King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:26 Mean?

2 Kings 17:26 in the King James Version says “Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Sa... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.

2 Kings 17:26 · KJV


Context

24

And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.

25

And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them.

26

Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.

27

Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.

28

Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.

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. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. 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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 30 words
לֵאמֹר֒1 of 30

Wherefore they spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְמֶ֣לֶךְ2 of 30

to the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁוּר֮3 of 30

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֵאמֹר֒4 of 30

Wherefore they spake

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַגּוֹיִ֗ם5 of 30

The nations

H1471

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר6 of 30
H834

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

הִגְלִ֙יתָ֙7 of 30

which thou hast removed

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

וַתּ֙וֹשֶׁב֙8 of 30

and placed

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּעָרֵ֣י9 of 30

in the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

שֹֽׁמְר֔וֹן10 of 30

of Samaria

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

לֹ֣א11 of 30
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֹֽדְעִ֔ים12 of 30

know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת13 of 30
H853

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

מִשְׁפַּ֖ט14 of 30

not the manner

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֱלֹהֵ֥י15 of 30

of the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָאָֽרֶץ׃16 of 30

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיְשַׁלַּח17 of 30

therefore he hath sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בָּ֣ם18 of 30
H0
אֶת19 of 30
H853

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

הָֽאֲרָי֗וֹת20 of 30

lions

H738

a lion

וְהִנָּם֙21 of 30
H2009

lo!

מְמִיתִ֣ים22 of 30

among them and behold they slay

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אוֹתָ֔ם23 of 30
H853

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙24 of 30
H834

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

אֵינָ֣ם25 of 30
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יֹֽדְעִ֔ים26 of 30

know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת27 of 30
H853

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

מִשְׁפַּ֖ט28 of 30

not the manner

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֱלֹהֵ֥י29 of 30

of the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָאָֽרֶץ׃30 of 30

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 17:26 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 17:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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