Old Testament
2 Kings 17:35
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God reminds the people of the promise He made to them, known as a covenant.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
The LORD had made a covenant with them and commanded them: "You must not fear other gods or bow down to them or serve them or sacrifice to them.
With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God reminds the people of the promise He made to them, known as a covenant. He instructed them not to be afraid of other gods, which means they should not let fear lead them to worship anything or anyone else. Bowing down to other gods or serving them is a way of showing loyalty that belongs only to God. Sacrificing to other gods is a serious act of betrayal against the one who has protected and guided them. This command emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and trust in God alone. It serves as a reminder that true devotion requires us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. By following this command, the people would demonstrate their commitment to God and His ways, ensuring their well-being and security. This message is timeless, encouraging us to reflect on what we truly value and worship in our lives today. It challenges us to consider whether we allow distractions to take precedence over our relationship with God, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 17:35 to your life
To apply this teaching, evaluate what you prioritize in your life. Are there distractions or fears that lead you away from your commitment to God? Make a conscious effort to focus on your relationship with God, ensuring that He remains your top priority. Trust in His guidance and protection above all else. Seek to deepen your faith daily by engaging in prayer and reflection on His word.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 17:35 mean?
2 Kings 17:35 emphasizes God's covenant with His people, instructing them not to fear or worship other gods. It highlights the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to God alone, reminding them that true devotion requires prioritizing their relationship with Him.
What is the meaning of covenant in 2 Kings 17:35?
In 2 Kings 17:35, a covenant refers to the sacred agreement God made with His people, establishing a relationship based on trust and obedience. It signifies God's commitment to them and their obligation to worship Him exclusively.
Why does God say not to fear other gods in 2 Kings 17:35?
God instructs His people not to fear other gods to reinforce their trust in Him as their protector. Fearing other gods could lead them to worship and serve those false deities, which would betray their covenant with the true God.
How can I apply the message of 2 Kings 17:35 in my life?
To apply the message of 2 Kings 17:35, assess what you prioritize in your life and identify any distractions that may lead you away from God. Focus on strengthening your relationship with Him through prayer and reflection, ensuring He remains your top priority.
The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
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