2 Kings 17 12

2 Kings 17:12 kjv

For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.

2 Kings 17:12 nkjv

for they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, "You shall not do this thing."

2 Kings 17:12 niv

They worshiped idols, though the LORD had said, "You shall not do this."

2 Kings 17:12 esv

and they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, "You shall not do this."

2 Kings 17:12 nlt

Yes, they worshiped idols, despite the LORD's specific and repeated warnings.

2 Kings 17 verses

2 Kings 17 12 Meaning

The verse precisely states that the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel actively worshipped idols, explicitly violating the foundational command of YHWH, their covenant God, who had forbidden such practices. This direct and deliberate disobedience underscored their unfaithfulness, leading to severe divine judgment.

2 Kings 17 12 Context

2 Kings chapter 17 details the downfall and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC. Rather than merely recounting military defeat, the chapter provides a profound theological explanation for this national catastrophe. Verses 7-23 serve as a divinely inspired commentary, explicitly stating that Israel's persistent and pervasive sin, particularly their idolatry and disregard for YHWH's covenant, was the direct cause of His judgment. Verse 12 is a key specific charge within this indictment, pinpointing their active devotion to foreign deities. Despite repeated warnings through prophets and the Mosaic Law, Israel clung to practices of the very nations YHWH had dispossessed before them.

2 Kings 17 12 Word analysis

• And they served: Hebrew: וַיַּעַבְדֽוּ (vayyaʿavdu), from the verb עָבַד (ʿavad). This verb means "to serve," "to work," or "to worship." It denotes active, continuous dedication and devotion. The past tense shows this was an ongoing, deeply ingrained pattern of behavior, not an isolated incident.

• idols: Hebrew: הַגִּלֻּלִים (hagillulim). This term, consistently used throughout the Prophets (especially Ezekiel and Jeremiah), is highly pejorative. It's often linked to the idea of "dung pellets" or "feces," signifying worthlessness, defilement, and utter abhorrence in God's eyes. It contrasts sharply with the majestic and holy God of Israel, YHWH. These were often images of Canaanite gods like Baal and Asherah, but could also include celestial bodies.

• of which: Refers directly back to the "idols," linking them to the subject of YHWH's previous commands.

• the Lord: Hebrew: יְהוָה (YHWH), the sacred covenant name of God, revealing His personal relationship with Israel and His supreme authority as their only true deity and lawgiver. This highlights the breach of loyalty by serving others.

• had said to them: Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר אָמַר יְהוָה לָהֶם (asher amar YHWH lahem). Emphasizes that this was not a new or unknown command, but an explicit, direct, and well-established divine instruction, repeated throughout the Torah and prophetic messages. It underscores Israel's full awareness of their disobedience.

• You shall not do this thing: Hebrew: לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ אֶת הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה (lo taʿasu et hadavar hazzeh). A strong, direct negative command, referencing the fundamental prohibitions against idolatry found in the first and second commandments (Exod 20:3-5; Deut 5:7-9). "This thing" encompasses not just the physical act of bowing down, but the entire pagan system of worship, including its associated abhorrent practices and the spiritual devotion given to false gods. It points to a deep breach of the covenant's core.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And they served idols": This phrase encapsulates Israel's betrayal. Instead of serving their covenant God, YHWH, who had delivered them, they diverted their worship and devotion to contemptible, non-existent entities (the "gilulim"). This act was the antithesis of their purpose as a consecrated nation.
  • "of which the Lord had said to them, 'You shall not do this thing'": This extended clause reveals the culpable nature of Israel's sin. Their idolatry was not committed out of ignorance but in direct, conscious defiance of an explicit divine injunction. It underscores YHWH's justice in responding to their willful and persistent covenant unfaithfulness. The warning was clear and well-known.

2 Kings 17 12 Bonus section

• The emphasis on "they served" highlights the energetic, dedicated spiritual prostitution of the Northern Kingdom, contrasting with the demanded exclusive worship of YHWH (Deut 6:4).
• The derogatory term "gilulim" for idols reveals YHWH's perspective: these are not alternative deities but abhorrent abominations that pollute and corrupt. This reflects a strong polemic against the polytheistic views of surrounding nations.
• This verse illustrates the theological principle that spiritual disloyalty inevitably leads to societal decay and ultimately, divine judgment and consequences, fulfilling the conditional blessings and curses of the Mosaic covenant (Lev 26; Deut 28).

2 Kings 17 12 Commentary

2 Kings 17:12 concisely articulates Israel's central act of apostasy that provoked divine judgment. Their active "service" (worship) of "idols" (gilulim, conveying contempt and impurity) was a direct affront to YHWH's explicit command given at Sinai. This wasn't merely syncretism or partial allegiance; it was a profound transfer of ultimate devotion to lifeless, powerless objects crafted by human hands, embodying a complete betrayal of the unique relationship YHWH had forged with His people. This verse captures the essence of their covenant breaking, emphasizing that the consequence of exile was not arbitrary, but a righteous divine response to prolonged, intentional disobedience against the very God who had redeemed them and given them His perfect law. This deliberate choice of false worship over the living God exemplifies the ultimate spiritual rebellion, a lesson against complacency and compromise for all generations.