What does 2 Kings 17:39 mean?
"But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." - 2 Kings 17:39
2 Kings 17:39 (KJV) states, "But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." This verse is part of a passage that describes the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel and the reasons for its destruction. The verse specifically emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and trusting in His deliverance.
One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of fear and reverence for God. The word "fear" in this context does not simply mean being afraid of God, but rather it conveys the idea of having a deep respect and awe for Him. It is about recognizing God's authority and sovereignty over all things. The verse challenges the people of Israel to have a proper fear of God, which is the foundation of obedience and worship.
This theme of fearing the Lord is prevalent throughout the Bible, especially in the book of Proverbs where it says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7, KJV). This verse underscores the belief that a proper fear of God is essential for wisdom and understanding. It is the fear of God that leads to obedience and righteousness.
Furthermore, the verse in 2 Kings 17:39 also highlights the aspect of deliverance. It speaks to the promise that if the people fear the Lord and trust in Him, He will deliver them from the hands of their enemies. This theme of deliverance is central to the narrative of the Bible. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly delivers His people from their adversaries, demonstrating His faithfulness and power. The verse serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate source of deliverance and protection for His people.
In its context, 2 Kings 17 recounts the reasons for the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The chapter describes how the Israelites had abandoned the worship of the Lord and turned to idolatry, following the practices of the surrounding nations. As a result, God allowed them to be defeated and exiled by the Assyrians. This verse is part of a passage where the new inhabitants of the land are being instructed in the ways of the Lord, reminding them to fear God and trust in His deliverance.
Symbolically, the verse can be seen as a representation of the broader biblical narrative. It reflects the cyclical nature of the relationship between God and His people. The Israelites turned away from God, faced the consequences of their disobedience, and then were given the opportunity to return to Him through repentance and obedience. The verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a proper relationship with God, one that is characterized by fear, trust, and reliance on His deliverance.
Overall, 2 Kings 17:39 is a powerful reminder of the foundational principles of the Israelite faith and the broader Christian faith. It challenges believers to have a deep reverence for God and to trust in His deliverance. The verse also serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of turning away from God and the consequences of disobedience. Ultimately, it points to the unchanging and merciful nature of God, who is always ready to deliver those who fear Him and trust in His power.
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2 Kings 17:39 - "But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies."
"But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." - 2 Kings 17:39
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,"
1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"
1 Kings 2:39 - "And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, Behold, thy servants be in Gath."
2 Kings 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."
2 Kings 4:39 - "And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not."
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?"
1 Kings 11:39 - "And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever."
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."
Exodus 39:17 - "And they put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate."
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."
2 Kings 6:17 – "And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes."
1 Kings 22:39 - "Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that he did, and the ivory house which he made, and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 17:1 - "In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years."
2 Kings 17:33 - "They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence."