Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

2 KINGS 17:27KJV
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2 Kings 17:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 17:27 mean?

2 Kings 17:27 describes how the king of Assyria ordered that one of the priests who had been taken from Israel should be sent back to live in the land and teach the new inhabitants how to worship the God of that region. The king wanted the people now living in Israel to learn the proper way to honor the local God, hoping this would solve the troubles they were facing.

In this verse, the king of Assyria is speaking to his officials about the people he had resettled in the land of Israel after conquering it. Because the new settlers did not know the customs or "manner" of the God of Israel, they were experiencing problems, which they believed were caused by offending the local deity. The king’s solution was to send back a priest who knew the traditions of Israel’s God to instruct the people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 17:27

  • "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This word refers to someone who served in religious duties, specifically those familiar with Israel’s worship practices. The king’s choice to send a kohen shows he wanted someone with authority and knowledge to teach the settlers.
  • "Teach" (יָרָה, yarah): This verb means to instruct or show the way, especially in religious or legal matters. The king’s command was not just to send a priest, but for him to actively guide the people in the correct way to worship.
  • "Manner" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word is often translated as "judgment" or "custom," and here it refers to the proper way or practice of worshiping the God of the land. The focus is on following the right procedures or rules.

Why 2 Kings 17:27 matters

  • This verse highlights the ancient belief that each land had its own god, and that respecting the local deity was necessary for peace and safety.
  • It shows the practical approach of the Assyrian king, who was less interested in religious purity and more concerned with stability in his new territory.
  • The verse sets up the background for later events in the chapter, where the mix of religious practices among the new settlers becomes a key issue in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“teach” Hebrew H3384 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;
  • 2 Samuel 11:24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.