A Cry for Deliverance from Idolatry and Wickedness

"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." - 2 Kings 17:17

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."

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."

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, hearts burdened by the weight of sin that surrounds us, echoing the troubling words of 2 Kings 17:17, where we see the depths of depravity that can arise when we stray from Your sacred paths. "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." Lord, we recognize that this scripture not only serves as a historical reflection of Your people but also as a mirror to our own lives and society today.

Lord, we are grieved to see how idolatry has infiltrated our hearts and homes. Just as the people in those days sacrificed their children, we, too, have seen the innocence of youth compromised by a world that promotes false idols and empty pursuits. We lament the ways in which we have permitted distractions to lead us away from You, seeking fulfillment in materialism, fame, and the fleeting pleasures that do not satisfy. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have set aside Your teachings for the allure of cultural relevance.

We pray, Lord, for a mighty revival among Your people. Shine Your light upon the darkness that seeks to consume us. Help us to recognize the dangers of divination and enchantments in our modern practices—whether it be through astrology, psychics, or the overreliance on technology that has subtly grabbed our attention away from You. Remind us that true wisdom and knowledge come from You alone, and let us cast aside any reliance on practices that provoke Your anger.

Father, guide us back to a place of reverence and honor for You. Stir within each of us a deep desire to seek Your heart above all else. Teach us to be mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions; may they reflect Your glory and grace. We ask for the courage to stand firm against the tides of wickedness that may beckon us, regardless of the penalty society may impose. Equip us, Lord, with the full armor of God, so that we can resist the enemy's efforts to lead us astray.

As we reflect on the heart-wrenching reality of those who sold themselves to do evil, we desire to be different. Inspire us to declare, with boldness, that we belong to You, Lord. May we open our mouths and speak out against injustice, immorality, and all that seeks to tarnish the sanctity of human life. Instill in us a passion for righteousness that surpasses any personal gain or social acceptance.

Lord, we intercede not only for ourselves but for our children, and the generations yet to come. Protect them from the snares of wickedness that so easily entrap others. Shield their hearts from the lure of the modern-day idols that promise happiness but lead only to despair. Help us, as guardians of their souls, to instill in them a steadfast faith, a hunger for Your Word, and a love for Your ways. Let us show them the beauty of living a life devoted to You, teaching them Your precepts so that their lives may be a testament to Your love and righteousness.

We also pray for those who have been ensnared by these practices, those still walking in darkness. May Your Spirit move powerfully among them, bringing revelation, conviction, and a desire to turn back towards You. Let them know that there is hope, redemption, and a fresh start available through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord, let us be known as a people who provoke You to love, not to anger. May our lives reflect Your love and truth in a world that desperately needs it. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, who guides us back to Your heart.

Amen.

2 Kings 17:17 Artwork

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."

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."

2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"

2 Kings 19:17 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands,"

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 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."

1 Kings 17:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,"

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 17:40 - "Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner."

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 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 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."

2 Kings 17:19 - "Also Judah kept not the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made."

2 Kings 17:8 - "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 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 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."

2 Kings 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."

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 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"

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 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."

Genesis 17:2

Genesis 17:2

Acts 2:17

Acts 2:17

Acts 2:17

Acts 2:17

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 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 17:5 - "¶ Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three 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 17:10 - "And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:"

2 Kings 17:10 - "And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:"

Acts 2:17

Acts 2:17

1 Kings 4:17 - "Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:"

1 Kings 4:17 - "Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar:"

2 Kings 17:3 - "Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents."

2 Kings 17:3 - "Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents."

2 Kings 6:17 – "And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes."

2 Kings 6:17 – "And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes."

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 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 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 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 17:30 - "And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,"

2 Kings 17:30 - "And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,"

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."

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."

2 Kings 4:17 - "And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life."

2 Kings 4:17 - "And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life."

2 Kings 17:38 - "And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods."

2 Kings 17:38 - "And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods."

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 4:17

2 Corinthians 4:17