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." - 2 Kings 17:29
The Bible verse 2 Kings 17:29 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "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."
This verse is part of the historical account of the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to Assyria. The Israelites had strayed from true worship of the Lord and had begun to worship other gods, which led to their downfall. The verse specifically highlights the practice of the conquered peoples to make their own gods and place them in the houses of the high places that the Samaritans had built.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The northern kingdom of Israel had a history of turning away from the Lord and following after other gods. This had been a problem for them for many years, despite numerous warnings and pleas from the prophets to return to the true worship of the Lord. In 2 Kings 17, the consequences of their disobedience finally catch up with them, and they are defeated and taken into exile by the Assyrians.
The verse reveals a key theme that runs throughout the Bible: the danger of idolatry. The Bible consistently warns against worshiping false gods and emphasizes the exclusivity of the one true God. In this verse, we see the consequences of the Israelites and other nations turning away from the Lord and worshiping their own gods. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of staying true to the worship of the true God and not being led astray by the temptations of false gods.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The placing of gods in the houses of the high places represents the pervasiveness of idolatry in the lives of the people. The high places were often locations of pagan worship, and the fact that every nation made their own gods and placed them there shows the widespread influence of idolatry in the land. This serves as a symbol of the corrupting influence of false worship and the danger it poses to a society.
Furthermore, the verse highlights the power of cultural influence. The conquered nations adopted the practices of the Samaritans, demonstrating how easily people can be swayed by the customs and beliefs of those around them. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being discerning and steadfast in one's faith, even in the face of external pressures.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 17:29 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the true worship of God. It also highlights the influence of culture and the need for steadfastness in one's faith. As we reflect on this verse, may we be vigilant in guarding against the lure of false gods and remain committed to the worship of the one true God.
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2 Kings 17:29 - "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."
"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." - 2 Kings 17:29
2 KINGS 8:29
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 14:29 - "And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Kings 15:29 show the army and attack
2 Kings 9:29 - "And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over 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."
2 Kings 18:29 - "Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:"
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 25:29 - "And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life."
2 Samuel 17:29 - "And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness."
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
"Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands," - 2 Kings 19:17
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 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 17:10 - "And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:"
2 Kings 14:17 - "¶ And Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years."
2 Kings 2:17 - "And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not."
"And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead." - 2 Kings 14:29