King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:29 Mean?

“Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.”

Context

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.

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.

Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.

And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Howbeit.**—*And.* The colonists did not fear Jehovah in a monotheistic sense; they simply *added* his *cultus* to that of their ancestral deities. **The houses of the high places.**—The temples or chaples which constituted the sanctuaries of the different cities in the Samaritan territory. **The Samaritans**—*i.e.,* the people of northern Israel. (Comp. *Samaria* in 2Kings 17:24.) **Dwelt.**—*Were dwelling.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 17:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.