2 Kings 17:32: “They worshiped the Lord, but they also appointed all sorts of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes a troubling form of religious syncretism that took place in Samaria after the Assyrian conquest. The settlers who had been brought into the region attempted to worship the God of Israel, but they did so in a way that mixed true worship with their own pagan customs. They not only worshiped the Lord but also appointed their own priests, who were not from the Levitical line as God had commanded, to serve at the high places—locations historically associated with idolatry in Israel’s history. This blending of worship practices resulted in a distorted and compromised form of devotion to God, as the new settlers attempted to follow their own traditions while also paying lip service to the worship of the true God.
Historical Context
After the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., the Assyrians repopulated the region with people from various conquered lands. These new settlers brought their own religious practices and gods, but they were also taught about the God of Israel by a priest who had been sent back to instruct them. Despite this, the new inhabitants did not fully commit to worshiping the Lord according to His commands. Instead, they mixed their previous pagan practices with elements of Israelite worship, setting up priests at the high places, which had been used for idol worship in Israel’s past. This verse reflects the continued spiritual corruption in the land even after the fall of the Northern Kingdom.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse warns about the dangers of blending true worship with false practices. God had clearly commanded that worship of Him should be done according to His instructions, and He had appointed the Levitical priesthood to serve in His temple. The appointment of non-Levitical priests and the use of high places for worship were direct violations of God’s commands. This verse illustrates how easily worship can become corrupted when people try to mix their own ideas and practices with God’s revealed truth. It serves as a reminder that God desires pure and faithful worship, free from compromise or the influence of false beliefs.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse highlights the tension between true worship and false practices. The phrase “they worshiped the Lord” suggests a desire to acknowledge the true God, but this is immediately undercut by the phrase “but they also,” which reveals the problem of syncretism. The mention of “their own people” and “high places” emphasizes that the worship was not being conducted according to God’s standards. The verse reflects the ongoing spiritual conflict in Samaria, where true devotion to God was mixed with disobedience and idolatry, resulting in a form of worship that was ultimately unacceptable to the Lord.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 21:6 – God commands that priests must be holy and set apart for His service, emphasizing the importance of the Levitical priesthood.
- Deuteronomy 12:4-5 – God instructs the Israelites to worship Him in the place He chooses, not at the high places or according to pagan customs.
- 2 Kings 17:33 – This verse continues the narrative, describing how the people “feared the Lord but also served their own gods,” further emphasizing the syncretism in their worship.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a warning about the dangers of mixing worldly or cultural practices with the worship of God. While it may be tempting to adapt faith to fit personal preferences or societal trends, this often leads to a compromised form of worship that does not honor God. Just as the people in Samaria tried to serve both the Lord and their own gods, modern believers must guard against allowing competing values or distractions to infiltrate their devotion to God. True worship requires obedience to God’s Word and a wholehearted commitment to following His ways, not a blending of truth with error.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s desire for His people to worship Him in spirit and truth, without the corrupting influence of false practices. Even though the people in Samaria were not fully following His commands, God had provided them with a priest to teach them about true worship, demonstrating His patience and willingness to guide them. God’s love is seen in His desire for a pure relationship with His people, free from the distractions and deceptions of false worship. His commands regarding worship are not burdensome but are meant to lead His people into a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights the need for a perfect mediator between God and humanity, a role that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Where the priests in Samaria were illegitimate and the worship was compromised, Jesus is the perfect High Priest who offers true worship to God on behalf of humanity. He leads us into genuine worship, free from the distortions of false practices or compromised faith. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make it possible for believers to approach God with pure hearts, worshiping Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Through Jesus, we can be freed from the errors of false worship and brought into a right relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any ways in which your worship of God has been influenced by worldly values or personal preferences? How can you return to a pure and undivided focus on God?
- How does this verse challenge you to examine the practices and traditions in your life to ensure that they align with God’s Word and not with cultural or personal desires?
- In what ways does Jesus, as our perfect High Priest, provide a model for true worship? How can you deepen your relationship with God through worship that is focused on Him alone?