King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 17:9 Mean?

2 Kings 17:9 in the King James Version says “And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

2 Kings 17:9 · KJV


Context

7

For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,

8

And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.

9

And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

10

And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree: images: Heb. statues

11

And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיְחַפְּא֣וּ1 of 20

did secretly

H2644

properly, to cover, i.e., (in a sinister sense) to act covertly

בְנֵֽי2 of 20

And the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל3 of 20

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

דְּבָרִים֙4 of 20

those things

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 20
H834

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

לֹא6 of 20
H3808

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

כֵ֔ן7 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

עַל8 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָ֖ה9 of 20

that were not right against the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶ֑ם10 of 20

their 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

וַיִּבְנ֨וּ11 of 20

and they built

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לָהֶ֤ם12 of 20
H0
בָּמוֹת֙13 of 20

them high places

H1116

an elevation

בְּכָל14 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עִ֥יר15 of 20

city

H5892

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

מִמִּגְדַּ֥ל16 of 20

from the tower

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

נֽוֹצְרִ֖ים17 of 20

of the watchmen

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

עַד18 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עִ֥יר19 of 20

city

H5892

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

מִבְצָֽר׃20 of 20

to the fenced

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender


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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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