2 Kings 17:7-23

The reasons for the captivity 17:7-23

In this section the writer catalogued Israel’s transgressions of God’s Word that resulted in her going into captivity. Ironically, Israel’s last king had sought help from Egypt, from which Israel had fled 724 years earlier.

They feared other gods (2 Kings 17:7; cf. Exodus 20:3; Judges 6:10).

They adopted Canaanite customs (2 Kings 17:8; cf. Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 18:9).

They adopted customs condemned by the Mosaic Law (2 Kings 17:8; cf. 2 Kings 16:3; 2 Kings 17:19).

They practiced secret sins (2 Kings 17:9).

They built pagan high places (2 Kings 17:9; cf. Deuteronomy 12:2-7; Deuteronomy 12:13-14).

They made many sacred pillars and Asherim (2 Kings 17:10; cf. Exodus 34:12-14).

They burned incense to other gods (2 Kings 17:11).

They did evil things that provoked Yahweh (2 Kings 17:11).

They served idols (2 Kings 17:12; cf. Exodus 20:4).

They refused to heed God’s warnings (2 Kings 17:13-14).

They became obstinate (2 Kings 17:14; cf. Exodus 32:9; Exodus 33:3).

They rejected God’s statutes (2 Kings 17:15).

They rejected God’s covenant (2 Kings 17:15; cf. Exodus 24:6-8; Deuteronomy 29:25).

They pursued vanity (2 Kings 17:15; cf. Deuteronomy 32:21).

They became vain (2 Kings 17:15).

They followed foreign nations (2 Kings 17:15; cf. Deuteronomy 12:30-31).

They forsook Yahweh’s commandments (2 Kings 17:16).

They made molten calves (2 Kings 17:16; cf. Exodus 20:4).

They made an Asherah (2 Kings 17:16; cf. Exodus 20:4).

They worshipped the stars (2 Kings 17:16; cf. Deuteronomy 4:15; Deuteronomy 4:19; Amos 5:26).

They served Baal (2 Kings 17:16).

They practiced child sacrifice (2 Kings 17:17; cf. Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31).

They practiced witchcraft (2 Kings 17:17; cf. Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

They sold themselves to do evil (2 Kings 17:17; cf. 2 Kings 21:20).

Though God allowed Judah to remain, she was not innocent (2 Kings 17:19).

The cult of Jeroboam was a major source of Israel’s apostasy (2 Kings 17:21-22).