2 Kings 17:7

KJV

¶ For [so] it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,

KJV (with Strong's)

For so it was, that the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} had sinned {H2398} against the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}, which had brought them up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, from under the hand {H3027} of Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and had feared {H3372} other {H312} gods {H430},

Complete Jewish Bible

This came about because the people of Isra'el had sinned against ADONAI their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, out from under the domination of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They feared other gods

Berean Standard Bible

All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods

American Standard Version

And it was so, because the children of Israel had sinned against Jehovah their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 17:7 serves as the theological bedrock for the downfall and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, providing the divine rationale for their judgment. It concisely attributes their catastrophic end to their persistent and ungrateful rebellion against the LORD their God, specifically highlighting their idolatry and unfaithfulness despite His powerful deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This verse sets the stage for the detailed enumeration of Israel's transgressions that follow, underscoring the severe consequences of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the beginning of 2 Kings 17, which chronicles the final demise of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and their subsequent exile by Assyria. Following the brief account of King Hoshea's unfaithful reign (2 Kings 17:1-6), verse 7 immediately shifts from historical narrative to theological explanation. It acts as the divine indictment, providing the "why" for the impending judgment detailed in the subsequent verses (2 Kings 17:8-18). It's a foundational statement that frames the entire chapter as a demonstration of God's just retribution for Israel's persistent sin, setting the stage for the summary of their covenant violations and the ultimate dissolution of their kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Northern Kingdom of Israel, established after the division of the united monarchy (1 Kings 12), consistently struggled with idolatry and political instability. Unlike Judah, it never had a truly righteous king. By the mid-8th century BCE, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant regional power, systematically conquering smaller nations. Israel, caught between Assyria and Egypt, made alliances that often provoked Assyrian wrath. Culturally, Israel was constantly tempted by the polytheistic practices of surrounding Canaanite nations, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah, which often involved fertility rites and even child sacrifice. This verse reflects the culmination of centuries of syncretism and outright abandonment of the covenant made with Yahweh, the God who had delivered them from [slavery in Egypt](/exodus/12-51 "Exodus 12:51 - The Exodus from Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** 2 Kings 17:7 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Deuteronomic history (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings). Foremost is the theme of **covenant infidelity**, where Israel's repeated turning away from God is presented as a direct violation of their sacred agreement. This leads directly to the theme of **divine judgment**, illustrating that God's actions are not arbitrary but a just response to persistent rebellion. The verse also highlights **idolatry** as the root sin, a direct affront to the [first commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). Finally, it subtly emphasizes **God's faithfulness** by reminding the reader of His past redemptive acts, particularly the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), which makes Israel's ingratitude and sin all the more egregious. This verse serves as a theological lens through which to understand the entire narrative of Israel's decline and fall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _ḥāṭāʾ'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to miss," but figuratively and generally, it means "to sin." It denotes a failure to meet a standard, a deviation from a path, or a deliberate transgression. In this context, it implies Israel's persistent and intentional failure to adhere to the covenant obligations they had with the LORD, leading to forfeiture of blessing and a state of being in the wrong.
* **Brought them up (Hebrew, _ʿālāh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to ascend" or "to cause to ascend." Here, it emphasizes God's active, powerful, and redemptive initiative in raising Israel from a state of bondage. It refers specifically to the Exodus, highlighting God's mighty act of delivering them from slavery in Egypt and elevating them to the status of His chosen people. Its inclusion underscores the profound ingratitude inherent in Israel's subsequent rebellion.
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yārēʾ'_):** This primitive root means "to fear," but morally, it extends to "to revere." When applied to "other gods" in this context, it carries the nuance of reverence, worship, and devotion. It signifies giving allegiance, honor, and service to these false deities, thereby transferring the loyalty due to the one true God to idols. This represents a direct and egregious violation of the covenant's core principles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [so] it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental premise for the ensuing judgment. It declares that Israel's downfall was a direct consequence of their persistent and pervasive sin. The phrase "the LORD their God" underscores the unique covenant relationship that existed, making their sin not merely a transgression but a profound betrayal of a sacred bond with the God who had chosen them.
* **"which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt":** This crucial parenthetical clause serves as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and immense power. The Exodus was the defining act of redemption that established Israel as a nation under God's sovereign rule, demonstrating His "hand" of power and deliverance. By recalling this, the text highlights the depth of Israel's ingratitude and the inexcusable nature of their rebellion against a God who had so demonstrably proven His love and commitment.
* **"and had feared other gods":** This final clause specifies the primary nature of their sin: idolatry. It clarifies that Israel's sin was not merely general disobedience but a direct violation of the covenant's core tenets, involving the worship and allegiance given to false deities. This spiritual adultery was the ultimate rejection of the LORD's exclusive claim on their devotion and was a recurring problem throughout the history of the Northern Kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
2 Kings 17:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Retribution Theology** is central, as the verse explicitly links Israel's actions (sin and idolatry) directly to God's subsequent judgment and the Assyrian exile. This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship, demonstrating that divine justice is meted out in response to covenant infidelity. A stark **Contrast** is drawn between God's mighty and faithful act of deliverance (bringing Israel out of Egypt) and Israel's unfaithful and rebellious act of "fearing other gods." This juxtaposition amplifies the severity of Israel's sin, highlighting their profound ingratitude and covenant betrayal. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise **Summary Statement** or **Thesis Statement** for the entire chapter, providing the theological lens through which the subsequent historical details of Israel's fall are to be understood. It distills centuries of Israel's unfaithfulness into a single, damning indictment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 17:7 articulates a core theological principle of the Old Testament: the direct correlation between covenant obedience and divine blessing, and conversely, disobedience and judgment. This verse is a powerful echo of the Deuteronomic theology, where Israel was repeatedly warned about the consequences of turning away from the LORD and serving other gods (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Their sin was not merely a moral failing but an act of spiritual adultery, breaking the exclusive covenant relationship established at Sinai. The mention of the Exodus underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and His prior redemptive acts, making Israel's idolatry an act of profound ingratitude against their Redeemer. This pattern of sin, divine patience, and eventual judgment is a recurring motif throughout Israel's history, serving as a solemn warning against forsaking the one true God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking the Fountain of Living Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 2 Kings 17:7 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of the seriousness of sin and the nature of true worship. While we may not bow before physical idols, the principle of "fearing other gods" manifests in myriad ways in the modern world. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts – whether it be money, career, relationships, comfort, personal ambition, or even self-image – can become an "other god" that demands our ultimate allegiance and devotion. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, prompting us to identify and dismantle any idols that compete for the Lord's supreme position in our lives. Furthermore, it challenges us to remember God's past acts of grace and deliverance in our own lives, fostering a spirit of gratitude that fuels our obedience and guards against spiritual apathy. Forgetting His goodness can lead to a subtle drift away from Him, just as it did for ancient Israel. We are called to cultivate a heart of singular devotion, recognizing that our ultimate loyalty belongs to the God who has redeemed us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "other gods" might I be fearing or serving in my own life, subtly or overtly, that compete for my ultimate devotion?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness in my personal history strengthen my resolve to obey Him today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be taking God's grace for granted, potentially leading to spiritual apathy or disobedience?**

### FAQ
**Question: Why is the Exodus mentioned specifically here as a reason for Israel's culpability?**

Answer: The Exodus was the foundational redemptive act that established God's covenant relationship with Israel, proving His unique power and love. Mentioning it here underscores the depth of Israel's ingratitude and covenant infidelity. It highlights that they sinned against the very God who had demonstrated His unique power and love in delivering them from slavery, making their idolatry a profound betrayal of their rescuer and Lord. It emphasizes that their sin was not out of ignorance, but against a God who had revealed Himself mightily and claimed them as His own, as seen in [Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - Preface to the Ten Commandments").

**Question: Does "feared other gods" imply actual terror or worship?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word _yārēʾ_ can mean terror or dread, in the context of "fearing other gods," it primarily denotes reverence, worship, and devotion. It signifies giving allegiance and service to these false deities, treating them as worthy of honor and obedience, rather than the LORD. This is a direct violation of the first two commandments, which forbid having [other gods before the LORD](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment") and [making idols](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment"). Israel's "fear" was misplaced worship, transferring the devotion due to Yahweh to pagan deities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Kings 17:7, with its somber account of Israel's failure and judgment due to sin and idolatry, powerfully points to the necessity of Christ. Israel, as God's chosen people, consistently failed to keep the covenant, turning to "other gods" despite the LORD's faithful deliverance from Egypt. This persistent failure underscores humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God and maintain a pure relationship with Him. Jesus Christ, however, is the true and faithful Israel, the perfect Son who perfectly fulfilled the Law and the covenant where Israel failed (e.g., [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He did not fear other gods but perfectly "feared" (revered and obeyed) the one true God, His Father. Moreover, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross addresses the very root of Israel's sin – our human tendency to turn from God and worship created things. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the judgment that Israel deserved. Through His redemptive work, He delivers us from a far greater slavery than Egypt – the bondage of sin and death (e.g., [John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - Freedom from Sin")). In Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to truly "fear" (worship and obey) the one true God, no longer needing to fear other gods or the consequences of our own sin, because Christ bore the curse and secured a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant") for all who believe.

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

Joshua 23:16

When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you.

Judges 2:14

And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

Judges 2:17

And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; [but] they did not so.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Jeremiah 10:5

They [are] upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also [is it] in them to do good.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Psalms 106:35

But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.