Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 36
Meaning
The verse "But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice," emphasizes the importance of recognizing and worshiping the Lord who performed miraculous deeds to deliver the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The reference to the Lord bringing the people out of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm serves as a reminder of the divine intervention and miraculous deliverance that the Israelites experienced firsthand. Therefore, the verse highlights the significance of fearing, worshiping, and sacrificing to the Lord who has shown his power and might in their lives. It serves as a call to gratitude, reverence, and obedience towards the one true God who continues to demonstrate His faithfulness and love towards His people.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the command is given to fear, worship, and sacrifice to the LORD who brought the Israelites out of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring God as the ultimate authority and deliverer. The act of fearing the Lord refers to a respectful awe and reverence for His power and sovereignty. Worshiping the Lord signifies acknowledging His worthiness and giving Him praise. Sacrificing to the Lord involves offering up something valuable as an act of devotion and obedience. Word studies reveal that the term "fear" can also be translated as "reverence" or "stand in awe of." Additionally, the word for "worship" can be understood as "serve" or "bow down to." These nuances provide a deeper understanding of the multifaceted relationship between God and His people, highlighting the need for both reverence and obedience in our worship of Him.