2 Kings 17:9
2 Kings 17:9 in Multiple Translations
The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities.
And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
And the children of Israel did secretly things that were not right against Jehovah their God: and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city;
And the children of Israel did secretly against the Lord their God things which were not right, building high places for themselves in all their towns, from the tower of the watchmen to the walled town.
Secretly the Israelites did things that were not right against the Lord their God. They built high places in all their towns, from watchtowers to fortified cities.
And the children of Israel had done secretly things that were not vpright before the Lord their God, and throughout all their cities had built hie places, both from the tower of the watch, to the defensed citie,
and the sons of Israel do covertly things that [are] not right against Jehovah their God, and build for them high places in all their cities, from a tower of the watchers unto the fenced city,
The children of Israel secretly did things that were not right against the LORD their God; and they built high places for themselves in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city;
And the children of Israel did secretly things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built for themselves high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.
And the children of Israel offended the Lord their God with things that were not right: and built them high places in all their cities from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
The Israeli people also secretly did many things that were not pleasing to Yahweh their God. They built shrines to worship idols in all their cities, including small towns and big cities with walls around them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 17:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 17:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְחַפְּא֣וּ
בְנֵֽי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
דְּבָרִים֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לֹא
כֵ֔ן
עַל
יְהוָ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יִּבְנ֨וּ
לָ/הֶ֤ם
בָּמוֹת֙
בְּ/כָל
עָ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
מִ/מִּגְדַּ֥ל
נוֹצְרִ֖ים
עַד
עִ֥יר
מִבְצָֽר
וַ/יְחַפְּא֣וּ
châphâʼ
H2644
to do secretly
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
דְּבָרִים֙
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
כֵ֔ן
kên
H3651
right
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יִּבְנ֨וּ
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ/הֶ֤ם
Prep | Suff
בָּמוֹת֙
bâmâh
H1116
high place
N-fp
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עָ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp | Suff
מִ/מִּגְדַּ֥ל
migdâl
H4026
tower
Prep | N-cs
נוֹצְרִ֖ים
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
מִבְצָֽר
mibtsâr
H4013
fortification
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 17:9
וַ/יְחַפְּא֣וּ
châphâʼ
H2644
"to do secretly"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means doing something secretly or in a hidden way, often with bad intentions. It appears in Job 31:27, where Job denies secretly worshiping the sun or moon. This concept is also seen in 2 Samuel 12:12.
Definition: (Piel) to cover, do secretly
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: do secretly. See also: 2 Kings 17:9.
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
דְּבָרִים֙
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כֵ֔ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/יִּבְנ֨וּ
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
לָ/הֶ֤ם
""
Prep | Suff
בָּמוֹת֙
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
N-fp
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עָ֣רֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִ/מִּגְדַּ֥ל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
Prep | N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
נוֹצְרִ֖ים
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עִ֥יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִבְצָֽר
mibtsâr
H4013
"fortification"
N-ms
This word describes a strong, fortified place like a castle or a fenced city, providing protection and safety. It is used in the Bible to describe secure and defended locations.
Definition: fortification, fortress, fortified city, stronghold
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most) strong (hold). See also: Numbers 13:19; Isaiah 34:13; Psalms 89:41.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 17:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 17:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:9
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 17:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
- Sermons on 2 Kings 17:9
Context — Israel Carried Captive to Assyria
7All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods
8and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel.
9The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities.
10They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 18:8 | He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. |
| 2 | Job 31:27 | so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 13:6 | If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 27:15 | ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ |
| 5 | Hosea 12:11 | Is there iniquity in Gilead? They will surely come to nothing. Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Indeed, their altars will be heaps of stones in the furrows of the field. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 8:12 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’” |
2 Kings 17:9 Summary
This verse tells us that the Israelites were secretly disobeying God and doing things that were not right. They were building high places in all their cities to worship other gods, which was against God's commands (as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3). This shows us that God wants our wholehearted obedience and devotion, and that secret sins will eventually be exposed (as seen in Numbers 32:23). We can learn from the Israelites' mistakes by being honest with God and others, and by prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else (Matthew 22:37-38).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Israelites 'secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right'?
This means they were hiding their sinful actions from God and others, trying to keep their disobedience a secret, as seen in other instances like Genesis 3:8 where Adam and Eve hid from God after sinning.
Why did the Israelites build high places in all their cities?
The Israelites built high places to worship other gods and to practice idolatry, which was against God's commands, such as in Deuteronomy 12:2-3 where God instructs them to destroy the high places of other nations.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites?
This verse shows the Israelites' continued rebellion against God, which ultimately led to their downfall, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:15-68, and fulfilled in 2 Kings 17:5-6 where they were taken captive by the Assyrians.
What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse?
We can learn that secret sins and disobedience will eventually be exposed, and that God desires our wholehearted obedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Matthew 22:37-38.
Reflection Questions
- What secret sins or disobedient actions might I be hiding from God or others, and how can I confess and repent of them?
- How can I ensure that my worship and devotion are solely directed towards the one true God, and not towards idols or other false gods?
- What are some 'high places' in my life where I may be compromising my faith or values, and how can I tear them down?
- In what ways can I prioritize wholehearted obedience to God, just as He desires, and what steps can I take to achieve this in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:9
And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God,.... As being partly conscious to themselves that they were not right, and ashamed to commit them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:9
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
Things that were not right against the Lord: this belongs, either, 1. To their gross idolatries, and other abominable practices, which they were ashamed to own before others: compare . Or, 2. To the worship of calves; and so the words are otherwise rendered, and that agreeably to the Hebrew text, they cloaked, or disguised, or covered things that were not right against, or before, or towards the Lord, i.e. they covered their idolatrous worship of the calves with fair pretences of necessity, the two kingdoms being now divided, and at enmity; and of their honest intention of serving the true God, and retaining the substance of the Jewish religion, from which they alleged that they differed only in circumstances of worship. From the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city; in all parts and places, both in cities and in the country; yea, in the most uninhabited and neglected parts, where few or none dwell beside the watchmen, who are left there in towers, to preserve the cattle and fruits of the earth, or to give notice of the approach of enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
2 Kings 17:9 And the children of Israel did secretly [those] things that [were] not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.Ver. 9. And the children of Israel did secretly.] Heb., They hid, or covered, or cloaked over what they did, but all in vain; for God is all eye, and to him dark things appear, dumb things answer, silence itself maketh confession, as an ancient speaketh. From the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city,] i.e., From one corner of the country to another: a proverbial speech.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
(9) Did secretly.—The literal sense is covered. In this connection it is natural to remember that Heb. verbs of covering and hiding are often used in the sense of dealing perfidiously or deceitfully. (Comp. mβ’al, l Chron. 10:13, with me’ξl, “mantle;” and bβgad, “to deal treacherously,” Hosea 5:7, with bθged, “garment.”) The form in the text (the pihel of ‘hβphβ) is only found here. They built them high places.—First, the institution of unlawful places of worship. From the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.—The towers are such as are mentioned in 2 Chronicles 26:10. Here, and in 2 Kings 18:8, these solitary buildings, tenanted by a few herdsmen, are contrasted with the embattled cities which protected multitudes. Wherever men were, whether in small or large numbers, these high places were established.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
Verse 9. Did secretly those things] There was much hidden iniquity and private idolatry among them, as well as public and notorious crimes. From the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.] That is, the idolatry was universal; every place was made a place for some idolatrous rite or act of worship; from the largest city to the smallest village, and from the public watchtower to the shepherd's cot.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:9
9. And the children of Israel did secretly] The verb here used occurs nowhere else in the Bible, though one apparently cognate, and differing only by a single letter, is found several times. This latter is used of covering the head, and also of covering walls with gold to look more beautiful than the bare stone would do. From the first notion comes the sense ‘they did secretly’ which both A.V. and R.V. prefer. Others, with the LXX. (ἠμφιέσαντο), think that the meaning probably is ‘they decked out’ their worship, employed things alien to the simplicity of the Mosaic ordinances, viz. the high places, pillars and Asherim of which mention is made in the next clauses. from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city] This seems a sort of proverbial expression. It is found again 2 Kings 18:8. The towers, in which watchmen were stationed to keep guard over the flocks and crops, were always in the most lonely and deserted spots, while fenced cities implied the presence of many inhabitants. So the sense appears to be ‘in the loneliest as well as in the most populous places’.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 17:9
Literally, the words run thus - “And the children of Israel concealed (or ‘dissembled’) words which were not so concerning the Lord their God;” the true meaning of which probably is, the Israelites
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:9
9. Did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord — Literally, covered things (or words, ãáøéíwhich are not right upon Jehovah.
Sermons on 2 Kings 17:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Christian Service From God's Standpoint by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christian service from God's perspective is about contributing to the fullness of Christ, rather than merely performing specific roles or functions |
|
K-027 the Fear of Man by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of true submission to God rather than relying on material offerings or religious ceremonies. He uses the story of Abraham bei |
|
Stone Him to Death! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry and the dangers posed by close relationships that may lead one away from God. He draws from Deuteronomy 13:6-10, urging believe |
|
(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy 26-29 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Moses addresses the children of Israel and reminds them of the covenant they have with God. He emphasizes that despite witnessing great miracles and signs, they hav |
|
Ephesians by J.B. Rowell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a hardworking mother who sacrificed to send her son to college. When the mother visits her son's room at college, she notices the p |
|
God Sees Everything by Roy Daniel | The sermon begins with a personal story about a dog on a farm, leading into a reflection on Ezekiel 8:12. The speaker then prays for God's word to impact the listeners' lives and r |
|
The Delapitated House by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of a house that was once a shining example of God's creative power. The house, which represents our testimony as believers, is des |