2 Kings 17:36

But the Lord, who brought you vp out of the land of Egypt, with great power, and a stretched out arme, him shall ye feare, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye doe sacrifice. 2 Kings 17:36 (KJV)

This verse is part of a historical account found in the book of 2 Kings. It recounts the history of the Israelite kingdom, specifically focusing on the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In this chapter the author details how the Assyrian kings Shalmaneser V and Sargon II conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and exiled its inhabitants because of their disobedience and idolatry.

In verse 36 the Lord, who had delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt with mighty signs and wonders, reminds the people of Israel of their covenant relationship with Him. The passage calls the people to three essential responses.

Reverence for God: The verse begins with the instruction to fear the Lord. “Fear” here denotes a reverential awe that acknowledges God’s power, authority, and holiness, emphasizing the need to recognize His sovereignty and submit to His will.

Worshiping God: The verse also commands the Israelites to worship the Lord. Worship involves honoring and giving glory to God, acknowledging His worthiness and attributes, and it affirms that God alone is to be the object of their worship, excluding any idolatry or false gods.

Sacrifice: The verse concludes by mentioning sacrifice. In the ancient Israelite context, sacrifices were a significant part of worship, prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The people are reminded that their sacrifices must be directed solely to the Lord and not to any other deity.

Overall, 2 Kings 17:36 emphasizes the exclusive and central role of God in the lives of the Israelites. It calls them to fear, worship, and offer sacrifices to Him alone, highlighting the timeless importance of wholehearted devotion and loyalty to God in both worship and daily life.