Teaching the Ways of God: A Devotional Reflection on 2 Kings 17:27
"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." - 2 Kings 17:27
In 2 Kings 17:27, we read, "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." This verse opens a window into a significant moment in Biblical history—one that encompasses themes of leadership, divine instruction, and the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
The context of this passage is rooted in the Assyrian conquest of Israel, which resulted in the exile of many Israelites. The king of Assyria, in a pragmatic yet revealing moment, commands the relocation of a priest of Israel to teach the newly settled foreign populations the ways of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This is both fascinating and perplexing. Why would a king of a foreign nation care about teaching the ways of an alien God? This incident highlights an important truth about the nature of God’s sovereignty and the intrinsic value of His ways, even amidst dire circumstances.
The king's directive underscores the belief that knowledge of God and His ways is vital for a flourishing society. It reflects an understanding that moral and ethical teachings, drawn from the acknowledgment of the Creator, can impart wisdom and lead to a just and orderly community. This is a beautiful reminder that God's principles can transcend cultural and geographical barriers. Even in a time of exile, when the Israelites felt lost and displaced, God was still at work, ensuring that His name and His teachings would be spread and understood.
Moreover, this verse beckons us to contemplate our role in teaching others about God’s ways. As those redeemed by grace and tasked with the mission of sharing the gospel, we reflect a similar principle exhibited by the priest: insightful teaching about God doesn't just reside with those in the church but is meant for every believer. Each of us carries within us the charge to teach and exemplify the ways of God, irrespective of our circumstances.
What does it mean for us to ‘teach the manner of God’ today? Firstly, it invites us to cultivate a personal relationship with God through prayer, study of His word, and an active engagement in community. It’s through the deepening of our faith and understanding that we are empowered to share it authentically with others. Our lives become a testimony of God's goodness, mercy, and righteous standards.
Secondly, it compels us to be intentional in discipleship. Just as the priest was brought to teach, we too are called to guide others—whether it may be through mentoring, leading a small group, or simply sharing insights during casual conversations. God’s desire is not just for us to know Him, but for us to make Him known. Just as the Assyrians needed to learn of Yahweh’s ways for societal integration, we are in a world hungry for hope and truth.
In contemporary society, too, we encounter spiritual ‘outsiders’ who are eager for knowledge and understanding of the divine. The Assyrians needed instruction, and today’s communities—the lost, marginalized, and even the weary—are in quest of authentic connections and God’s principles that lead to life. It prompts a reflection on how we approach evangelism in our contexts—demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions while also proclaiming the truth of the gospel with clarity and compassion.
Let us embrace the call to be bearers of the Good News, teaching others the ways of the Lord. Whether we are priests in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we must remember that we belong to a God whose teachings morally guide humanity towards righteousness. In a world rife with confusion, let each of us take to heart the command to teach and show God's ways in every aspect of our lives—living as a light in the darkness and pointing others towards the hope found in Him. Amen.
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2 Kings 17:27 - "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."
"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." - 2 Kings 17:27
2 Samuel 1. 17-27
2 Kings 17:2 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Chronicles 35:27 - "And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."
1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"
2 Kings 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."
Jehoiachin is released from Babylonian jail 2 kings 25: 27
2 Kings 17:8 - "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."
2 Kings 21:17 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 19:27 - "But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me."
2 Kings 10:27 - "And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day."
2 Kings 17:17 - "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."
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him." - 2 Kings 17:2
2 Chronicles 27:7 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."
1Esdy 2:27 (KJVA) 27 And the men therein were given to rebellion and war: and that mighty kings and fierce were in Jerusalem, who reigned and exacted tributes in Celosyria and Phenice.
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
2 Kings 6:27 - "And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress?"
2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."
2 Kings 15:27 - "¶ In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years."
2 Kings 17:5 - "¶ Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years."
2 Kings 24:17 - "¶ And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah."
2 Kings 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"
2 Kings 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."
2 Kings 17:14 - "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."
2 Kings 11:17 - "¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people."
2 Kings 17:3 - "Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents."
2 Kings 8:27 - "And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the LORD, as did the house of Ahab: for he was the son in law of the house of Ahab."
2 Kings 17:10 - "And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:"