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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 16

17:16
And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.

Meaning

This verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Bible portrays a lamentable situation where the people of Israel turned their backs on God's commandments and succumbed to idolatry. They abandoned the teachings and guidance of the LORD their God, and instead, they created molten images in the form of two calves, established a grove, worshipped the host of heaven, and served the false god Baal. This act of disobedience and idol worship led the Israelites astray from the true path of righteousness, prosperity, and protection that God had promised them. By choosing to engage in idol worship and forsaking God's commandments, the Israelites not only dishonored God but also opened themselves up to spiritual and moral destruction. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God and the consequences of placing faith in false idols. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the worship of Him alone.

Theological Overview

This verse from 2 Kings 17:16 portrays the tragic downfall of the Israelites as they turned away from God and embraced idolatry. The mention of "molten images" and "two calves" signifies the extent to which they abandoned the commandments of the Lord and succumbed to worshipping false gods. The creation of a "grove" and worshipping "the host of heaven" further emphasizes their departure from the true faith. Additionally, serving Baal, a pagan deity, highlights their betrayal of the covenant with God. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the dangers of idolatry. Through theological interpretation, we can glean the importance of staying faithful to God's commandments and rejecting any form of idol worship. This verse serves as a cautionary tale for believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to the Lord and resist the temptations of false gods.

American Standard Version

And they forsook all the commandments of Jehovah their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made an Asherah, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
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