2 Kings 17:11

“And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger.”

Context:The book of 2 Kings is a historical account of the kings of Israel and Judah. This particular verse describes the sinful practices of the northern kingdom of Israel under the reign of various kings.

Historical Background:

• The verse refers to the practices of the Israelites who had been taken into captivity by the Assyrians.
• Prior to their captivity, the northern kingdom had a long history of idolatry and disobedience to God’s commandments.
• The people of Israel had forsaken the worship of the true God and adopted the religious practices of the surrounding nations.

Burning Incense in High Places:

• Burning incense in high places was a common pagan practice among the nations surrounding Israel.
• The Israelites, instead of worshipping the Lord in the designated places (such as the temple in Jerusalem), turned to the worship of idols and false gods on elevated sites.
• This act of burning incense in high places was a direct violation of God’s commandment to worship Him alone.

Following the Ways of the Heathen:

• The verse highlights that the Israelites imitated the heathen nations in their religious practices.
• Despite being chosen by God and having received His law, the people of Israel embraced the wicked ways of the nations that had been driven out before them.
• They not only adopted their religious customs but also engaged in various sinful behaviors that provoked God to anger.

Provoking the Lord to Anger:

• The Israelites’ disobedience, idolatry, and adoption of heathen practices were a direct affront to God.
• God had warned the Israelites through His prophets about the consequences of forsaking Him and turning to idols.
• Their actions provoked God’s anger and ultimately led to the downfall and captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians.

Lessons from 2 Kings 17:11:

• The danger of compromise:The Israelites compromised their faith by adopting the practices of the surrounding nations. This serves as a reminder for believers today to guard against compromising their faith and conforming to worldly ways.
• The seriousness of idolatry:The Israelites compromised their faith by adopting the practices of the surrounding nations. This serves as a reminder for believers today to guard against compromising their faith and conforming to worldly ways.