2 Kings 17:36

KJV

But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068}, who brought you up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} with great {H1419} power {H3581} and a stretched out {H5186} arm {H2220}, him shall ye fear {H3372}, and him shall ye worship {H7812}, and to him shall ye do sacrifice {H2076}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the contrary, you are to fear ADONAI, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. Worship him, and sacrifice to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him.

American Standard Version

but Jehovah, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm, him shall ye fear, and unto him shall ye bow yourselves, and to him shall ye sacrifice:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:36 delivers a profound and exclusive declaration of Yahweh's claim to worship, set against the tragic backdrop of the northern kingdom of Israel's fall and the subsequent religious syncretism in Samaria. This verse encapsulates the foundational demands of the Mosaic Covenant, asserting God's unique identity and unparalleled power as the sole object of fear, worship, and sacrifice, rooting His supreme authority in His historical act of delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel and Samaritan Syncretism"), a pivotal chapter that chronicles the Assyrian conquest and exile of the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) in 722 BC. Following Israel's depopulation, the Assyrians resettled various foreign peoples into the land. These new inhabitants, unfamiliar with the God of Israel, faced divine judgment (lions sent among them), prompting them to seek instruction on "the manner of the God of the land." However, their response was not exclusive devotion but a dangerous syncretism, blending their native idolatry with a superficial acknowledgment of Yahweh, as detailed in [2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Syncretism of the Samaritans"). Verses 35-39 serve as a powerful divine rebuke and a reiteration of the covenant stipulations, emphasizing God's absolute demand for exclusive worship, contrasting sharply with the dual allegiance practiced by the new Samaritans and the historical unfaithfulness of Israel itself. The passage functions as a theological explanation for Israel's downfall and a stern warning against spiritual compromise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire, under Sargon II, employed a deliberate policy of population transfer to prevent rebellion and assimilate conquered peoples. The resettlement of foreign groups into Samaria led to a significant clash of religious cultures. These peoples brought their own deities and worship practices, yet they also encountered the lingering presence and tradition of Yahweh worship. Their attempt to appease "the God of the land" alongside their own gods was typical of ancient Near Eastern polytheistic cultures, where deities were often seen as localized or regional, and pantheons could be expanded. However, this clashed fundamentally with Israel's covenantal monotheism, where Yahweh demanded absolute and exclusive allegiance. The reference to the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Departure from Egypt") is crucial, as it was the defining historical event that established Yahweh's identity as Israel's deliverer and sovereign, forming the very basis of their covenant relationship and His unique claim on their worship.
* **Key Themes:** Second Kings 17:36 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Old Testament narrative and the broader biblical storyline. Foremost is the theme of **Exclusive Worship**, unequivocally stating that only the LORD is to be feared, worshipped, and sacrificed to. This directly challenges the syncretistic practices of the new Samaritan inhabitants and the persistent idolatry that plagued Israel throughout its history, echoing the foundational command of [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Demonstrative Power and Sovereignty**, particularly through the phrase "who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm." The [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Departure from Egypt") was the ultimate display of Yahweh's irresistible might, establishing His unique authority and providing the historical basis for Israel's obligation to Him. This leads to the theme of **Covenant Fidelity and Remembrance**, as the verse implicitly calls the people to recall the covenant made at Sinai, where God bound Himself to Israel as their God, and they, in turn, were to be His exclusive people, obedient to His statutes, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema"). Finally, the command "him shall ye fear" emphasizes **Reverential Fear**, which is more than mere terror; it signifies profound awe, respect, and obedient submission due to God's majesty, holiness, and demonstrated power, a concept frequently emphasized in wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, often translated as Yahweh. From an unused root meaning "to be firm," it conveys the idea of the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God. Its use here emphasizes that the God demanding exclusive worship is not a generic deity but the specific, revealed God of Israel, who has entered into a covenant relationship with His people and demonstrated His unique power.
* **arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** Referring to the physical arm or foreleg, this word is used figuratively here to denote force, might, or power. When combined with "stretched out" (from H5186 _nâṭâh_), it forms a powerful anthropomorphic idiom, "stretched out arm," which symbolizes God's direct, irresistible, and decisive intervention. It vividly portrays God actively exerting His overwhelming strength to accomplish His purposes, particularly in acts of deliverance or judgment, leaving no doubt about the divine origin of miraculous events.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** While this primitive root can denote terror or dread, especially in the presence of the divine, in this context, particularly when coupled with "worship" and "sacrifice," it primarily conveys a profound sense of reverential awe, respect, and obedient submission. It is the appropriate response to a holy, powerful, and covenant-keeping God, leading to faithful living and a desire to honor Him, rather than paralyzing fright. It encompasses both a recognition of God's immense power and a deep reverence for His character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt":** This opening clause immediately identifies the specific God being commanded for exclusive worship: Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The reference to the Exodus is not merely a historical note but the foundational act of redemption that established Israel's identity as a people and Yahweh's unique claim over them. It is the basis for His authority and their obligation, serving as a powerful reminder of His saving work.
* **"with great power and a stretched out arm":** This phrase elaborates on *how* the Exodus was accomplished. It emphasizes the extraordinary, supernatural might of God, distinguishing Him from all other deities. "Great power" (H1419 _gâdôwl_ and H3581 _kôach_) speaks to the magnitude of His strength and vigor, while the "stretched out arm" (H5186 _nâṭâh_ and H2220 _zᵉrôwaʻ_) vividly portrays His active, unhindered, and irresistible intervention, overcoming the might of Pharaoh and the natural order. This was not a passive God, but one who acted decisively and overwhelmingly on behalf of His people.
* **"him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice":** This tripartite command outlines the proper and exclusive response to such a God. "Fear" (H3372 _yârêʼ_) signifies reverential awe, profound respect, and obedient submission. "Worship" (H7812 _shâchâh_, to prostrate oneself, do obeisance) denotes active devotion, humble submission, and service. "Do sacrifice" (H2076 _zâbach_, to slaughter an animal, usually in sacrifice) refers to the prescribed cultic acts of offering, atonement, and communion, which were central to Israelite worship and symbolized complete dedication. Together, these commands encapsulate the totality of exclusive devotion to Yahweh, encompassing inner reverence, outward service, and prescribed ritual, leaving no room for dual allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent and exclusive message. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, vividly seen in the phrase "stretched out arm," which attributes a human body part and action to God to describe His active, powerful, and unhindered intervention in history. This imagery makes God's immense power tangible and relatable. There is also significant **Anaphora** and **Repetition** of the pronoun "him" ("him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice"). This emphatic repetition serves to underscore the singular, exclusive object of Israel's devotion, reinforcing the uncompromising demand for monotheistic allegiance. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Covenantal Reminder**, recalling the terms of the Sinai covenant where God's mighty deliverance from Egypt formed the foundational basis for His demand for exclusive allegiance and obedience. Finally, the verse implicitly creates a stark **Contrast** between the singular, omnipotent, covenant-keeping God of Israel and the multiple, localized, and ultimately impotent deities of the surrounding nations and the syncretistic practices of the Samaritans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 17:36 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the appropriate human response. It asserts Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and uniqueness, grounding His demand for exclusive worship not in arbitrary decree, but in His demonstrated redemptive power. The Exodus serves as the paradigm for all of God's saving acts, establishing His identity as the one true deliverer and therefore the sole legitimate object of fear, worship, and sacrifice. This verse underscores the fundamental principle of monotheism – that there is only one God, and all devotion must be directed to Him alone. Any deviation into syncretism or idolatry is not merely a cultural preference but a direct affront to God's character and His covenant faithfulness, ultimately leading to judgment. The call to "fear" God is a call to acknowledge His holiness and authority, leading to a life of obedience and trust, which is the very essence of true worship.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Exodus 20:2-3](/exodus/20-2-3 "Exodus 20:2-3 - The First Commandment")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalms/105-26-27 "Psalm 105:26-27 - God's Mighty Acts in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Kings 17:36 serves as a timeless and urgent summons to exclusive devotion to the one true God. In a world saturated with competing allegiances and subtle forms of idolatry, this verse challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate fear, worship, and "sacrifice" (our time, resources, affections, and priorities) are truly directed. Just as God's mighty deliverance from Egypt formed the basis for Israel's worship, we are called to remember and continually reflect upon God's mighty acts in salvation history, culminating in the ultimate deliverance wrought through Jesus Christ. This remembrance should ignite within us a profound reverence and awe, leading to a life of unreserved obedience and worship. We are called to guard vigilantly against anything that might usurp God's rightful place in our hearts – be it career, comfort, material possessions, social status, or even good things like family or hobbies. True spiritual health and flourishing are found in a singular, undivided devotion to the God who has demonstrated His power and love on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or forms of bondage has God delivered me from, and how does remembering these acts deepen my worship and gratitude?**
* **In what subtle ways might I be practicing "syncretism" in my own life, allowing other allegiances or desires to compete with my exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more reverential "fear of the LORD" that leads to greater obedience, wisdom, and trust in my daily life?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "worship" and "do sacrifice" to God in a contemporary context, beyond formal religious practices, encompassing my entire life?**

### FAQ

**Why is the Exodus so central to God's demand for worship in this verse?**

Answer: The Exodus from Egypt was the foundational redemptive act in Israel's history, demonstrating Yahweh's unparalleled power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. It was the event that transformed a collection of slaves into a nation, establishing God's unique identity as their deliverer and covenant partner. Therefore, God's demand for exclusive worship is not arbitrary but is rooted in His demonstrated character and His decisive intervention on their behalf. It serves as the ultimate proof of His claim to their allegiance, as seen in the preamble to the Ten Commandments in [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The Preamble to the Ten Commandments"), which begins by reminding Israel of their deliverance from Egypt.

**What does "fear" mean in the context of "him shall ye fear"?**

Answer: In this context, "fear" (Hebrew _yârêʼ_) does not primarily mean terror or fright, but rather a profound sense of reverential awe, respect, and obedient submission. It is the appropriate response to the majesty, holiness, and power of God. This "fear of the LORD" is often presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), leading to a life of righteousness and faithful adherence to God's commands, rather than merely being afraid of punishment. It encompasses both a recognition of God's immense power and a loving reverence for His character and covenant faithfulness.

**How does this verse relate to the syncretism of the Samaritans described in 2 Kings 17?**

Answer: This verse stands in stark opposition to the syncretism practiced by the new inhabitants of Samaria. While they acknowledged "the God of the land" (Yahweh) and even offered some sacrifices to Him, they continued to worship their own national deities alongside Him ([2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - The Syncretism of the Samaritans")). Second Kings 17:36 directly condemns this dual allegiance by reiterating Yahweh's exclusive claim. It emphasizes that the God who delivered Israel with such power demands *all* fear, *all* worship, and *all* sacrifice, leaving no room for other gods. The Samaritans' failure to grasp this exclusive nature of Yahweh's covenant, and their attempt to combine His worship with idolatry, was a central reason for their continued spiritual blindness and the divine judgment they experienced.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The demand for exclusive worship of Yahweh, rooted in His powerful deliverance from Egypt, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very "stretched out arm" of God, not merely delivering from physical bondage but accomplishing a far greater exodus from the slavery of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Just as the Exodus established God's unique claim on Israel, so Christ's atoning work on the cross and His glorious resurrection establish His unique claim on all who believe. He is the true Lamb of God, whose perfect and once-for-all sacrifice renders all other sacrifices obsolete ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Therefore, the fear, worship, and spiritual sacrifice commanded in [2 Kings 17:36](/2_kings/17-36 "2 Kings 17:36 - Exclusive Worship of the LORD") are now directed to God in Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). Through Him, we offer "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Priesthood")). Every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Lordship")), demonstrating that He alone is worthy of our ultimate fear, worship, and devotion.

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

Exodus 6:6

Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

Deuteronomy 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Exodus 9:15

For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.

Leviticus 19:32

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Deuteronomy 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Deuteronomy 12:6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

Acts 4:30

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.