2 Kings 17:38

KJV

And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the covenant {H1285} that I have made {H3772} with you ye shall not forget {H7911}; neither shall ye fear {H3372} other {H312} gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and you are not to forget the covenant I made with you. No, you must not fear other gods

Berean Standard Bible

Do not forget the covenant I have made with you. Do not worship other gods,

American Standard Version

and the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:38 serves as a profound encapsulation of the covenantal demands Yahweh placed upon Israel, specifically highlighting the twin pillars of covenant fidelity and exclusive worship. Situated amidst the tragic account of the Northern Kingdom's exile, this divine command underscores the foundational principles that, when neglected, inevitably led to national apostasy and divine judgment, serving as a timeless reminder of God's unwavering expectation of singular devotion from His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the somber narrative of 2 Kings 17, which recounts the final demise of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) and its subsequent exile by the Assyrians. The chapter meticulously details the long history of Israel's persistent disobedience, particularly their abandonment of the Mosaic covenant and their rampant idolatry. Verse 38, though a general principle echoing earlier commands from the Torah, is strategically placed here as a direct divine indictment, emphasizing that Israel's catastrophic judgment was not arbitrary but a direct and inevitable consequence of their failure to heed such clear warnings. It functions as a summary statement of the very failures that led to their downfall, providing the theological rationale for the exile described in [2 Kings 17:6-18](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6-18 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fall of Samaria in 722 BCE to the Assyrian Empire under Sargon II marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement, described in [2 Kings 17:24](/2_kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24 - Resettlement of Samaria"), aimed to break national identity and prevent rebellion. Foreign peoples were brought into Samaria, and their subsequent syncretistic religious practices—mixing their own pagan worship with a superficial reverence for Yahweh—further illustrated the very spiritual compromise and "fearing other gods" that this verse condemns. The concept of "covenant" (Hebrew: _b'rit_) was well-understood in the ancient Near East, often paralleling suzerain-vassal treaties where a powerful king (suzerain) established terms for a lesser king or people (vassal), demanding loyalty and promising protection for obedience, and curses for rebellion. Israel's covenant with Yahweh was unique in its theological depth, but its structural elements would have resonated with the cultural understanding of binding agreements.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Pentateuch and prophetic literature. **Covenant Fidelity** is paramount; the command "the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget" refers directly to the Mosaic Covenant established at Mount Sinai, which laid out Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh and their responsibilities, including obedience to His laws ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). Forgetting this covenant was not mere amnesia but a deliberate disregard for its terms, leading to spiritual and moral decay, as warned in [Deuteronomy 8:11](/deuteronomy/8-11 "Deuteronomy 8:11 - Warning Against Forgetting God"). **Exclusive Worship (Monotheism)** is the second critical theme, encapsulated in "neither shall ye fear other gods." This is a direct prohibition against idolatry and polytheism, echoing the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments")). The Hebrew word for "fear" (_yare'_) here signifies not just dread but also reverence, awe, and devoted allegiance, underscoring God's demand for Israel's sole worship and devotion as the one true God. Finally, the chapter implicitly highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that Israel's failure to uphold these twin commands directly led to their national downfall and exile, a stark reminder of divine justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _b'rit'_):** This term denotes a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by a superior party (God) with specific terms, obligations, and consequences for adherence or violation. In the context of Israel, the _b'rit_ with Yahweh was foundational to their identity and relationship with Him, distinguishing them from other nations. It was not merely a contract but a relationship of grace and expectation, revealing God's character and His plan for His people. Forgetting this covenant, therefore, was not a simple memory lapse but a profound act of spiritual rebellion and a rejection of their very identity as God's chosen people.
* **Forget (Hebrew, _shakach'_):** While literally meaning "to forget," in a biblical and covenantal context, _shakach_ implies far more than a failure of memory. It signifies a deliberate disregard, a neglect of duties, a turning away from established truths, or a failure to act in accordance with what is remembered. To "not forget" the covenant means to actively live by its terms, to keep its commands, and to remain loyal to the God who made it. Israel's "forgetting" was manifested in their idolatry, injustice, and disobedience.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word is rich in meaning, encompassing both a healthy dread or awe of God's power and judgment, and a reverent worship or allegiance. When applied to "other gods," it means not to give them reverence, loyalty, or worship. The command "neither shall ye fear other gods" is thus a call to exclusive devotion to Yahweh, prohibiting any form of idolatry or syncretism where other deities might receive the awe and allegiance due only to the one true God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget":** This clause emphasizes the enduring nature and critical importance of the Mosaic Covenant. "The covenant" refers to the entire body of law, statutes, and promises given at Sinai, which established Israel as God's special possession and outlined the terms of their relationship. The prohibition "ye shall not forget" is a command for active remembrance and adherence. It implies a continuous, conscious commitment to the stipulations of the covenant, ensuring that Israel's daily life, worship, and national decisions were always aligned with God's revealed will. Forgetting the covenant was thus a spiritual and practical abandonment of their divine calling.
* **"neither shall ye fear other gods":** This second clause directly addresses the core issue of idolatry and polytheism, which was a pervasive temptation in the ancient Near East and a constant struggle for Israel. The command "neither shall ye fear" uses _yare'_ in the sense of giving reverence, worship, or allegiance. It is a demand for exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This prohibition is not merely against the physical act of bowing down to idols but against any spiritual or practical allegiance to anything other than the one true God, whether it be foreign deities, human leaders, or worldly systems that claim ultimate authority or offer false security. It underscores God's jealousy for His unique relationship with His people and His absolute sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synonymous or antithetical parallelism, where the two clauses reinforce the same core theological truth: exclusive devotion to Yahweh. "Not forgetting the covenant" implicitly includes "not fearing other gods," as the covenant explicitly prohibits idolatry. Conversely, "fearing other gods" is a direct manifestation of "forgetting the covenant." There is also a strong **Didactic** tone, characteristic of covenantal warnings and prophetic pronouncements, aiming to instruct and admonish. The use of direct **Command/Prohibition** ("shall not forget," "neither shall ye fear") creates an authoritative and non-negotiable imperative, reflecting the divine speaker's absolute authority. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement** within the broader narrative of 2 Kings 17, encapsulating the essence of Israel's historical failure and the divine rationale for their judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 17:38 stands as a timeless theological principle, extending far beyond the historical context of ancient Israel. It underscores God's unchanging nature as a jealous God who demands exclusive worship and unwavering fidelity from His people. The "covenant" represents the framework of God's relationship with humanity, always initiated by His grace but requiring a faithful response. Israel's failure to remember and live by their covenant, manifested in their fear of other gods, reveals the human propensity for idolatry—the tendency to place trust, hope, and allegiance in anything other than the one true God. This verse serves as a perpetual warning against spiritual amnesia and the allure of competing loyalties, reminding us that true security and blessing are found only in singular devotion to the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love God Exclusively")
* [Psalm 78:10-11](/psalms/78-10 "Psalm 78:10-11 - Israel's Forgetfulness of God's Covenant")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Israel's Two Evils: Forsaking God and Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Kings 17:38 resonates with profound spiritual relevance. While we live under the New Covenant established in the blood of Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of fidelity and exclusive devotion to God remain foundational. We are called to "not forget" the new covenant—the glorious reality of God's grace, forgiveness, and promises revealed in Christ. This means actively remembering our redemption, our new identity in Him, and the commands of love and holiness that flow from our relationship with God. Furthermore, the command "neither shall ye fear other gods" challenges us to identify and dismantle modern "idols" in our lives. These are not necessarily carved images but anything that competes for our ultimate loyalty, trust, or affection: materialism, career success, self-worship, worldly approval, political ideologies, or even spiritual practices that subtly displace Christ from His rightful supremacy. Our "fear" (reverence, awe, allegiance) must be reserved for God alone, leading to a life of worship, obedience, and trust that reflects our singular devotion to Him, knowing that true freedom and abundant life are found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to "not forget" the New Covenant in my daily life?**
* **What are the "other gods" or idols that subtly compete for my allegiance or trust in today's world?**
* **How does my "fear" (reverence and awe) of God alone translate into my priorities, decisions, and relationships?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my exclusive devotion to God for worldly security or acceptance?**

### FAQ
**What does "forgetting the covenant" truly mean in a biblical sense?**

Answer: In the Bible, "forgetting the covenant" (Hebrew: _shakach b'rit_) is much more than a simple lapse of memory. It signifies a profound and active disregard, a neglect of one's obligations, and a failure to live in accordance with the terms of the covenant. For Israel, it meant failing to obey God's laws, turning away from His worship, and pursuing idolatry or injustice, thereby breaking the relationship established by God Himself. It implies a spiritual amnesia that leads to practical disobedience and a rejection of God's authority and grace, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity") where prosperity leads to forgetting God.

**How does "fearing other gods" apply to believers today, given that we don't worship physical idols?**

Answer: While most modern believers do not bow down to physical idols, the principle of "fearing other gods" remains profoundly relevant. The Hebrew word _yare'_ for "fear" encompasses reverence, awe, and devoted allegiance. Therefore, "fearing other gods" today means giving ultimate trust, loyalty, or worship to anything other than the one true God. This can manifest as idolatry of materialism, success, self, power, pleasure, or even ideologies and philosophies that subtly replace God as the ultimate authority or source of meaning in our lives. Anything that takes precedence over God in our hearts and actions can become an "other god," as warned against in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things, Idolatry is Greed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Kings 17:38, with its dual command to remember the covenant and fear God alone, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect realization in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, which Israel so tragically "forgot" and violated by "fearing other gods," was a shadow pointing to the perfect, eternal New Covenant established through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of this New Covenant, fulfilling its righteous demands and providing the means for humanity to truly "not forget" God's grace and to "fear" (revere and worship) Him exclusively. Through His death and resurrection, Christ inaugurated a covenant written not on stone tablets but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, freeing us from the bondage of idolatry and the fear of anything other than God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Christ, we are empowered to give our singular devotion to God, for He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Our "fear" of God is transformed from dread of judgment into a reverent awe and loving obedience, knowing that in Christ, we have access to the Father and are called to worship Him in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Jesus not only fulfills the covenant but enables us, by His Spirit, to live out the very fidelity and exclusive worship that Israel failed to maintain.

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

Deuteronomy 4:23

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, [or] the likeness of any [thing], which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.

Deuteronomy 6:12

[Then] beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Deuteronomy 8:14

Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Deuteronomy 8:18

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.