2 Kings 17:32

KJV

So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

KJV (with Strong's)

So they feared {H3373} the LORD {H3068}, and made {H6213} unto themselves of the lowest {H7098} of them priests {H3548} of the high places {H1116}, which sacrificed {H6213} for them in the houses {H1004} of the high places {H1116}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they feared ADONAI, while at the same time they appointed for themselves priests from among themselves to preside at the high places, and they would sacrifice for them in the temples on the high places.

Berean Standard Bible

So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places.

American Standard Version

So they feared Jehovah, and made unto them from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:32 profoundly illustrates the spiritual compromise of the foreign peoples resettled in Samaria by the Assyrians. Driven by a superficial, superstitious fear of the Lord, they attempted to integrate Yahweh worship into their existing pagan practices, appointing unqualified individuals from among themselves as priests for their illicit "high places." This verse serves as a stark and enduring illustration of syncretism, where genuine reverence for God is diluted and distorted by the blending of divine truth with humanly devised religious customs, leading to a form of worship that was an abomination in God's sight and a direct violation of His exclusive claim to devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial chapter that explains the spiritual decline and ultimate exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following the [Assyrian conquest and deportation of Israel](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Conquest and Exile of Israel"), King Sargon II resettled various foreign peoples into the vacant land of Samaria. The narrative immediately preceding 2 Kings 17:32 describes how these new inhabitants were afflicted by lions, which they superstitiously interpreted as a sign that the "god of the land" was displeased ([2 Kings 17:25](/2_kings/17-25 "2 Kings 17:25 - The Lions and the God of the Land")). In response, an exiled Israelite priest was sent back to teach them "the law of the god of the land" ([2 Kings 17:27](/2_kings/17-27 "2 Kings 17:27 - The Priest Sent to Samaria")). However, instead of abandoning their ancestral gods, they merely added the Lord to their pantheon, creating a hybrid religion. Verses 33-41 further elaborate on this persistent syncretism, detailing how "they feared the LORD, and served their own gods," illustrating the deep-seated spiritual compromise that characterized the new Samaritan population for generations. The entire chapter functions as a theological explanation for Israel's downfall, emphasizing the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and idolatry, which the new inhabitants tragically perpetuated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian policy of population transfer, exemplified by Sargon II's actions after 722 BC, was a common imperial strategy designed to suppress nationalistic revolts and integrate conquered territories by disrupting indigenous populations and mixing diverse peoples. The foreign groups resettled in Samaria—including people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim ([2_kings/17-24](/2_kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24 - Peoples Resettled in Samaria"))—each brought their own polytheistic religious traditions. These cultures typically operated under a "territorial deity" concept, believing that specific gods governed specific lands. Thus, when faced with the lions, their natural response was to appease the local deity, whom they identified as the Lord. The practice of establishing "high places" (Hebrew: _bamot_) was widespread in the ancient Near East, serving as local altars and shrines, often on elevated ground. While some had been used for legitimate worship in early Israelite history, they became notorious for pagan rituals and syncretistic practices, including child sacrifice and Asherah worship, and were consistently condemned by Israel's prophets and reforming kings as affronts to Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship.
* **Key Themes:** Second Kings 17:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the profound danger of **syncretism and spiritual compromise**, demonstrating how the blending of true worship with pagan practices fundamentally corrupts faith. The new settlers were not truly converting to Yahwism but merely incorporating the Lord into their existing polytheistic framework, which God explicitly forbids in the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Secondly, the verse underscores the distinction between **superficial "fear of the LORD" and genuine reverence**. Their "fear" was born out of pragmatic superstition—a desire to avoid calamity (the lions)—rather than a heartfelt love, obedience, or understanding of God's holy character. This contrasts sharply with the [true fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord as Wisdom's Beginning"). Finally, the appointment of **unauthorized priesthood and worship** at "high places" reveals a disregard for God's divine order, including the divinely ordained Levitical priesthood and the centralized worship at Jerusalem. This mirrors the historical apostasy of Jeroboam I, who similarly [appointed non-Levitical priests for his golden calves](/1_kings/12-31 "1 Kings 12:31 - Jeroboam's Unauthorized Priesthood"), setting a precedent for illicit worship in the Northern Kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from H3373, this word can denote genuine reverence and awe, but in this specific context, it carries the connotation of dread or superstitious terror. The new inhabitants "feared" the Lord not out of a desire for true relationship or obedience, but as a powerful, potentially harmful deity of the land who needed appeasement to prevent further calamity (like the lion attacks). This "fear" was pragmatic and external, lacking the internal transformation and covenant loyalty characteristic of true worship of Yahweh.
* **lowest of them (Hebrew, _qâtsâh'_):** From H7098, this phrase literally means "from the ends of them" or "from their extremities," implying the least significant, least qualified, or common people. It highlights the arbitrary and illegitimate nature of their priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were set apart by divine decree and specific lineage, these individuals were chosen by human convenience, without regard for God's established order, holiness, or specific qualifications for those who would draw near to Him in service.
* **high places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From H1116, these were elevated sites, often hills or artificial mounds, where altars and cultic objects were erected for worship. While some early Israelite worship occurred at such sites before the Temple's construction, by this period, "high places" had become synonymous with idolatry and syncretistic worship, often involving Canaanite deities and illicit practices. Their continued use by the new Samaritans underscores their failure to embrace exclusive Yahwism and their persistence in a mixed, unholy form of religion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So they feared the LORD":** This opening clause immediately sets the stage for the spiritual compromise. The "fear" mentioned is not the covenantal, reverential awe that leads to obedience and exclusive worship, but rather a superstitious dread born from the recent plague of lions. They perceived the Lord as a powerful local deity whose wrath needed to be appeased, rather than the one true God demanding sole allegiance. This pragmatic fear, driven by external circumstances, stands in stark contrast to the internal transformation of genuine faith.
* **"and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places":** This phrase reveals the practical outworking of their superficial fear. Instead of seeking true instruction or adhering to God's established Levitical priesthood and centralized worship (which would have required a radical shift in their worldview), they took matters into their own hands. They appointed priests "from the lowest" or "from all sorts of people," indicating a lack of proper qualification, divine ordination, or adherence to any sacred standard. These self-appointed priests served at the "high places," which were illicit sites of worship, often associated with pagan practices and explicitly condemned by God's law.
* **"which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places":** This final clause describes the actual ritual practice of their syncretistic religion. The priests they appointed performed sacrifices on behalf of the people, not in the divinely ordained Temple in Jerusalem, but in "houses" or shrines built upon these "high places." This highlights their complete disregard for God's prescribed worship, demonstrating a blend of foreign religious customs with a superficial acknowledgment of Yahweh, resulting in a distorted and unacceptable form of worship that was an affront to God's holiness and His command for exclusive devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Irony** is prominent, as the phrase "they feared the LORD" is immediately juxtaposed with actions that fundamentally contradict genuine reverence for Him, highlighting the superficiality and hypocrisy of their worship. They claimed to fear God, yet they established a system of worship that actively defied His commands regarding priesthood and worship locations. There is also a clear **Contrast** between true, exclusive worship of Yahweh and the syncretistic, human-devised religion practiced by these foreign settlers. The "high places" function as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just physical locations but the spiritual apostasy and compromise that plagued both Israel and, subsequently, these new inhabitants. Their very existence symbolizes a rejection of God's call for singular devotion and purity in worship, serving as a visual testament to their divided loyalty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 17:32 serves as a profound theological warning against the insidious nature of spiritual syncretism, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. God's covenant with Israel, from its inception, demanded exclusive loyalty and worship, famously encapsulated in the Shema. This verse illustrates the disastrous consequences when this foundational truth is compromised. The new inhabitants of Samaria, much like Israel before them, attempted to serve two masters, a spiritual impossibility as Jesus later taught. Their "fear" of the Lord was not born of genuine love or understanding of His holiness, but from a superstitious desire to avoid calamity, leading to a form of worship that was an abomination. This passage underscores that God desires not merely outward religious observance, but worship that is pure, exclusive, and rooted in an authentic relationship.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")
* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The spiritual compromise depicted in 2 Kings 17:32 remains a potent warning for believers today. In a world increasingly characterized by pluralism and a desire for personal spiritual customization, the temptation to blend biblical truth with worldly philosophies, cultural norms, or even other religious ideas is ever-present. This verse challenges us to examine the authenticity and exclusivity of our own faith. Is our "fear of the Lord" a genuine, reverential awe that compels us to obey and worship Him alone, or is it a superficial acknowledgment, a pragmatic attempt to gain blessings or avoid negative consequences? True worship demands undivided loyalty and adherence to God's revealed Word, not humanly devised rituals or convenient practices that suit our own preferences. We are called to worship God in spirit and truth, ensuring that our faith is not a diluted mixture but a pure, unadulterated devotion to the One who alone is worthy of all praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to practice a form of "spiritual syncretism," blending my faith with worldly values or personal desires?**
* **Is my "fear of the Lord" born out of genuine reverence, love, and understanding of His character, or is it primarily a pragmatic response to avoid negative consequences or gain blessings?**
* **How can I ensure that my worship, both personal and communal, is truly pure and aligned with God's Word, rather than being shaped by human traditions or convenience?**
* **What idols, subtle or overt, might I be allowing to share the throne of my heart alongside the one true God?**

### FAQ
**What is "syncretism" in this context?**

Answer: In the context of 2 Kings 17:32, syncretism refers to the blending of different religious beliefs and practices. Specifically, the new inhabitants of Samaria attempted to combine their existing polytheistic worship of various pagan deities with a superficial reverence for Yahweh, the God of Israel. They did not abandon their ancestral gods but merely added the Lord to their pantheon, creating a hybrid religion that was an abomination to God, who demands exclusive worship. This is a direct violation of the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment").

**Why were "high places" problematic for worship?**

Answer: "High places" (Hebrew: _bamot_) were elevated sites, often hills, where altars and shrines were built for worship. While some early, legitimate worship in Israel occurred at such sites before the Temple was built in Jerusalem, they became increasingly associated with pagan rituals, idolatry, and unauthorized worship. God had commanded centralized worship at Jerusalem ([Deuteronomy 12:5-14](/deuteronomy/12-5-14 "Deuteronomy 12:5-14 - The Place of Worship")) to prevent the very syncretism and spiritual corruption that occurred at these local, often illicit, altars. Their use by the new Samaritans signified a rejection of God's prescribed worship and a continuation of practices condemned throughout Israel's history.

**Who were "the lowest of them" appointed as priests, and why was this significant?**

Answer: The phrase "the lowest of them" (Hebrew: _miqṣoṯam_) refers to common people, likely those without any particular status, training, or qualifications. This is significant because God had established a specific, hereditary priesthood through the tribe of Levi, with precise requirements for those who could serve Him ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Aaronite Priesthood")). By appointing unqualified individuals from among themselves, the new inhabitants demonstrated a profound disregard for God's divine order and holiness. Their priesthood was illegitimate, reflecting their overall approach to worship, which was based on human convenience and superstition rather than divine command, and thus utterly unacceptable to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The spiritual compromise of 2 Kings 17:32, characterized by a superficial fear of God and humanly devised worship, finds its ultimate resolution and antithesis in Jesus Christ. The failure of the Samaritans to truly worship the Lord, evidenced by their unauthorized priests and high places, highlights humanity's persistent inability to approach God on its own terms. Christ, however, is the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") "after the order of Melchizedek," not of the Levitical lineage, whose perfect sacrifice on the cross forever cleanses and consecrates those who come to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). He is the one who fulfills the true purpose of the priesthood and makes genuine access to God possible. Furthermore, Jesus revealed that true worship is not confined to physical locations like Jerusalem or Samaria, but is to be offered "[in spirit and truth](/john/4-23 "John 4:23 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Through His atoning work and the gift of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to offer pure, unadulterated worship, free from the syncretistic tendencies of the human heart. In Christ, the superficial fear born of dread is transformed into a reverent awe coupled with intimate love, as we are brought into a true, covenant relationship with God, no longer needing humanly appointed priests or illicit altars, for He is our all in all ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All")).

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

1 Kings 12:31

And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

2 Kings 17:29

Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put [them] in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.

Zephaniah 1:5

And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship [and] that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;

2 Kings 23:19

And all the houses also of the high places that [were] in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke [the LORD] to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel.

1 Kings 13:33

After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became [one] of the priests of the high places.

1 Kings 13:31

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God [is] buried; lay my bones beside his bones: