a tangible sign of the spiritual desolation that had befallen the Northern Kingdom due to its persistent unfaithfulness.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 6:14](/deuteronomy/6-14 "Deuteronomy 6:14 - Do Not Go After Other Gods")
* [1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of [2 Kings 17:30](/2_kings/17-30 "2 Kings 17:30 - Foreign Gods in Samaria"), detailing the influx of foreign gods into Samaria, serves as a timeless and potent warning for believers today. While we may not erect physical idols of Succothbenoth or Nergal, the principle remains profoundly relevant: anything that takes the place of God in our lives, anything we trust in more than Him, or anything that consumes our devotion and affections, becomes an idol. This can manifest as the pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, relationships, personal achievements, or even ideologies that subtly displace God's sovereignty and truth. The danger of syncretism is equally present, as we can be tempted to blend Christian faith with worldly values, cultural norms, or personal preferences, thereby diluting the purity of our worship and commitment. This passage calls us to a rigorous self-examination, urging us to identify and dismantle any "altars" we might have unwittingly built to false gods in our hearts and lives, reaffirming our exclusive and unreserved devotion to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" might be subtly competing for my ultimate allegiance in today's culture?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to practice "syncretism," blending my faith with secular values or personal desires?**
* **How does the exclusivity of God's demand for worship challenge my priorities and daily choices?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my devotion remains solely to the one true God?**

### FAQ

**What is Succothbenoth, and why is its identity debated?**

Answer: Succothbenoth is a deity or cultic object mentioned in [2 Kings 17:30](/2_kings/17-30 "2 Kings 17:30 - Foreign Gods in Samaria") as being worshipped by the men of Babylon. Its identity is debated among scholars because the name "Succothbenoth" literally translates from Hebrew as "booths of daughters" or "tents of daughters." This unusual phrasing has led to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest it refers to a specific cultic practice, possibly involving sacred prostitution or fertility rites conducted in temporary shelters. Others believe it is a Hebrew transliteration or a popular, perhaps derisive, name for a known Babylonian goddess, such as Zarpanitu (the consort of Marduk), who was associated with fertility and creation. The lack of clear parallels in other ancient Near Eastern texts makes its precise identification challenging, contributing to the ongoing scholarly discussion.

**Why did the Assyrian king resettle foreign peoples in Samaria, and what was the impact?**

Answer: The Assyrian king, after conquering the Northern Kingdom of Israel and exiling its inhabitants (as detailed in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria and Exile")), implemented a deliberate policy of population transfer. This strategy served multiple purposes: to prevent future rebellions by breaking up the national identity of conquered peoples, to integrate diverse populations into the Assyrian Empire, and to repopulate conquered territories for economic and administrative stability. The impact on Samaria was profound. The foreign settlers brought their own distinct religious practices, deities, and cultural norms. This led to a significant religious syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh, which had already been corrupted by Israelite idolatry, was further diluted and mixed with the worship of numerous pagan gods (as seen in [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - Syncretistic Worship")). This transformation fundamentally altered the spiritual landscape of the land once dedicated to the exclusive worship of the Lord.

**What is "syncretism" in a biblical context, and why is it condemned?**

Answer: In a biblical context, syncretism refers to the blending or mixing of different religious beliefs, practices, or deities. In the Old Testament, it specifically describes the attempt to combine the worship of Yahweh, the one true God, with the worship of pagan gods or the adoption of pagan rituals. For example, [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - Syncretistic Worship") states that the foreign settlers in Samaria "feared the Lord, and served their own gods." Syncretism is vehemently condemned throughout the Bible because it violates God's absolute demand for exclusive worship, as stated in the first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). It is seen as spiritual adultery, a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God, and a dilution of His truth and holiness. God's nature is singular and holy, and He cannot be worshipped alongside false gods without diminishing His glory and compromising the purity of faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of [2 Kings 17:30](/2_kings/17-30 "2 Kings 17:30 - Foreign Gods in Samaria"), with its stark portrayal of rampant idolatry and spiritual syncretism, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently highlights humanity's propensity to create and worship false gods, demonstrating the futility and spiritual death that result from turning away from the one true God. Christ, however, is the complete and perfect revelation of God, the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). He is the true object of worship, deserving of all praise and adoration, and through Him, we are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), which transcends physical idols or geographical locations. The New Covenant, established through Christ's atoning sacrifice, provides the means for humanity to be reconciled to God, not through appeasing multiple deities or mixing faiths, but through faith in the one mediator between God and man ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). Furthermore, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers empowers them to put to death the "earthly things" that can become modern idols—greed, lust, covetousness—which Paul explicitly calls idolatry ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). Thus, Christ not only condemns all forms of idolatry but also provides the spiritual freedom and power to live a life of exclusive devotion to God, fulfilling the very purpose for which Israel was called.

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 17:24

¶ And the king of Assyria brought [men] from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed [them] in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.