What does 2 Kings 17:34 mean?
"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;" - 2 Kings 17:34
2 Kings 17:34 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "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."
To fully understand the meaning and commentary of this verse, it's important to look at the context in which it was written. This verse is part of the Old Testament, which is a collection of religious texts and scriptures that hold significance for both Jewish and Christian faiths. The Old Testament covers a vast period of time and includes historical narratives, laws, poetry, prophecies, and teachings.
2 Kings 17:34 comes from the Book of 2 Kings, which is part of the Deuteronomistic history in the Hebrew Bible. This book continues the historical account of the kings of Israel and Judah, detailing the reigns of various rulers and the events that occurred during their reigns. In this particular verse, the context is the aftermath of the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel and the subsequent exile of the Israelites.
The verse reveals a significant aspect of the Israelites' faith and their relationship with God. It describes how the people of the land continued to live in a manner that was contrary to the commandments of the Lord. Despite experiencing the consequences of their disobedience, they continued to disregard the Lord's statutes, ordinances, and commandments.
One of the recurring themes in the Old Testament, including in this verse, is the idea of obedience to God's laws and commandments. The Israelites were given a set of laws and regulations, often referred to as the Mosaic Law, through which they were to live their lives in obedience to God. This verse highlights the failure of the people to adhere to these laws and their continued disobedience even in the face of judgment and exile.
The verse also reflects the broader theme of faithfulness and covenant relationship with God. Throughout the Old Testament, God is depicted as a covenantal God who makes promises to his people and expects obedience and faithfulness in return. The Israelites' disregard for the Lord's statutes and ordinances is a direct violation of their covenant relationship with Him.
Symbolism plays an important role in understanding this verse. The disobedience of the Israelites symbolizes the broader issue of sin and rebellion against God. The mention of "the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel" serves as a reminder of the special covenant that God had with the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God.
The verse also serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of disregarding God's commandments and living in disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience in maintaining a healthy relationship with God.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 17:34 in the King James Version offers a poignant reflection on the Israelites' failure to fear the Lord and adhere to His commandments. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of honoring the covenant relationship with God. This verse continues to hold relevance for believers today, encouraging them to remain faithful and obedient to God's statutes and commandments.
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2 Kings 17:34 - "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;"
"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;" - 2 Kings 17:34
2 kings 9:34-36
2 Kings 10:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that he did, and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
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 19:34 - "For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake."
2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"
2 Chronicles 34:17 - "And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen."
1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"
2 Chronicles 34:11 - "Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed."
2 Kings 18:34 - "Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand?"
2 Kings 15:34 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD: he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done."
2 Kings 9:34 - "And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter."
2 Chronicles 20:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."
1 Kings 2:34 - "So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness."
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 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 23:34 - "And Pharaoh-nechoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his father, and turned his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away: and he came to Egypt, and died there."
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."