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◄ 2 Kings 17:32►

New International Version
They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places.

New Living Translation
These new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed from among themselves all sorts of people as priests to offer sacrifices at their places of worship.

English Standard Version
They also feared the LORD and appointed from among themselves all sorts of people as priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places.

Berean Standard Bible
So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places.

King James Bible
So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

New King James Version
So they feared the LORD, and from every class they appointed for themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places.

New American Standard Bible
They also feared the LORD and appointed from their entire population priests of the high places, who acted for them in the houses of the high places.

NASB 1995
They also feared the LORD and appointed from among themselves priests of the high places, who acted for them in the houses of the high places.

NASB 1977
They also feared the LORD and appointed from among themselves priests of the high places, who acted for them in the houses of the high places.

Legacy Standard Bible
They were also fearing Yahweh and appointed from among all of themselves priests of the high places, and they were acting for them in the houses of the high places.

Amplified Bible
They also feared the LORD and appointed from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Christian Standard Bible
They feared the LORD, but they also made from their ranks priests for the high places, who were working for them at the shrines of the high places.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They feared the LORD, but they also appointed from their number priests to serve them in the shrines of the high places.

American Standard Version
So they feared Jehovah, and made unto them from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

English Revised Version
So they feared the LORD, and made unto them from among themselves priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So while these people were worshiping the LORD, they also appointed all kinds of people to serve as priests for the shrines at their illegal places of worship.

Good News Translation
These people also worshiped the LORD and chose from among their own number all sorts of people to serve as priests at the pagan places of worship and to offer sacrifices for them there.

International Standard Version
Because they feared the LORD, they also appointed from among themselves priests for the high places who acted on their behalf in the temples on the high places.

NET Bible
At the same time they worshiped the LORD. They appointed some of their own people to serve as priests in the shrines on the high places.

New Heart English Bible
And they worshiped the LORD, yet they established their abominations in the houses of the high places which they made in Samaria, each nation in the city in which they dwelt. And they worshiped the LORD, yet appointed from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Webster's Bible Translation
So they feared the LORD, and made to themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places.

World English Bible
So they feared Yahweh, and also made from among themselves priests of the high places for themselves, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And they are fearing YHWH, and make for themselves from their extremities priests of high places, and they are working for them in the house of the high places.

Young's Literal Translation
And they are fearing Jehovah, and make to themselves from their extremities priests of high places, and they are acting for them in the house of the high places.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will be fearing Jehovah, and make to them priests of their ends upon the heights, and they will be doing to them in the houses of the heights.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And nevertheless they worshipped the Lord. And they made to themselves, of the lowest of the people, priests of the high places, and they placed them in the temples of the high places.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But nevertheless, they worshipped the Lord. Then they made for themselves, from the least of the people, priests of the high places. And they placed them in the shrines of the high places.

New American Bible
At the same time, they were venerating the LORD, appointing from their own number priests for the high places to officiate for them in the shrines on the high places.

New Revised Standard Version
They also worshiped the LORD and appointed from among themselves all sorts of people as priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So they worshipped the LORD, and made for themselves of their own people priests of the high places, who served for them in the houses of idols on the high places.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they were worshiping LORD JEHOVAH and made some of them Priests of the high places for themselves, and they were serving them in a house of high places.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
So they feared the LORD, and made unto them from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they feared the Lord, yet they established their abominations in the houses of the high places which they made in Samaria, each nation in the city in which they dwelt: and they feared the Lord, and they made for themselves priests of the high places, and sacrificed for themselves in the house of the high places.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Israel's Cities Resettled by Foreigners
…31the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim.32So the new residents worshiped the LORD,but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places.33They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

2 Kings 17:33
They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away.

2 Kings 17:41
So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

2 Kings 17:34
To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.

2 Kings 17:40
But they would not listen, and they persisted in their former customs.

2 Kings 17:29-31
Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places. / The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, / the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim.

2 Kings 17:35-39
For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them. / Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him. / And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. ...

2 Kings 17:28
Thus one of the priests they had carried away came and lived in Bethel, and he began to teach them how they should worship the LORD.

2 Kings 17:24-27
Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. / Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. / So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.” ...

1 Kings 18:21
Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.

1 Kings 12:28-33
After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. ...

2 Chronicles 33:17
Nevertheless, the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the LORD their God.

Isaiah 29:13
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.

Matthew 15:8-9
‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

Mark 7:6-7
Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’

John 4:22
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Treasury of Scripture

So they feared the LORD, and made to themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

made unto themselves

1 Kings 12:31
And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

1 Kings 13:33
After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he becameone of the priests of the high places.

the houses

2 Kings 17:29
Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and putthem in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.

2 Kings 23:19
And all the houses also of the high places thatwere in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provokethe LORD to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel.

1 Kings 13:31
And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of Godis buried; lay my bones beside his bones:

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Acted Acting Appointed Classes Extremities Feared Fearing High House Houses Lowest Offered Offerings Places Priests Sacrificed Sacrifices Shrines Sorts Themselves Worshiped Worshipping

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Acted Acting Appointed Classes Extremities Feared Fearing High House Houses Lowest Offered Offerings Places Priests Sacrificed Sacrifices Shrines Sorts Themselves Worshiped Worshipping

2 Kings 17

1.Hoshea the Last King of Israel
3.Being subdued by Shalmaneser, he conspires against him with So, king of Egypt
5.Samaria for sinning is led into captivity
24.The strange nations transplanted into Samaria make a mixture of religions.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

So the new residents worshiped the LORD
The new residents refer to the people brought into Samaria by the Assyrian king after the exile of the Israelites. This was a common practice to prevent rebellion by mixing populations. Worshiping the LORD indicates an acknowledgment of Yahweh, the God of Israel, possibly due to fear of the lions sent by God (2 Kings 17:25-26). This reflects a syncretistic approach, where they attempted to incorporate the worship of Yahweh into their existing religious practices. This situation highlights the tension between true worship and syncretism, a recurring theme in Israel's history (Exodus 20:3-5).

but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts
The appointment of priests "of all sorts" suggests a lack of adherence to the Levitical priesthood established by God (Numbers 3:10). This action demonstrates a disregard for the divinely ordained structure of worship and priesthood. It reflects the broader issue of Israel's failure to maintain the purity of worship as commanded in the Law. This mirrors the earlier sin of Jeroboam, who appointed non-Levitical priests (1 Kings 12:31), leading Israel into idolatry.

to serve in the shrines of the high places
High places were local worship sites often associated with idolatry and pagan practices. Despite their initial purpose for worshiping Yahweh, they became centers of syncretistic worship, blending the worship of God with that of other deities. This practice was condemned by the prophets and was a significant reason for Israel's downfall (2 Kings 17:7-12). The persistence of high places throughout Israel's history illustrates the challenge of maintaining pure worship and the ease with which God's people can be led astray.

Persons / Places / Events

1.The Israelites
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had been taken into Assyrian captivity due to their disobedience and idolatry.

2.The Samaritans
A mixed population that arose after the Assyrians resettled people from various nations into the land of Israel, leading to a syncretistic form of worship.

3.The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whom the people superficially feared but did not fully obey.

4.Priests from all sorts of people
Individuals appointed by the people to serve as priests, contrary to the Levitical priesthood established by God.

5.High places
Sites of worship that were often associated with idolatry and unauthorized religious practices.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Syncretism
Mixing true worship with pagan practices leads to a diluted faith that is not pleasing to God. Believers must guard against incorporating worldly elements into their worship.

The Importance of Obedience
Superficial fear of the Lord is insufficient. True worship requires obedience to God's commands and a heart fully devoted to Him.

The Role of Proper Leadership
God established specific guidelines for spiritual leadership. Deviating from His design can lead to spiritual confusion and compromise.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The history of Israel serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God. Believers are called to learn from these examples and remain faithful.

The Call to Authentic Worship
Worship must be rooted in truth and spirit, as Jesus emphasized. Believers are encouraged to seek a deeper understanding of God's nature and His requirements for worship.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 17:32?

2.How does 2 Kings 17:32 illustrate the danger of divided worship practices?

3.What can we learn from Israel's syncretism about maintaining pure worship today?

4.How does 2 Kings 17:32 relate to the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3?

5.What steps can we take to avoid compromising our faith like Israel did?

6.How can church leaders ensure worship aligns with biblical teachings, avoiding syncretism?

7.How does 2 Kings 17:32 reflect the Israelites' struggle with idolatry and true worship of God?

8.What historical context led to the events described in 2 Kings 17:32?

9.How does 2 Kings 17:32 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 17?

11.Are there historical or archaeological indications that support--or contradict--the existence of a private shrine and idol-based worship like Micah's described in Judges 17?

12.2 Kings 17:24-29 - Does the portrayal of each nation setting up its own gods align with known cultural assimilation patterns or does it conflict with archaeological findings?

13.Does Ezekiel 17:12-15's account of Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon conflict with the historical timeline recorded in 2 Kings 24-25?

14.2 Kings 17:34-39 - If God's covenant with Israel was everlasting, how does the text reconcile this with the assertion that He 'rejected all the descendants of Israel?'

What Does 2 Kings 17:32 Mean

So the new residents

- After the Assyrian conquest, “the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the cities of Samaria in place of the Israelites” (2 Kings 17:24).

- These Gentile settlers arrived with no covenant heritage, yet their presence in the land made them accountable to the LORD who still ruled there (Psalm 24:1).

-2 Kings 17:25 reports that when they first lived in Samaria, “they did not worship the LORD; so He sent lions among them.” God’s discipline reminded them—and us—that His sovereignty extends to every people (Jeremiah 10:10).

Worshiped the LORD

- Alarmed by the lions, the settlers asked for guidance. The Assyrian king responded by sending an Israelite priest who “taught them how they should worship the LORD” (2 Kings 17:27–28).

- Outwardly they “feared the LORD” (v. 32), acknowledging His reality and power in ways that looked respectable.

- Yet genuine worship demands exclusive loyalty: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Lip service without wholehearted devotion always falls short (Isaiah 29:13;John 4:24).

But they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts

- Instead of submitting to the Levitical priesthood God had established (Numbers 3:10), they chose priests “from every class of people” (1 Kings 12:31) according to their own preferences.

- Self-made religion places convenience above obedience. This pattern echoes Jeroboam’s earlier sin, when he devised his own priesthood “who were not Levites” (2 Chronicles 13:9).

- Whenever spiritual leadership is determined by popular vote rather than divine calling, truth is quickly compromised (2 Timothy 4:3).

To serve in the shrines of the high places

- The “high places” were local altars scattered across the hills, condemned repeatedly because they mixed pagan ritual with references to Yahweh (2 Kings 17:9–11;Deuteronomy 12:2–6).

- Although the settlers used the LORD’s name, their worship sites kept the symbols, practices, and deities of the nations they came from (2 Kings 17:29–31).

- God never accepts a divided altar. “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21).

summary

2 Kings 17:32 exposes religious syncretism: the new Samaritans tried to honor the LORD while retaining their own priests and pagan high places. The verse warns that partial obedience is disobedience, and that true worship demands exclusive fidelity to God’s revealed order. To avoid their mistake, we cling to Scripture alone, trust the one Mediator Christ has appointed (1 Timothy 2:5), and refuse to let cultural convenience dilute wholehearted devotion to the living God.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(32)They feared.--They were fearing. (See Note on2Kings 17:25;2Kings 17:28,supra.)

Of the lowest of them.--Rather,of all orders, orpromiscuously. (Comp.1Kings 12:31.) This is another indication that it wasJeroboam's mode of worship which was now restored.

Which sacrificed.--Heb.,and they used to do. The verbdo is used in the sense ofsacra facere, just like the Greek-?????? ?????? ??????.

Priests of the high places.--Rather,b?m?h-priests (omitthe). Bamah-priests are opposed to the priests of Jehovah's Temple.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 32. -So they feared the Lord - rather,and they (also)honored Jehovah;i.e. with their idolatrous worship they combined also the worship of Jehovah (comp. ver. 28) -and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places- i.e., followed the example of Jeroboam in taking for priests persons of all ranks, even the lowest (see the comment on 1 Kings 12:31) -which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places (comp. ver. 29).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So
וַיִּהְי֥וּ(way·yih·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be

[the new residents] worshiped
יְרֵאִ֖ים(yə·rê·’îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

the LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWH

but they also appointed
וַיַּעֲשׂ֨וּ(way·ya·‘ă·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, make

for themselves
לָהֶ֤ם(lā·hem)
Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:They

priests
כֹּהֲנֵ֣י(kō·hă·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3548:Priest

of all sorts
מִקְצוֹתָם֙(miq·ṣō·w·ṯām)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7098:A termination

to serve
עֹשִׂ֥ים(‘ō·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, make

in the shrines
בְּבֵ֥ית(bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A house

of the high places.
בָמ֔וֹת(ḇā·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1116:An elevation

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OT History: 2 Kings 17:32 So they feared Yahweh and made (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)