2 Kings 17:33

KJV

They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.

KJV (with Strong's)

They feared {H3373} the LORD {H3068}, and served {H5647} their own gods {H430}, after the manner {H4941} of the nations {H1471} whom they carried away {H1540} from thence.

Complete Jewish Bible

They both feared ADONAI and served their own gods in the manner customary among the nations from which they had been taken away.

Berean Standard Bible

They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away.

American Standard Version

They feared Jehovah, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 17:33 profoundly encapsulates the spiritual compromise and dangerous syncretism practiced by the new inhabitants settled in Samaria by the Assyrians. This verse vividly portrays a dual allegiance: a superficial, fear-driven acknowledgment of Yahweh, the God of Israel, coexisting with an unwavering, heartfelt devotion to their traditional pagan deities. It serves as a potent warning against divided loyalty and the perils of attempting to blend true worship with idolatry, illustrating a fundamental failure to grasp God's demand for exclusive, wholehearted devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Kings 17 narrates the tragic culmination of the northern kingdom of Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, leading to their exile by Assyria. Following the deportation of the Israelites (see [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Israel's Exile")), the Assyrian king implemented a policy of population transfer, resettling the depopulated territory of Samaria with various peoples from regions like Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim (as detailed in [2 Kings 17:24](/2_kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24 - New Settlers in Samaria")). Initially, these new settlers did not worship the God of Israel. Their neglect led to a plague of lions among them, which they interpreted through their polytheistic worldview as a judgment from "the God of the land" (see [2 Kings 17:25-26](/2_kings/17-25-26 "2 Kings 17:25-26 - The Lion Plague and Its Interpretation")). In response, the Assyrian king sent back one of the exiled Israelite priests to teach them "the manner of the God of the land" (as recorded in [2 Kings 17:27-28](/2_kings/17-27-28 "2 Kings 17:27-28 - The Priest Sent to Samaria")). The subsequent verses ([2 Kings 17:29-32](/2_kings/17-29-32 "2 Kings 17:29-32 - Continued Idolatry and Syncretism")) describe how each group continued to make and worship their own gods in their respective cities, even as they learned about the Lord. Verse 33, therefore, functions as a concise summary statement of this profound religious syncretism, a blend of pragmatic reverence for Yahweh and unwavering devotion to their ancestral idols, which ultimately shaped the unique and compromised religious identity of the later Samaritans.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire's strategic policy of forced population transfer was a calculated measure to prevent rebellion and facilitate the integration of conquered territories. By forcibly mixing diverse ethnic and religious groups, Assyria aimed to dismantle national and religious identities, thereby weakening potential resistance. The new settlers brought with them their distinct religious practices, pantheons, and cultural norms. Their interpretation of the lion plague as a sign of displeasure from a local deity, "the God of the land," was deeply rooted in a common ancient Near Eastern belief system where specific deities were thought to govern particular geographical territories. The Assyrian king's pragmatic solution—sending an Israelite priest to teach them the "manner" of Yahweh—was not an endorsement of Yahweh's exclusive sovereignty but a utilitarian attempt to appease a perceived local deity and ensure political stability. This led to a superficial adoption of Yahweh worship, driven by fear, superstition, and a desire for protection, rather than genuine conversion or covenant commitment. The concluding phrase "after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence" critically underscores the persistence of their original pagan customs and the profound cultural and religious clash that resulted in this deeply compromised spiritual landscape, where true monotheistic worship was diluted by polytheistic practices.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully illuminated by [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Samaritans' Syncretism") is **Syncretism and Compromise**. The new inhabitants of Samaria attempted to blend the worship of Yahweh with their traditional pagan deities, illustrating a profound spiritual compromise that stands in direct opposition to God's absolute demand for exclusive devotion, as unequivocally articulated in the First Commandment: "[You shall have no other gods before me](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")." This verse also highlights the critical distinction between **Superficial Fear vs. True Reverence**. Their "fear of the LORD" was born of dread and a desire to avert calamity (the lion plague), not genuine faith, love, or covenant faithfulness. It was a pragmatic appeasement rather than a transformative surrender of the heart, failing to lead them to abandon their pagan practices. Furthermore, the verse implicitly condemns **Divided Loyalty**, demonstrating the futility and spiritual danger of attempting to serve two masters. The biblical narrative consistently teaches that true worship requires wholehearted commitment and singular allegiance, a principle later echoed by Jesus in His teaching that "[No one can serve two masters](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Serving Two Masters"), for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." This emphasizes that devotion to God cannot be shared with competing allegiances or idols.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feared (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This verb, derived from H3373, can signify a range of emotions from terror and dread to awe and reverence. In the context of [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Samaritans' Syncretism"), particularly when coupled with the preceding verses ([2 Kings 17:25-28](/2_kings/17-25-28 "2 Kings 17:25-28 - The Lion Plague and Priest's Instruction")) describing the lion plague and the subsequent instruction, "feared" here primarily conveys a superstitious dread or pragmatic appeasement. The new settlers feared the consequences of not acknowledging the "God of the land" (Yahweh), but this fear did not translate into genuine, exclusive worship or a transformation of their hearts away from their ancestral gods. It was a utilitarian fear, not a reverential awe leading to covenant fidelity.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Jewish national name of God (H3068), referring to the self-Existent or Eternal One, Jehovah. The use of this specific name for the God of Israel highlights that the settlers were indeed introduced to Yahweh, not a generic deity. However, their "fear" of Yahweh, as described by _yârêʼ'_, contrasts sharply with the exclusive and covenantal worship due to Him, indicating their failure to grasp the unique nature and demands of the one true God.
* **served (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This primitive root (H5647) means to work, serve, or worship. Unlike their "fear" of the Lord, their "service" to their own gods implies active, devoted, and heartfelt worship. This term indicates a true allegiance and commitment, distinguishing it from the superficial acknowledgment given to Yahweh. The stark contrast between "feared" (Yahweh) and "served" (their own gods) is crucial, highlighting where their true devotion and primary allegiance lay.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form (H430) refers to gods in the ordinary sense, but can also refer to the supreme God. In this context, it clearly denotes the pagan deities of the nations. The phrase "their own gods" emphasizes the personal and ancestral nature of their idolatry. These were deities they identified with, whose worship was deeply ingrained in their cultural and familial heritage. The plural "gods" underscores the polytheistic nature of their original religions, in stark contrast to the monotheistic demands of Yahweh worship. Their continued adherence to "their own gods" demonstrates the deep-seated resistance to exclusive worship of Yahweh, even after experiencing His perceived power.
* **manner (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** Derived from H4941, this word properly means a verdict, sentence, or formal decree, but can also refer to custom, fashion, or ordinance. Here, it refers to the customary practices, laws, and religious traditions of the nations from which they were carried away. This term emphasizes that their continued service to their own gods was not a random act but a deeply ingrained cultural and religious system, passed down through generations. It highlights the persistence of their pagan heritage and their failure to fully abandon their old ways, even after being introduced to the God of Israel.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to a foreign nation, hence a Gentile. It specifically identifies the non-Israelite peoples who were resettled in Samaria. This highlights the foreign origin of their idolatrous practices and emphasizes the contrast between their pagan customs and the covenantal laws given to Israel.
* **carried away (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root (H1540) means to denude, exile, or reveal. Here, it specifically refers to the act of being exiled or taken captive. This word grounds the verse in the historical reality of the Assyrian deportation policy, underscoring that these new inhabitants were themselves displaced peoples who brought their religious practices with them to a new land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They feared the LORD":** This initial clause indicates a recognition of Yahweh's power and authority, specifically in response to the plague of lions that afflicted them (as described in [2 Kings 17:25-26](/2_kings/17-25-26 "2 Kings 17:25-26 - The Lion Plague")). Their fear was not born of genuine faith, love, or covenant commitment, but rather a pragmatic, superstitious dread, a desire to appease the "God of the land" to prevent further calamity. It represents an outward, superficial acknowledgment rather than an inward, transforming devotion.
* **"and served their own gods":** This contrasting phrase reveals the true allegiance of their hearts. Despite their pragmatic fear of Yahweh, their active and devoted worship was primarily directed towards their traditional pagan deities. The verb "served" (Hebrew _ʻâbad'_) implies a deep commitment, regular practice, and heartfelt allegiance, contrasting sharply with their mere "fear" of the Lord. This highlights their profound divided loyalty and the deeply syncretistic nature of their religious practices, where Yahweh was simply added to their existing pantheon rather than replacing it.
* **"after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence":** This concluding clause clarifies that their continued idolatry was fully consistent with the customs, rituals, and practices of their original homelands (Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim). It underscores the persistence of their pagan heritage and their failure to fully abandon their old ways, even after being introduced to the God of Israel. This "manner" includes their specific idols, cultic rituals, and the polytheistic worldview that underpinned their worship, demonstrating that their syncretism was a blending of old and new, rather than a true conversion to exclusive monotheism.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of spiritual compromise. **Juxtaposition** is central, placing "feared the LORD" directly alongside "and served their own gods." This stark contrast highlights the inherent contradiction and spiritual hypocrisy of their practices, emphasizing the irreconcilable nature of their dual allegiance. The phrase "feared the LORD" also carries a strong sense of **Irony**; while the Hebrew word _yârêʼ'_ can signify reverent awe, in this context, it is clearly a fear of consequences or a pragmatic appeasement, not a holy dread that leads to exclusive worship. This superficial "fear" is ironic given their continued deep "service" to other gods, revealing the shallow nature of their acknowledgment of Yahweh. Furthermore, the phrase "after the manner of the nations" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "manner" stands for the entire system of pagan beliefs, rituals, and idolatrous practices characteristic of those nations. This concise phrase effectively encapsulates the deep-seated paganism that continued to define their spiritual lives despite their partial, fear-driven adoption of Yahweh worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Samaritans' Syncretism") are profound, serving as a timeless warning against syncretism and divided loyalty. It underscores God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and wholehearted devotion, a cornerstone of biblical theology from the Ten Commandments onward. The attempt to blend the worship of the one true God with pagan practices is an affront to His holiness and sovereignty, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of His unique nature and covenant requirements. This syncretism is not merely a practical compromise but a theological rebellion, as it diminishes God to the level of other deities, denying His uniqueness and supreme authority. It reveals that outward religious observance, if not accompanied by inward transformation and singular devotion, is ultimately meaningless and condemned by God. The verse powerfully illustrates that true faith cannot tolerate rivals; God will not share His glory with idols, demanding complete allegiance from His people.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love God with All Your Heart")
* [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Samaritans' Syncretism") offers a sobering mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the authenticity and exclusivity of our own worship. In a world saturated with competing loyalties, ideologies, and desires, the temptation to practice a subtle form of spiritual syncretism remains potent. This can manifest as blending Christian faith with secular humanism, prioritizing material gain over spiritual growth, allowing cultural norms to dictate moral choices that contradict biblical truth, or seeking validation from the world more than from God. True faith demands a radical, undivided allegiance to Christ, where every area of life is submitted to His Lordship. Our "fear of the Lord" must transcend mere apprehension of consequences and mature into a reverent awe that compels us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, actively serving Him alone. This verse calls us to a rigorous self-assessment: are we truly serving God, or are we merely appeasing Him while our hearts remain captivated by other "gods"—be they comfort, success, approval, self-image, or even ministry itself? Genuine devotion requires a constant turning away from all rivals to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be practicing a subtle form of syncretism, attempting to blend Christian faith with worldly values or desires?**
* **Is my "fear of the Lord" a genuine, reverent awe that leads to exclusive devotion, or is it merely a pragmatic attempt to avoid negative consequences or gain perceived benefits?**
* **What "gods" (e.g., career, reputation, pleasure, comfort, social media, political ideologies) might be competing for the primary allegiance of my heart, diverting my service from God alone?**
* **How can I cultivate a more wholehearted and undivided devotion to God in my daily life, moving beyond superficial acknowledgment to true, transformative service?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: In a biblical context, syncretism refers to the blending or fusion of different religious beliefs, practices, or deities. In [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Samaritans' Syncretism"), it describes the new inhabitants of Samaria attempting to worship Yahweh, the God of Israel, alongside their traditional pagan gods. It is condemned throughout Scripture because it violates God's absolute demand for exclusive worship and undivided loyalty. God, as the one true and sovereign Creator, will not share His glory with idols or false gods. Syncretism diminishes God's uniqueness, compromises His holiness, and ultimately leads to spiritual confusion and apostasy, as seen in the First Commandment in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") and the call to singular devotion in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema").

**Did the Assyrian king intend for the new inhabitants to truly worship the LORD?**

Answer: The Assyrian king's primary motivation was pragmatic, not theological. When the new settlers experienced a plague of lions, they interpreted it as a judgment from "the God of the land" (as recorded in [2 Kings 17:25-26](/2_kings/17-25-26 "2 Kings 17:25-26 - The Lion Plague and Its Interpretation")). The king's response was to send back an Israelite priest to teach them "the manner of the God of the land" (see [2 Kings 17:27-28](/2_kings/17-27-28 "2 Kings 17:27-28 - The Priest Sent to Samaria")). His goal was to appease this perceived territorial deity and restore stability to the region, not to promote genuine, exclusive worship of Yahweh. The result, as [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Samaritans' Syncretism") shows, was a superficial acknowledgment of Yahweh combined with continued devotion to their own gods, which was acceptable to the Assyrians as long as it maintained order and prevented further unrest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Samaritans' Syncretism"), with its stark portrayal of spiritual syncretism and divided loyalty, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The superficial fear and competing allegiances described in the Old Testament are directly addressed by Christ's radical call to singular, wholehearted devotion. Jesus Himself unequivocally declared, "[No one can serve two masters](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters"), for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." This teaching extends beyond material wealth to encompass any idol or competing allegiance that vies for the heart's ultimate affection, demanding an exclusive love for God. Christ's life perfectly exemplifies this exclusive devotion to God the Father, living in complete obedience and unbroken fellowship. His atoning sacrifice on the cross provides the means for humanity to be delivered from the bondage of idolatry and divided hearts, breaking the power of sin and false gods. Through faith in Him, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship "[in spirit and truth](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")," a worship that is not born of fear or superstition, but of genuine love, gratitude, and transformed hearts. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, promises a new heart and a new spirit (as powerfully prophesied in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling believers to truly turn from all idols to serve the living and true God, awaiting "[His Son from heaven](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning from Idols to God")". Thus, Christ is the answer to humanity's inherent tendency towards syncretism, offering the path to complete, undivided, and joyful allegiance to God alone.

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

Luke 16:13

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

2 Kings 17:41

So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

1 Kings 18:21

¶ And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD [be] God, follow him: but if Baal, [then] follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

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;

Hosea 10:2

Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.