2 Kings 17:28: “So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came to live in Bethel and taught them how to worship the Lord.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the Assyrian king’s order from the previous verse is carried out. One of the priests who had been taken into exile is sent back to Samaria, specifically to Bethel, to teach the new settlers how to worship the Lord. These new inhabitants, who had been relocated by the Assyrians after Israel’s defeat, did not know the practices of worshiping the God of Israel. This priest’s task was to introduce them to the basic knowledge of worshiping God, yet this knowledge would have been incomplete and mixed with the people’s pagan practices. The sending of a priest was an effort to appease what the people believed was the “god of the land” to stop the lion attacks mentioned in earlier verses.
Historical Context
This event occurred after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. When the Israelites were exiled, the Assyrians repopulated the area with people from other conquered nations. These new settlers brought with them their own religious customs, and they had no knowledge of the worship of the Lord, the God of Israel. When lions began attacking them, they assumed it was because they were offending the local deity, so they appealed to the Assyrian king for help. The king’s solution was to bring back a priest from the exiled Israelites to teach them how to worship the God of Israel, which they saw as a way to appease the deity they believed ruled the land.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse reveals the importance of proper knowledge of God and the dangers of incomplete or superficial worship. The priest was tasked with teaching the new inhabitants how to worship the Lord, but their understanding of God remained distorted. The people likely incorporated their own religious practices with the teachings they received, leading to a form of syncretism—a blending of different beliefs. This shows that true worship requires not only rituals but a correct understanding of who God is. Additionally, it highlights that God’s desire is for His people to know Him, not just perform outward acts of worship.
Literary Analysis
The verse is simple and straightforward, narrating the fulfillment of the Assyrian king’s order. The location, Bethel, is significant because it had been a center of false worship during Jeroboam’s reign when golden calves were set up. Now, a priest returns to teach about the worship of the true God, but the irony is that the worship practices in Samaria would still be tainted by idolatry and pagan influence. The focus on “teaching them how to worship the Lord” suggests that there was an attempt to bring some form of proper worship back, but the context implies that this would fall short of true devotion to God.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 12:28-29 – This passage describes how King Jeroboam set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, introducing idol worship into Israel, which influenced the future of worship in the region.
- 2 Kings 17:33 – This verse highlights the syncretism that resulted from this effort: the people “worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods.”
- Deuteronomy 12:4-5 – God’s command to Israel to seek the place where He chooses for worship and not to mix with the practices of the surrounding nations.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that true worship is more than rituals and outward practices—it requires a proper understanding of who God is and what He requires. It challenges believers to examine their own worship and faith practices to ensure that they are not mixing worldly beliefs or traditions with their devotion to God. The verse also emphasizes the need for solid teaching and discipleship, as the new settlers in Samaria were ignorant of God’s ways and needed guidance. Christians should seek to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and live out their faith with integrity, avoiding superficial or mixed worship.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s ongoing desire for people to know and worship Him, even after judgment. Despite the exile of Israel and the introduction of foreign people into the land, God’s presence and His expectations for worship remained. The sending of a priest to teach the people shows God’s willingness to make Himself known, even to those who had no prior relationship with Him. His love is seen in His desire for all people to come to a true understanding of Him, not just the Israelites. Even though the worship that developed in Samaria was imperfect, God’s intention was for them to turn toward Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to the need for a perfect mediator between God and humanity, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ. The priest sent back to Bethel could only offer incomplete knowledge and guidance, and the worship that resulted was tainted by other influences. Jesus, as the true High Priest, perfectly reveals the Father and offers a way to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provides the perfect way to know and worship God, free from the distortions of human tradition or misunderstanding. He is the one who brings us into a true relationship with the Father.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your worship or understanding of God where you may be mixing biblical truth with worldly ideas or practices?
- How does this passage challenge you to seek a deeper understanding of God and His ways, rather than relying on superficial knowledge or rituals?
- How can you ensure that your worship of God is genuine and rooted in truth, as revealed through Jesus Christ? How does Jesus’ role as the perfect mediator shape your relationship with God?