2 Kings 17:39

KJV

But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} ye shall fear {H3372}; and he shall deliver {H5337} you out of the hand {H3027} of all your enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but must fear ADONAI your God; then he will rescue you from the power of all your enemies."

Berean Standard Bible

but worship the LORD your God, and He will deliver you from the hands of all your enemies.”

American Standard Version

but Jehovah your God shall ye fear; and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 17:39 issues a profound divine directive within a chapter chronicling the Northern Kingdom's spiritual demise due to persistent idolatry and syncretism, contrasting sharply with the superficial, mixed worship of the new Samaritan inhabitants. This verse unequivocally declares God's demand for exclusive reverence and devotion, promising divine deliverance and protection as a direct consequence of such uncompromised allegiance to Him alone, thereby serving as a timeless affirmation of His covenant faithfulness to those who truly honor Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel and Samaritan Syncretism"), a pivotal chapter that explains the theological reasons behind the Assyrian exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following the detailed account of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment (verses 1-23), the narrative shifts to the new inhabitants whom the Assyrian king settled in Samaria (verses 24-41). These new settlers, facing divine judgment in the form of lion attacks, sought to appease the "god of the land" (verse 26). However, their response was a syncretistic blend of worship, where they "feared the LORD, and served their own gods" ([2 Kings 17:33](/2_kings/17-33 "2 Kings 17:33 - Mixed Worship")). Verse 39, therefore, stands as a direct divine counterpoint to this mixed worship, emphasizing the singular, uncompromised allegiance God requires, contrasting His true nature with the superficial understanding of those who tried to serve both Him and their idols. It is a clarion call to exclusive worship amidst a narrative of spiritual compromise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, led by Shalmaneser V and Sargon II. Following the siege and fall of Samaria, the capital, the Assyrians implemented a policy of population transfer, deporting the Israelites to various parts of their empire and resettling people from other conquered territories into Samaria and its surrounding areas. These new inhabitants brought their own deities and religious practices with them. When they experienced divine judgment (lion attacks, likely a sign of the land's God being displeased), they sought instruction on how to worship the "god of the land." The resulting syncretism—a mixture of their native polytheism with a superficial acknowledgment of Yahweh—was a common ancient Near Eastern practice but was anathema to the God of Israel, who demanded exclusive worship. This cultural clash between polytheistic norms and Yahweh's unique demand for monotheistic devotion is central to the chapter, highlighting the stark difference between the Lord's requirements and the practices of the surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel") is the **consequences of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness**. The chapter vividly illustrates how Israel's persistent rejection of God's commands and their embrace of pagan practices led directly to their national downfall. Within this, [2 Kings 17:39](/2_kings/17-39 "2 Kings 17:39 - Fear the LORD Alone") highlights the theme of **exclusive worship** (monotheism), contrasting it with the prevalent syncretism. God's demand for singular devotion, echoing the First Commandment ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")), is paramount. Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **divine deliverance and protection** as a direct result of true, exclusive fear of the LORD, underscoring God's faithfulness to those who remain loyal to His covenant. This promise of security contrasts sharply with the vulnerability experienced by the unfaithful, both Israel and the new settlers, who failed to truly fear Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred personal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, signifying "The Self-Existent One" or "The Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes God's unique, unchanging, and covenantal nature, distinguishing Him from all other deities. It underscores that the command to fear is directed toward the one true God, the God of Israel, who is sovereign and faithful to His promises.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word signifies far more than mere terror or dread. In the biblical context, "fear of the LORD" denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and authority. It encompasses a recognition of His supreme sovereignty and a humble submission to His will. This "fear" is the foundation of true wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")) and leads to obedience, trust, and worship, rather than a cowering apprehension. It implies a moral and spiritual posture of acknowledging God's rightful place as the one and only God.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This verb means "to snatch away," "to rescue," "to set free," or "to preserve." It conveys the idea of active intervention by God to save His people from peril, danger, or the power of their adversaries. In this context, it speaks to God's protective hand, His ability to bring His people out of difficult or threatening situations. The promise of deliverance is a direct consequence of the "fear of the LORD," highlighting God's covenant faithfulness to those who remain exclusively devoted to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD your God ye shall fear;":** The conjunction "But" introduces a stark contrast, distinguishing God's true requirement from the syncretistic practices previously described. The phrase "the LORD your God" emphasizes a covenantal relationship and personal ownership, reminding the audience of the specific God who had revealed Himself to Israel. The command "ye shall fear" reiterates the demand for exclusive and profound reverence, implying a total allegiance that allows for no rivals. This is not a suggestion but a divine imperative, demanding a posture of awe, obedience, and trust.
* **"and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.":** This clause presents the promised outcome and divine consequence of truly fearing the LORD. The promise is absolute ("all your enemies"), signifying comprehensive protection and rescue from any adversary, whether physical, spiritual, or national. This highlights God's power and faithfulness as the ultimate protector and provider for those who are exclusively devoted to Him, contrasting with the vulnerability of those who divided their loyalties.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast**, setting the singular, uncompromised demand for fearing the LORD against the syncretistic worship of the new inhabitants described earlier in the chapter. This contrast underscores the theological incompatibility of mixed worship with God's nature. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Conditional Promise**, implicitly stating that if one truly fears the LORD alone, then He will deliver them. This structure highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between exclusive devotion and divine protection. There is also a subtle form of **Parallelism**, where the act of "fearing" is directly linked to the consequence of "deliverance," establishing a clear theological connection between obedience and divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 17:39 powerfully articulates God's unchanging demand for exclusive, unadulterated worship, a core tenet of the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic Law. It underscores that God is a jealous God who will not share His glory or His people's devotion with idols or other allegiances. The "fear of the LORD" is presented not as a mere emotional state but as a comprehensive life posture of humble reverence, obedient submission, and unwavering trust in His supreme authority. This singular devotion is the prerequisite for experiencing His promised deliverance and protection. The tragic fall of the Northern Kingdom, detailed earlier in the chapter, serves as a stark historical commentary on the devastating consequences of failing to heed this divine imperative, demonstrating that God's protective hand is withdrawn when His people abandon their exclusive allegiance to Him.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - Fear the LORD Your God and Serve Him")
* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with distractions and competing allegiances, 2 Kings 17:39 serves as a timeless and urgent call to wholehearted devotion to God. Just as the ancient Israelites and the new Samaritan settlers struggled with syncretism, modern believers often find themselves subtly dividing their loyalty between God and the idols of success, security, comfort, or personal ambition. This verse compels us to examine our hearts and lives, asking whether God truly holds the supreme and exclusive place in our affections and priorities. To "fear the LORD" today means cultivating a profound reverence for His holiness, submitting to His Word, and trusting Him above all else, recognizing that true security and deliverance come only from Him. When we genuinely fear Him, we are liberated from the fear of earthly enemies and anxieties, resting in His sovereign protection and provision, knowing that His promises are steadfast for those who remain faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "enemies" or competing allegiances in my life that vie for the exclusive fear and devotion that belongs to God alone?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a genuine "fear of the LORD" that goes beyond mere intellectual assent to His existence?**
* **In what specific areas do I need to trust God more fully for deliverance, rather than relying on my own strength or worldly solutions?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear the LORD" truly mean in the context of 2 Kings 17:39, and how does it differ from being afraid of God?**

Answer: In 2 Kings 17:39, "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) does not primarily mean to be terrified of God in a debilitating way, though it certainly includes a healthy respect for His power and judgment. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's supreme authority, holiness, and majesty. It is a "fear" that leads to worship, obedience, and trust. It's the recognition of God's rightful place as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer, prompting a life of humble devotion and adherence to His commands. This is distinct from the terror of judgment, though that is a component for those who rebel. For the faithful, it's a filial fear—like a child's deep respect for a loving, powerful parent—that fosters intimacy and security, knowing that such a God is worthy of all honor and will protect those who truly honor Him, as promised in the second clause of the verse, "and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies" ([2 Kings 17:39](/2_kings/17-39 "2 Kings 17:39 - Fear the LORD Alone")). This fear is the beginning of wisdom ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The command to "fear the LORD" and the promise of deliverance in [2 Kings 17:39](/2_kings/17-39 "2 Kings 17:39 - Fear the LORD Alone") find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the "fear of the LORD" was often tied to covenant obedience and conditional promises of earthly deliverance. However, in Christ, the nature of this "fear" is transformed and elevated. We are called to revere God not merely as a distant, powerful deity, but as our Heavenly Father, revealed perfectly in the Son ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). Our "fear" of God now flows from a recognition of His incredible love and grace demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, leading to a joyful, obedient submission rather than a legalistic striving. Furthermore, the promise of deliverance is no longer solely about physical enemies or national threats. Through Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, we are delivered from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the power of Satan ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). The "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1:29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) has secured a complete and eternal deliverance, not based on our imperfect obedience, but on His perfect obedience and finished work. Therefore, to "fear the LORD" in the New Covenant means to put our complete faith and trust in Jesus, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and living a life of worship and obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit, knowing that in Him, we are more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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 1:74

That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

Luke 1:75

In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

2 Kings 17:36

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.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Jeremiah 10:7

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee.

Nehemiah 9:27

Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest [them] from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

Luke 1:50

And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.