King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:15 Mean?

2 Kings 17:15 in the King James Version says “And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

2 Kings 17:15 · King James Version


Context

13

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. by: Heb. by the hand of

14

Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.

15

And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

16

And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.

17

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַיִּמְאֲס֣וּ1 of 29

And they rejected

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

אֶת2 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֻקָּ֗יו3 of 29

his statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְאֶת4 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּרִיתוֹ֙5 of 29

and his covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כָּרַ֣ת7 of 29

that he made

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת8 of 29
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֲבוֹתָ֔ם9 of 29

with their fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֵת֙10 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵֽדְוֹתָ֔יו11 of 29

and his testimonies

H5715

testimony

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵעִ֖יד13 of 29

which he testified

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בָּ֑ם14 of 29
H0
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ15 of 29
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֤י16 of 29

and went after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַהֶ֙בֶל֙17 of 29

vanity

H1892

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

וַיֶּהְבָּ֔לוּ18 of 29

and became vain

H1891

to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray

וְאַֽחֲרֵ֤י19 of 29

and went after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַגּוֹיִם֙20 of 29

the heathen

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֣ר21 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

סְבִֽיבֹתָ֔ם22 of 29

that were round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

אֲשֶׁ֨ר23 of 29
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֤ה24 of 29

had charged

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָה֙25 of 29

them concerning whom the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֹתָ֔ם26 of 29
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְבִלְתִּ֖י27 of 29
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

עֲשׂ֥וֹת28 of 29

them that they should not do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כָּהֶֽם׃29 of 29
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 17:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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