With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

2 KINGS 17:35KJV
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2 Kings 17:35 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 17:35 mean?

2 Kings 17:35 describes how the LORD made a covenant with the people of Israel, commanding them not to fear, worship, serve, or offer sacrifices to other gods. The verse highlights the exclusive relationship God expected between Himself and Israel, forbidding them from engaging in any practices of idolatry.

This verse is part of a summary explaining why Israel was exiled: they broke the covenant God had made with them. The speaker is recounting God’s clear instructions to Israel after bringing them out of Egypt, emphasizing that their loyalty was to be to the LORD alone, not to any other gods worshipped by neighboring nations.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 17:35

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, stressing that the covenant is with a specific, known deity, not a generic god.
  • "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a binding agreement or treaty, showing that the relationship between God and Israel was formal and serious, not just a casual arrangement.
  • "fear" (יָרֵא, yare): Often means to revere or stand in awe of, not just to be afraid. Here, it means Israel was not to give reverence or allegiance to any other gods.
  • "bow" (שָׁחָה, shachah): This word means to physically bow down in worship, highlighting that even outward acts of respect to other gods were forbidden.
  • "serve" (עָבַד, avad): Means to work for or serve, often used for religious service or worship. Israel was not to perform any rituals or duties for other gods.
  • "sacrifice" (זָבַח, zavach): Refers to offering animal sacrifices, a central act of worship in the ancient world, which was to be reserved for the LORD alone.

Why 2 Kings 17:35 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s exile was not just about political failure but was rooted in their breaking of a specific covenant with God.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry—not just belief, but any act of reverence, service, or sacrifice to other gods was strictly forbidden.
  • It connects to the broader story of 2 Kings 17, where the author explains why God allowed Israel to be conquered: their repeated disobedience to these foundational commands.