2 Kings 17:29: “Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places.”
Extended Explanation
This verse highlights the ongoing problem of idolatry in Samaria after the Assyrians resettled various groups of people in the land. Although a priest had been sent back to teach the new settlers how to worship the God of Israel, they continued to create and worship their own gods. Each group of settlers made its own idols and placed them in the shrines that had been established on the “high places,” locations where idolatrous practices had already been happening before Israel’s exile. This verse shows that the new inhabitants of the land did not abandon their old religious practices but rather combined them with a distorted understanding of Israel’s God.
Historical Context
After the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Assyrian rulers relocated people from other parts of their empire to settle in Samaria, the former Israelite territory. These new settlers brought their religious traditions with them, and even though a priest from Israel was sent to teach them about the Lord, they did not fully adopt the worship of the true God. Instead, they continued to worship their own gods alongside attempting to appease the God of Israel. This syncretism—mixing different religions—became a characteristic of the religious life in Samaria. This mixture of faiths laid the foundation for the eventual development of the Samaritan religion, which differed from mainstream Jewish practices.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse illustrates the danger of mixing true worship of God with false religious practices. The settlers in Samaria attempted to blend their pagan traditions with the worship of the God of Israel, but this led to a corrupted form of worship that did not honor God. The Bible consistently teaches that God requires exclusive worship—He is not one of many gods, but the only true God. This verse serves as a warning against compromising true faith by allowing other beliefs or idols to enter into one’s relationship with God. It also highlights the importance of understanding and following God’s commands fully, rather than mixing them with worldly or false practices.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “each national group made its own gods” underscores the individuality of the settlers’ idolatry. Rather than coming together in unified worship of the God of Israel, they clung to their distinct religious customs. The term “high places” refers to locations that had historically been used for idolatrous worship in Israel, and here, it symbolizes the persistence of false worship. The contrast between the teaching of the priest and the ongoing idolatry of the people emphasizes the depth of the people’s spiritual blindness and their refusal to abandon their old ways.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 20:3 – The first commandment explicitly states, “You shall have no other gods before me,” highlighting the expectation of exclusive worship of the Lord.
- Deuteronomy 12:4 – God commands Israel not to worship Him in the same way the surrounding nations worship their gods, showing the importance of pure worship.
- 2 Kings 17:33 – This later verse in the chapter further emphasizes the syncretism in Samaria, stating that the people “worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of undivided devotion to God. In our world, there are many competing influences that can pull our attention away from true worship, whether they be materialism, personal ambitions, or cultural values. The settlers in Samaria attempted to mix their old religious practices with the worship of God, which led to a diluted and corrupted faith. Christians today must be careful to keep their focus on God and not allow other “idols” to take His place in their hearts. It is a call to purity in worship and obedience to God’s Word, rejecting anything that competes with or distorts the truth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Even though this verse speaks of idolatry and spiritual compromise, it also reflects God’s patience. Despite the people’s continued worship of false gods, God sent a priest to teach them the right way to worship Him. This act shows God’s desire for all people to know Him, even those who are far from Him or deeply entrenched in false worship. God’s love is seen in His willingness to reach out, even when people persist in disobedience. His love is not diminished by their rejection; instead, it remains a constant invitation to come back to the truth and worship Him rightly.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ by pointing to the need for a perfect mediator who can restore people to true worship of God. The priest sent to Samaria was unable to bring about genuine spiritual transformation, and the people continued in their idolatry. Jesus, on the other hand, is the perfect High Priest who brings complete reconciliation between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16). Where the efforts of the priest in Samaria failed, Jesus succeeds in drawing people into true worship. Through Jesus, we are freed from the power of sin and idolatry, and we are brought into a relationship with God where we can worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there “idols” in your life—things that compete with your devotion to God or that you have allowed to take His place in your heart?
- How does this verse challenge you to examine the influences in your life that might be leading you toward a diluted or compromised faith?
- In what ways does Jesus’ role as the perfect High Priest provide you with the opportunity to worship God in a pure and undivided way? How can you focus more on Him in your daily walk with God?