The heart of 2 Kings 17:35 is a clear reminder that God’s covenant demands undivided loyalty.
In 2 Kings 17:35, the scripture states, “with whom the LORD made a covenant and commanded them, saying, ‘You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (v.35). This command is part of the LORD’s covenant with His people, established so they would remain faithful to Him alone. The historical setting of this passage occurs during the era of the divided kingdom, sometime after 931 BC when Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) parted ways. By the time of 2 Kings 17, the northern kingdom was on the verge of exile at the hands of the Assyrians (c. 722 BC), largely due to idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 17:7-23). In this verse, the LORD reminds them how He previously forged a covenant relationship, starting with the nation’s ancestors at Mount Sinai around 1446 BC in the days of Moses, to worship and fear Him alone (Exodus 20:2-5).
When the verse says, “You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (v.35), it underscores the exclusivity of worship commanded by the LORD. Fear of other gods in that ancient Near Eastern culture implied giving them reverence or legitimacy, which was strictly forbidden. Bowing down or sacrificing to these deities involved adopting the practices of surrounding nations—practices that drew Israel away from their unique identity in the covenant. The LORD consistently challenged His people to reject any compromise that would place idols or pagan worship on par with true devotion to Him. This concept finds a New Testament echo in Jesus’ call to worship God “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24), emphasizing wholehearted devotion.
Moreover, “the LORD made a covenant” (v.35) points to an unbreakable promise. Throughout biblical history, He has been faithful to uphold His side of the arrangement. However, Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness triggered consequences, as they faced the political and spiritual ramifications for turning to false gods. Yet God’s overarching plan would ultimately bring about redemption through Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1), offering all peoples deliverance from the power of idolatry and sin.
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2 Kings 17:35 meaning
In 2 Kings 17:35, the scripture states, “with whom the LORD made a covenant and commanded them, saying, ‘You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (v.35). This command is part of the LORD’s covenant with His people, established so they would remain faithful to Him alone. The historical setting of this passage occurs during the era of the divided kingdom, sometime after 931 BC when Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) parted ways. By the time of 2 Kings 17, the northern kingdom was on the verge of exile at the hands of the Assyrians (c. 722 BC), largely due to idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 17:7-23). In this verse, the LORD reminds them how He previously forged a covenant relationship, starting with the nation’s ancestors at Mount Sinai around 1446 BC in the days of Moses, to worship and fear Him alone (Exodus 20:2-5).
When the verse says, “You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them” (v.35), it underscores the exclusivity of worship commanded by the LORD. Fear of other gods in that ancient Near Eastern culture implied giving them reverence or legitimacy, which was strictly forbidden. Bowing down or sacrificing to these deities involved adopting the practices of surrounding nations—practices that drew Israel away from their unique identity in the covenant. The LORD consistently challenged His people to reject any compromise that would place idols or pagan worship on par with true devotion to Him. This concept finds a New Testament echo in Jesus’ call to worship God “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24), emphasizing wholehearted devotion.
Moreover, “the LORD made a covenant” (v.35) points to an unbreakable promise. Throughout biblical history, He has been faithful to uphold His side of the arrangement. However, Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness triggered consequences, as they faced the political and spiritual ramifications for turning to false gods. Yet God’s overarching plan would ultimately bring about redemption through Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Matthew 1:1), offering all peoples deliverance from the power of idolatry and sin.