Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 35

The verse "With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:" signifies the importance of loyalty and faithfulness to the one true God in the eyes of the Israelites. This verse emphasizes the exclusivity of their relationship with the LORD and the prohibition against worshiping other gods. It reminds believers of their commitment to worship and serve only the LORD and not to be swayed by the temptations of idolatry. By making a covenant with the Israelites, the LORD bound them to a sacred agreement based on mutual trust and obedience. The covenant serves as a reminder of the special relationship between God and His chosen people, requiring unwavering devotion and fidelity. The instruction to not fear, bow, serve, or sacrifice to other gods serves as a reminder of the commandments set by God to guide the Israelites in their worship and spiritual practices.

In this verse, the emphasis is placed on the exclusive relationship between the Israelites and the LORD. The covenant mentioned here is a sacred agreement between God and His chosen people, outlining their responsibilities and obligations to Him. The verb "charged" indicates the seriousness of God's instructions to His people. The prohibition against fearing, bowing down, serving, and sacrificing to other gods emphasizes the importance of pure worship and undivided loyalty to the one true God. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the concept of monotheism, the belief in one God, which is central to the faith of Israel. Word studies on terms such as "fear," "bow," "serve," and "sacrifice" can provide deeper insights into the specific actions that the Israelites were to avoid in their worship practices. Overall, this verse underscores the foundational principles of faith in God and the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with Him.