The Consequences of Forgetting God
"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
In the study of 2 Kings 17:34, we encounter a poignant reflection on the spiritual state of 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." This verse serves as a stark reminder of the cyclical patterns of human behavior, particularly regarding our relationship with God.
The historical context of this scripture is rooted in the time after the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The Israelites were influenced by surrounding nations, adopting their practices and abandoning their covenant with God. This abandonment was not merely an act of disobedience but a fundamental shift in their allegiance. Rather than recognizing the mighty acts of God, they chose to disregard His commandments, leading them further away from His intended purpose for their lives.
The term "their former manners" reflects a return to past behaviors that ultimately led to their downfall. It raises an important question for us today: What are our former manners? What practices, habits, or attitudes do we cling to that draw us away from the righteous paths set before us? As believers, we have the opportunity to reflect on these habits and examine whether they lead to spiritual growth or lead us into a state of complacency and disconnection from God.
The text indicates a lack of fear of the LORD, which is essential for a vibrant relationship with Him. The fear of the Lord should not be understood merely as terror but rather as a deep reverence and awe for the Creator—acknowledging His holiness, power, and authority over our lives. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." When we forget to cultivate this reverence, we risk operating under our own wisdom and understanding, which leads to misguided choices and ultimately to despair.
In the second portion of the verse, we find a mention of "statutes", "ordinances", and "law"—the very guidelines that God provided for His people. These were not mere suggestions but divine commands intended to safeguard the Israelites from moral chaos and spiritual degradation. By forsaking these laws, they turned away from the blessings that accompany obedience. God’s commandments are designed not only for our protection but also for our flourishing. They create a framework within which we can thrive and maintain our relationship with the divine.
As Christians today, we must understand the significance of adhering to God’s Word. The Bible, God’s living Word, serves as our guide through life’s myriad challenges. Yet, like Israel, we can find ourselves influenced by societal norms, values, and practices that directly contradict biblical principles. This blend of worldly practices with our faith leads to spiritual dilution. Are we not also guilty of not following His commandments? Are there areas in our lives where we have compartmentalized faith, picking and choosing what we deem relevant?
Furthermore, this verse addresses God’s chosen people, "the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel." Jacob’s journey is metaphorically parallel to our spiritual walk—filled with struggle, growth, and moments of surrender. God named Jacob ‘Israel’ which means ‘one who strives with God’. We too must strive in our spiritual journey, wrestling with our doubts and fears, and ultimately coming to a place of submission to God.
As we meditate on 2 Kings 17:34, let it remind us that history has lessons to teach us. The warning about failing to fear the Lord and neglecting His statutes is as relevant today as it was then. May we seek to remember God’s past faithfulness, engage deeply with His Word, and commit ourselves to live according to His statutes. Let us turn our hearts back to Him and cultivate a life that honors His commandments, ensuring that our relationship with Him grows ever deeper. In reverence, may we return to the ways He desires us to walk—as the true children of God.
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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."