King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:32 Mean?

2 Kings 17:32 in the King James Version says “So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.”

2 Kings 17:32 · KJV

Context

30

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

31

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

32

So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

33

They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence. whom: or, who carried them away from thence

34

Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;

Read 2 Kings 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

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.

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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 · 14 words
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְרֵאִ֖ים2 of 14
H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

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

עֹשִׂ֥ים5 of 14

“and made”

H6213

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

לָהֶ֤ם6 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִקְצוֹתָם֙7 of 14

“unto themselves of the lowest”

H7098

a termination

כֹּֽהֲנֵ֣י8 of 14

“of them priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַבָּמֽוֹת׃9 of 14

“of the high places”

H1116

an elevation

וַיִּֽהְי֛וּ10 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֹשִׂ֥ים11 of 14

“and made”

H6213

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

לָהֶ֖ם12 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּבֵ֥ית13 of 14

“for them in the houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַבָּמֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“of the high places”

H1116

an elevation

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 17:32 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 17:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 12:312 Kings 17:291 Kings 13:33Zephaniah 1:52 Kings 23:191 Kings 13:31

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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