2 Kings 17:9

KJV

And the children of Israel did secretly [those] things that [were] not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} did secretly {H2644} those things {H1697} that were not right against the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}, and they built {H1129} them high places {H1116} in all their cities {H5892}, from the tower {H4026} of the watchmen {H5341} to the fenced {H4013} city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el secretly did things that were not right, according to ADONAI their God. They built high places for themselves wherever they lived, from the watchtower to the fortified city.

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel did secretly things that were not right against Jehovah their God: and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:9 powerfully encapsulates the pervasive spiritual apostasy of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing their deliberate and widespread rebellion against the LORD their God. This verse reveals the insidious nature of their disobedience, characterized by hidden idolatry and the ubiquitous establishment of illicit worship sites, known as "high places," which permeated every corner of their land, from the most isolated outposts to the most fortified cities, ultimately setting the stage for their impending judgment and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the somber narrative of 2 Kings 17, which chronicles the final demise of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Preceding verses (2 Kings 17:1-6) detail the reign of Hoshea, Israel's last king, and the Assyrian siege and capture of Samaria, leading to the deportation of the Israelites. Immediately following 2 Kings 17:9, the text provides an extensive theological explanation for Israel's downfall (2 Kings 17:7-23), attributing their destruction not to military weakness but to their persistent and deliberate sin against Yahweh. Thus, 2 Kings 17:9 serves as a crucial summary statement, providing the concrete evidence of the widespread idolatry and disobedience that necessitated God's judgment, linking their actions directly to their eventual exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Northern Kingdom of Israel, established after the division of the united monarchy (1 Kings 12), had a long history of spiritual deviation. From its inception, King Jeroboam I introduced alternative worship sites at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem to worship the LORD (1 Kings 12:26-33). This initial act of syncretism set a precedent for centuries of idolatry, mixing the worship of Yahweh with Canaanite Baal worship and other pagan practices. "High places" (Hebrew: *bamot*) were elevated sites, often natural hills or artificial mounds, where cultic rituals, including sacrifices, incense burning, and even child sacrifice, were performed. While some *bamot* may have initially been dedicated to Yahweh, they often became centers for syncretistic or purely pagan worship, directly violating God's command for centralized worship in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:2-14). By the 8th century BCE, as Assyria loomed large, Israel's spiritual corruption was deeply entrenched, making them ripe for divine judgment as outlined in the covenant curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** Second Kings 17:9 highlights several critical themes. Firstly, **Pervasive Idolatry** is vividly portrayed by the phrase "built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city." This imagery emphasizes the totality of Israel's apostasy, indicating that no corner of the land, from the most isolated rural outpost to the most fortified urban center, was untouched by illicit worship. This was a direct affront to the first two commandments, which forbade having [other gods before Him](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods") and making graven images (Exodus 20:4-6). Secondly, the theme of **Secret Sin and Deliberate Rebellion** is underscored by the phrase "did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God." This suggests a conscious, intentional turning away from God's revealed will, perhaps an attempt to evade divine scrutiny or human accountability, revealing a deep-seated spiritual corruption that festered beneath the surface of society. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys **Covenant Disobedience**. Their actions were "against the LORD their God," emphasizing that their sin was not merely a mistake but a direct affront to the God who had redeemed them from Egypt and made a covenant with them. Their persistent disobedience underscored their rejection of His authority and their opting for the practices of the surrounding nations, thereby breaking the very covenant that defined their identity as God's people. This persistent rebellion, despite repeated warnings from prophets (2 Kings 17:13), ultimately led to the judgment described in [2 Kings 17:18](/2_kings/17-18 "2 Kings 17:18 - The Lord's Anger and Removal of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **secretly (Hebrew, סָתַר, _sātar_):** This verb means "to hide, conceal, keep secret." In this context, it suggests that Israel's actions were done with a degree of intentional concealment or a disregard for God's omnipresence. It implies a conscious effort to perform acts contrary to God's law, perhaps out of shame, fear of consequences, or a false sense of security that their actions would go unnoticed by God or man. However, the subsequent description of "high places" being built "in all their cities" reveals the irony: what they did "secretly" became overtly and universally manifest.
* **high places (Hebrew, בָּמוֹת, _bāmôt_):** These were cultic sites, often on elevated ground, used for worship. While initially some might have been dedicated to Yahweh, they became corrupted by syncretism, incorporating pagan practices and deities. God had explicitly commanded Israel to destroy such sites (Deuteronomy 12:2-3) and to centralize their worship in Jerusalem, indicating that the building and use of *bamot* was a direct act of disobedience and idolatry.
* **from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city (Hebrew, מִמִּגְדַּל נוֹצְרִים עַד עִיר מִבְצָר, _mimmiḡdal nôṣrîm ʿad ʿîr mibṣār_):** This is a classic Hebrew merism, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole. "Tower of the watchmen" refers to isolated, rural outposts or shepherd's huts, while "fenced city" refers to large, fortified urban centers. Together, they signify "everywhere" or "from the smallest, most remote settlement to the largest, most populated city." It powerfully conveys the absolute totality and universality of Israel's idolatry throughout their entire land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel did secretly [those] things that [were] not right against the LORD their God":** This initial clause establishes the nature and target of Israel's sin. Their actions were not merely mistakes but deliberate, concealed acts of rebellion ("secretly") that were fundamentally "not right" (i.e., wicked, evil, contrary to God's law). The phrase "against the LORD their God" emphasizes the covenantal betrayal inherent in their disobedience. It was a direct affront to the God who had chosen them, redeemed them, and entered into a special relationship with them.
* **"and they built them high places in all their cities":** This clause provides a concrete example of the "things that were not right." The construction of "high places" was a clear violation of God's command for exclusive and centralized worship. The phrase "in all their cities" highlights the widespread nature of this idolatry, indicating that it was not an isolated phenomenon but a pervasive societal problem, deeply embedded in their communal life.
* **"from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city":** This concluding phrase serves to amplify the preceding statement, emphasizing the absolute totality and universality of the idolatry. It signifies that the high places, and by extension, the spiritual rebellion they represented, were found everywhere in Israelite territory, leaving no corner, no demographic, and no settlement untouched by their pervasive sin. It underscores the depth of their apostasy, indicating a complete societal embrace of forbidden practices.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in 2 Kings 17:9 is **Merism**, exemplified by the phrase "from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city." This figure of speech effectively conveys the idea of "everywhere" or "the whole," emphasizing the absolute pervasiveness of Israel's idolatry across their entire geographical and social landscape. It paints a vivid picture of a nation utterly saturated with illicit worship. Additionally, there is a subtle **Irony** at play. The text states that Israel "did secretly" things that were not right, yet immediately follows this with the observation that they "built them high places in all their cities." What was supposedly "secret" was in fact overtly and universally manifest through these public structures. This highlights the futility of attempting to hide sin from an omniscient God and underscores the deep hypocrisy and self-deception inherent in their rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 17:9 serves as a theological indictment, revealing that Israel's downfall was not a random misfortune but a direct consequence of their persistent and pervasive unfaithfulness to the LORD. It underscores the biblical truth that God is holy and just, and while He is patient, He will not indefinitely tolerate rebellion against His covenant. The "secret" nature of their sin, coupled with its widespread manifestation, speaks to the insidious power of idolatry to corrupt a society from within, leading to a complete breakdown of covenant fidelity. This verse highlights humanity's inherent tendency to deviate from God's perfect will and to create alternative forms of worship or security, ultimately proving futile.

* [Deuteronomy 12:2-4](/deuteronomy/12-2 "Deuteronomy 12:2-4 - Destroying Pagan Worship Sites")
* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence")
* [Jeremiah 3:6-10](/jeremiah/3-6 "Jeremiah 3:6-10 - Israel's Unfaithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient high places of Israel, physical manifestations of their spiritual rebellion, serve as a potent warning for believers today. While we may not erect literal altars to Baal, the principle of elevating anything above God in our lives—be it career, wealth, relationships, comfort, or even self-image—constitutes a modern "high place." The emphasis on Israel doing these things "secretly" reminds us that God sees not only our outward actions but also the hidden motives and desires of our hearts. Sin, whether public or private, has corrosive effects, not just on the individual but on the community. This verse calls us to radical honesty before God, to examine our lives for any "secret" areas where we are not fully submitted to His Lordship, and to dismantle any "high places" that compete for our ultimate allegiance. It challenges us to pursue genuine, wholehearted worship of the one true God, recognizing that compromise inevitably leads to spiritual decline and separation from His blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" might exist in my life or in my community today, subtly or overtly competing for God's rightful place?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be engaging in "secret" actions or attitudes that are "not right against the LORD my God"?**
* **How does the pervasiveness of Israel's sin, "from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city," challenge my understanding of personal and corporate responsibility for spiritual health?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my worship is truly exclusive to God and not mixed with worldly values or practices?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were "high places" and why were they forbidden?**

Answer: "High places" (Hebrew: *bamot*) were elevated sites, often natural hills or artificial mounds, used for cultic worship in ancient Canaan and Israel. They typically featured altars, sacred pillars (massebot), and Asherah poles, which were symbols of pagan deities. While some high places might have initially been used for Yahweh worship, they often became corrupted by syncretism, incorporating pagan rituals, deities, and even abhorrent practices like child sacrifice. They were forbidden because God commanded Israel to worship Him exclusively at a centralized location (initially the tabernacle, later the Temple in Jerusalem), to prevent the mixing of true worship with idolatry and to maintain the purity of their covenant relationship. The existence of high places represented a direct violation of the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The Ten Commandments")) and a rejection of God's prescribed worship.

**Why does the text emphasize "secretly" when describing Israel's actions?**

Answer: The emphasis on "secretly" (Hebrew: *sātar*) highlights the deliberate and deceptive nature of Israel's rebellion. It implies that their actions were not accidental or unwitting but were performed with a degree of intentional concealment, perhaps out of shame, guilt, or a false belief that they could hide their disobedience from God or human accountability. This underscores the depth of their spiritual corruption, suggesting a conscious turning away from God's revealed will. However, the subsequent description of "high places" being built "in all their cities" reveals the irony: what they did "secretly" became overtly and universally manifest, demonstrating the futility of attempting to hide sin from an omniscient God ([Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-13 - God's Omnipresence")).

**How does this verse relate to Israel's eventual exile?**

Answer: Second Kings 17:9 provides a crucial theological explanation for the Northern Kingdom's eventual exile and destruction, which is detailed in the preceding verses (2 Kings 17:1-6) and further elaborated upon in the subsequent theological commentary (2 Kings 17:7-23). The verse clearly states that Israel's actions were "not right against the LORD their God" and that their idolatry was pervasive "in all their cities." This persistent and widespread disobedience, particularly their embrace of "high places" and pagan practices, constituted a profound breach of their covenant with Yahweh. According to the covenant curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), such unfaithfulness would inevitably lead to divine judgment, including defeat by enemies and exile from the land. Thus, 2 Kings 17:9 serves as a foundational verse, demonstrating that Israel's downfall was not arbitrary but a just consequence of their deep-seated and unrepentant rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The pervasive idolatry and "secret" rebellion of Israel described in 2 Kings 17:9 powerfully underscore humanity's inherent brokenness and desperate need for a Savior. Israel's failure to maintain covenant fidelity, their turning to "high places" and false gods, and their inability to truly worship the LORD "in all their cities" highlight the futility of human attempts at self-salvation and righteous living apart from divine grace. This verse, therefore, points forward to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law that Israel so grievously broke. Unlike Israel, who "did secretly those things that were not right," Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience, without sin, even to the point of death on the cross (Hebrews 4:15). He is the ultimate High Priest who entered not into a man-made temple, but into heaven itself, to offer a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that truly cleanses us from all sin—both the overt acts and the "secret" hidden transgressions of the heart ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through Christ, the true worship that Israel failed to offer is now made possible, not in physical "high places" or centralized temples, but "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24). He dismantles all our "high places" of idolatry, whether they be physical or spiritual, and calls us to a singular devotion to God, making us new creations who can genuinely worship the Father through Him ([Colossians 2:8-10](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8-10 - Christ's Fullness and Supremacy")). In Him, the pervasive sin of humanity is met with pervasive grace, offering forgiveness and restoration to all who confess their "secret" sins and turn to Him (1 John 1:9).

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

2 Kings 18:8

He smote the Philistines, [even] unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Deuteronomy 27:15

Cursed [be] the man that maketh [any] graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth [it] in [a] secret [place]. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

Ezekiel 8:12

Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.

Job 31:27

And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:

Hosea 12:11

[Is there] iniquity [in] Gilead? surely they are vanity: they sacrifice bullocks in Gilgal; yea, their altars [are] as heaps in the furrows of the fields.

Deuteronomy 13:6

¶ If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which [is] as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;