New International VersionThey worshiped idols, though the LORD had said, “You shall not do this.”
New Living TranslationYes, they worshiped idols, despite the LORD’s specific and repeated warnings.
English Standard Versionand they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this.”
Berean Standard BibleThey served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.”
King James BibleFor they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
New King James Versionfor they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.”
New American Standard BibleThey served idols, concerning which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.”
NASB 1995They served idols, concerning which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.”
NASB 1977And they served idols, concerning which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd they served idols, concerning which Yahweh had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.”
Amplified BibleAnd they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.”
Christian Standard BibleThey served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You must not do this.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You must not do this.”
American Standard Versionand they served idols, whereof Jehovah had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
Contemporary English VersionEven though the LORD had commanded the Israelites not to worship idols, they did it anyway.
English Revised Versionand they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey served idols, although the LORD had said, "Never do this."
Good News Translationand disobeyed the LORD's command not to worship idols.
International Standard Versionand they served idols, a practice that the LORD had warned them, "You are not to do this."
NET BibleThey worshiped the disgusting idols in blatant disregard of the LORD's command.
New Heart English Bibleand they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, "You shall not do this thing."
Webster's Bible TranslationFor they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, Ye shall not do this thing. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.”
World English Bibleand they served idols, of which Yahweh had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand serve the idols, of which YHWH said to them, “You do not do this thing.”
Young's Literal Translation and serve the idols, of which Jehovah said to them, 'Ye do not do this thing;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they will serve blocks which Jehovah said to them, Ye shall not do this word. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they worshipped abominations, concerning which the Lord had commanded them that they should not do this thing.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they worshipped impurities, concerning which the Lord instructed them that they should not do this word.
New American Bibleand served idols, although the LORD had told them: You must not do this.
New Revised Standard Versionthey served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, “You shall not do this.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, You shall not do this thing.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd they worked for idols of which LORD JEHOVAH said to them: “You shall not do this thing” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them: 'Ye shall not do this thing';
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd they served the idols, of which the Lord said to them, Ye shall not do this thing against the Lord.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Israel Exiled Because of Idolatry… 11They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. 12They servedidols,although the LORDhad toldthem,“You shall notdothisthing.”13Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”…
Cross References Exodus 20:3-5You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Deuteronomy 5:7-9You shall have no other gods before Me. / You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. / You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
Deuteronomy 6:14Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.
Deuteronomy 8:19If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.
Deuteronomy 11:16But be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods,
Deuteronomy 13:1-4If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. ...
Deuteronomy 29:26They went and served other gods, and they worshiped gods they had not known—gods that the LORD had not given to them.
Deuteronomy 32:16-17They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations. / They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they had not known, to newly arrived gods, which your fathers did not fear.
Judges 2:11-13And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. / Thus they forsook the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed after various gods of the peoples around them. They bowed down to them and provoked the LORD to anger, / for they forsook Him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.
1 Kings 14:9You have done more evil than all who came before you. You have proceeded to make for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me, and you have flung Me behind your back.
1 Kings 16:31-33And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. / First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. / Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.
2 Kings 21:21He walked in all the ways of his father, and he served and worshiped the idols his father had served.
Jeremiah 25:6Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’
Jeremiah 44:3because of the evil they have done. They provoked Me to anger by continuing to burn incense and to serve other gods that neither they nor you nor your fathers ever knew.
Hosea 13:2Now they sin more and more and make for themselves cast images, idols skillfully made from their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. People say of them, “They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves!”
Treasury of Scripture For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said to them, You shall not do this thing. whereof Exodus 20:3-5 Thou shalt have no other gods before me… Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose nameis Jealous,is a jealous God: Leviticus 26:1 Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set upany image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for Iam the LORD your God. Ye shall not Deuteronomy 4:15-19,23-25 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the daythat the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: … Deuteronomy 12:4 Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God. Jump to Previous DisgustingIdolsServantsServeServedThemselvesWhereofWorshipedJump to Next DisgustingIdolsServantsServeServedThemselvesWhereofWorshiped2 Kings 17 1.Hoshea the Last King of Israel3.Being subdued by Shalmaneser, he conspires against him with So, king of Egypt5.Samaria for sinning is led into captivity24.The strange nations transplanted into Samaria make a mixture of religions.They served idolsThe Israelites engaged in idol worship, which was a direct violation of the first two commandments given by God ( Exodus 20:3-4). This practice was prevalent among the surrounding nations, such as the Canaanites, whose religious customs included the worship of Baal and Asherah. Archaeological findings, such as altars and figurines, confirm the widespread nature of these practices in ancient Israel. The Israelites' adoption of idolatry reflects a recurring theme of spiritual adultery, where they turned away from their covenant relationship with Yahweh to follow the gods of the nations around them. although the LORD had told them
God had repeatedly warned the Israelites against idolatry through His prophets and the Law.Deuteronomy 6:14-15 explicitly commands the Israelites not to follow other gods, emphasizing the LORD's jealousy and the consequences of disobedience. The historical books of the Old Testament, including Judges and 1 Samuel, document the cycle of Israel's disobedience, punishment, repentance, and deliverance, highlighting God's consistent communication and warnings to His people. “You shall not do this thing.”
This phrase underscores the clear and direct command from God against idol worship. The prohibition against idolatry is a central tenet of the Mosaic Covenant, as seen inLeviticus 26:1 andDeuteronomy 5:7-9. The command reflects God's desire for exclusive worship and loyalty from His people. The Israelites' failure to heed this command led to their downfall and exile, fulfilling the prophetic warnings given by Moses and later prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. This command also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of worshiping God in spirit and truth (John 4:24), pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the true image of God (Colossians 1:15). Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe primary subjects of this verse, the Israelites were God's chosen people who were expected to follow His commandments and statutes. 2. IdolsObjects of worship that the Israelites turned to, in direct disobedience to God's command. These idols represented the false gods of the surrounding nations. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The one true God who had delivered the Israelites from Egypt and given them His laws, including the commandment against idolatry. 4. The ProphetsThough not directly mentioned in this verse, the prophets were God's messengers who repeatedly warned Israel against idolatry. 5. Assyrian CaptivityThe broader context of this chapter involves the eventual Assyrian conquest and exile of Israel as a consequence of their persistent idolatry. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can also be anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols such as money, power, or relationships. The Importance of ObedienceGod’s commands are given for our protection and well-being. Obedience to His Word is a demonstration of our love and trust in Him. Consequences of DisobediencePersistent disobedience leads to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences. The Israelites' exile serves as a warning of the seriousness of turning away from God. God’s Faithfulness and PatienceDespite Israel's repeated failures, God remained faithful and patient, continually sending prophets to call them back to Him. This reflects His enduring love and desire for repentance. The Call to RepentanceLike Israel, we are called to repent and turn back to God when we stray. His grace is sufficient to restore us when we genuinely seek Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 17:12?
2.How does 2 Kings 17:12 warn against idolatry in our lives today?
3.What does 2 Kings 17:12 reveal about God's view on worshiping "worthless idols"?
4.How can we identify "worthless idols" in our modern context?
5.What other Scriptures emphasize the dangers of idolatry and disobedience to God?
6.How can we ensure our worship remains solely focused on God?
7.Why did the Israelites worship idols despite God's clear commandments in 2 Kings 17:12?
8.How does 2 Kings 17:12 reflect the consequences of disobedience to God?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 17?
11.Isaiah 12:5: How do we reconcile the emphasis on 'excellent things' done by God with the historical records of suffering and defeat experienced by the Israelites?
12.(2 Chronicles 17:6) How is the claim that Jehoshaphat removed high places consistent with other passages stating they persisted under various kings?
13.(Exodus 34:14) How do we reconcile the commandment against worshiping other gods with archaeological finds suggesting Israel's early polytheistic practices?
14.How does Jeremiah 3:12-14 depict limitless mercy when texts like 2 Kings 17:6-23 suggest God's patience eventually ran out?What Does 2 Kings 17:12 Mean They served idolsThe northern kingdom of Israel, though chosen and blessed by God, turned their devotion to wooden and metal figures that could neither speak nor save. • Idolatry was not a mere cultural slip; it was an intentional exchange of the living God for powerless replicas (see1 Kings 16:30–33;2 Kings 17:16). • Each idol carried practices—immorality, child sacrifice, divination—that contradicted God’s holy character (Deuteronomy 12:29–31). • Serving idols always led to bondage: spiritual blindness (Psalm 115:4–8) and eventual national collapse (2 Kings 17:18). The pattern repeats whenever hearts drift from exclusive allegiance to the Lord (Romans 1:22–25).
although the LORD had told themGod’s warnings were clear, compassionate, and repeated. • From Sinai onward He declared, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). • Through Moses He reminded them just before entering the land: “Take heed to yourselves…so that you do not act corruptly and make for yourselves an idol” (Deuteronomy 4:15–19). • Prophets like Elijah, Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah echoed the same call, pleading with Israel to return (1 Kings 18:21;Hosea 13:4). Ignoring these warnings was not ignorance but rebellion against the very voice that formed and sustained them (Psalm 81:8–12).
"You shall not do this thing."The command was straightforward—no idols, no divided worship. • God’s jealousy is righteous; He will tolerate no rival because He alone is worthy and because idolatry destroys His people (Exodus 34:14). • The “thing” they were forbidden to do included not only carving images but bowing, sacrificing, trusting, and shaping life around them (Leviticus 26:1). • The clarity of the prohibition leaves no moral ambiguity. When Israel crossed the line, judgment followed: exile to Assyria confirmed that God’s word stands unchanged (2 Kings 17:20–23). Yet even in judgment, the command implies hope—repentance would still open the door to restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14;Jeremiah 31:18–20).
summary2 Kings 17:12 underscores Israel’s deliberate choice to exchange covenant loyalty for idolatry, despite God’s clear, persistent commands. The verse reveals God’s uncompromising holiness, the destructive pull of false worship, and the certainty that His word—whether warning or promise—always comes to pass. (12) F or they served idols.--Rather, and they served the dunglings; a term of contempt used in 1Kings 15:19; Deuteronomy 29:16, where see Note. Verse 12. - For they served idols; rather, and they served idols. The sense flows on from ver. 7, each verso being joined to the preceding one by the van connective. Gillulim, the term translated "idols," is a word rarely used, except by Ezekiel, with whom it is common. "It contains," as Bahr says, "a subordinate contemptuous and abusive signification;" the primary meaning of galal being "dung," "ordure." Whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing (see Exodus 20:4, 5, 23; Deuteronomy 4:16-18, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew They servedוַיַּֽעַבְד֖וּ(way·ya·‘aḇ·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslaveidols,הַגִּלֻּלִ֑ים(hag·gil·lu·lîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1544:A log, an idolalthough the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad told them,אָמַ֤ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“You shall notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nodoתַעֲשׂ֖וּ(ṯa·‘ă·śū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makethis.”הַזֶּֽה׃(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, that
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OT History: 2 Kings 17:12 And they served idols of which Yahweh (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
