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,
2 KINGS 17:7KJVWhat does 2 Kings 17:7 mean?
2 Kings 17:7 explains that the people of Israel sinned against the LORD their God, even though He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh. Instead of remaining faithful, they began to fear and worship other gods.
This verse is part of a historical summary explaining why Israel was eventually conquered and exiled. The writer is looking back, showing that Israel’s troubles began when they turned away from the LORD (H3068, Yahweh), who had delivered them from Egypt (H4714, Mitsrayim), and instead gave their reverence (H3372, yare’, “feared”) to other gods (H430, elohim).
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 17:7
- LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh, H3068): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing a covenant relationship. The verse highlights that Israel’s sin was not just general wrongdoing, but unfaithfulness to the God who had personally rescued them.
- Feared (יָרֵא, yare’, H3372): This word often means “to revere” or “to show deep respect,” not just to be afraid. Here, it shows that Israel gave the kind of honor and awe due to God to other gods instead.
- Other gods (אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים, elohim acherim, H430 + H312): The phrase means “different gods” or “gods that are not the LORD.” The verse stresses that Israel’s sin was not just worship, but shifting loyalty to deities outside their covenant.
Why 2 Kings 17:7 matters
- This verse makes it clear that Israel’s exile was not random or just political, but directly connected to their spiritual choices and unfaithfulness.
- The mention of Egypt and Pharaoh reminds readers of God’s past rescue, making Israel’s later disloyalty stand out more sharply.
- The verse sets up the explanation for the rest of the chapter, which details the consequences of Israel’s actions and God’s response.