Israel’s adoption of child sacrifice and occult rituals illustrates how disobedience leads to spiritual darkness and national ruin.
When the passage declares, “Then they made their sons and their daughters pass through the fire, and practiced divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him” (2 Kings 17:17), it describes an appalling moment in the history of the northern kingdom of Israel, shortly before their defeat by Assyria in 722 BC. “Passing sons and daughters through the fire” refers to child sacrifice, a cruel ritual adopted from surrounding pagan nations. The people abandoned the worship of the true God, turning instead to occult practices such as divination and enchantments. By doing so, they “sold themselves to do evil,” meaning they willingly subjected themselves to a destructive lifestyle, in total opposition to God’s covenant and moral standards.This tragic scene took place primarily in the region of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. Situated on vital trade routes, Israel was intended by God to be an example of righteousness to the nations around them, demonstrating how loving one’s neighbor and avoiding exploitation could bring about a flourishing society. Instead, the people chose the oppressive practices of pagan religions. The extreme nature of child sacrifice—ending an innocent life for the promise of personal gain—reveals just how far Israel had strayed from God’s commands. Ultimately, their violence and spiritual rebellion “provoked” the LORD to bring the judgment of exile, fulfilling warnings He had given generations earlier (Deuteronomy 4:25-27).
Beyond its historical context, the deep tragedy of “sold themselves to do evil” resonates with believers today as a warning against making compromises that lead us away from God (Romans 1:28). In contrast, Jesus teaches that children are precious, urging adults to protect and guide them rather than commit acts of harm (Matthew 18:6). God always calls His people to reject cruel or exploitative practices, turn from idolatry, and seek a faithful relationship with Him based on love, justice, and humility.
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2 Kings 17:17 meaning
When the passage declares, “Then they made their sons and their daughters pass through the fire, and practiced divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him” (2 Kings 17:17), it describes an appalling moment in the history of the northern kingdom of Israel, shortly before their defeat by Assyria in 722 BC. “Passing sons and daughters through the fire” refers to child sacrifice, a cruel ritual adopted from surrounding pagan nations. The people abandoned the worship of the true God, turning instead to occult practices such as divination and enchantments. By doing so, they “sold themselves to do evil,” meaning they willingly subjected themselves to a destructive lifestyle, in total opposition to God’s covenant and moral standards.This tragic scene took place primarily in the region of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. Situated on vital trade routes, Israel was intended by God to be an example of righteousness to the nations around them, demonstrating how loving one’s neighbor and avoiding exploitation could bring about a flourishing society. Instead, the people chose the oppressive practices of pagan religions. The extreme nature of child sacrifice—ending an innocent life for the promise of personal gain—reveals just how far Israel had strayed from God’s commands. Ultimately, their violence and spiritual rebellion “provoked” the LORD to bring the judgment of exile, fulfilling warnings He had given generations earlier (Deuteronomy 4:25-27).
Beyond its historical context, the deep tragedy of “sold themselves to do evil” resonates with believers today as a warning against making compromises that lead us away from God (Romans 1:28). In contrast, Jesus teaches that children are precious, urging adults to protect and guide them rather than commit acts of harm (Matthew 18:6). God always calls His people to reject cruel or exploitative practices, turn from idolatry, and seek a faithful relationship with Him based on love, justice, and humility.