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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Kings 17:37 And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_kings/17-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/12_2Ki_17_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Kings 17:37 - Israel's Cities Resettled by Foreigners" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_kings/17-37.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_kings/17-37.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_kings/">2 Kings</a> > <a href="/2_kings/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 37</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_kings/17-36.htm" title="2 Kings 17:36">◄</a> 2 Kings 17:37 <a href="/2_kings/17-38.htm" title="2 Kings 17:38">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_kings/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_kings/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You must always be careful to keep the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_kings/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Be careful at all times to obey the decrees, regulations, instructions, and commands that he wrote for you. You must not worship other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_kings/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the statutes and the rules and the law and the commandment that he wrote for you, you shall always be careful to do. You shall not fear other gods,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_kings/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_kings/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the statutes, the ordinances, the law, and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall be careful to observe forever; you shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_kings/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the statutes, the ordinances, the Law, and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall take care to do always; and you shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_kings/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220The statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall observe to do forever; and you shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_kings/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And the statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment, which He wrote for you, you shall observe to do forever; and you shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_kings/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the statutes and the judgments and the law and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall be careful to do forever; and you shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_kings/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment which He wrote for you [by the hand of Moses], you shall observe and do forever. You shall not fear (worship, serve) other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_kings/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to be careful always to observe the statutes, the ordinances, the law, and the commandments he wrote for you; do not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_kings/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You are to be careful always to observe the statutes, the ordinances, the law, and the commandments He wrote for you; do not fear other gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_kings/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and the statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_kings/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Never worship any other god, always obey my laws and teachings, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_kings/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and the statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_kings/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Faithfully obey the laws, rules, teachings, and commands that he wrote for you: 'Never worship other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_kings/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You shall always obey the laws and commands that I wrote for you. You shall not obey other gods, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_kings/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Furthermore, you are to be careful to observe forever the statutes, ordinances, law, and the commandment that he wrote for you. And you are not to fear other gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_kings/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_kings/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must carefully obey at all times the rules, regulations, law, and commandments he wrote down for you. You must not worship other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_kings/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do forevermore. You shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_kings/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_kings/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do forever more. You shall not fear other gods. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_kings/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the statutes, and the judgments, and the Law, and the command, that He wrote for you, you observe to do all the days, and you do not fear other gods;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_kings/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the statutes, and the judgments, and the law, and the command, that He wrote for you, ye observe to do all the days, and ye do not fear other gods;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_kings/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the laws and the judgments, and the instruction and command which he wrote for you, ye shall watch to do all the days; and ye shall not fear other gods.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_kings/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the ceremonies, and judgments, and law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do them always: and you shall not fear strange gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_kings/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Also, the ceremonies, and judgments, and law, and commandment, which he wrote for you, you shall keep so that you do them for all days. And you shall not fear strange gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_kings/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You must be careful always to observe the statutes and ordinances, the law and commandment, which he wrote for you; you must not venerate other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_kings/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment that he wrote for you, you shall always be careful to observe. You shall not worship other gods;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_kings/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the covenants and the ordinances and the laws and the commandments which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do for evermore; and you shall not revere other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_kings/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the covenants and the judgments and the laws and the commandments that he wrote to you, keep and do all the days. You shall not be in awe of other gods.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_kings/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and the statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, which He wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_kings/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall observe continually the ordinances, and the judgments, and the law, and the commandments which he wrote for you to do; and ye shall not fear other gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_kings/17-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FiLs3w_mMFQ?start=6112" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_kings/17.htm">Israel's Cities Resettled by Foreigners</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">36</span>Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him. <span class="reftext">37</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">you must always</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: tiš·mə·rūn (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">be careful</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yā·mîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to observe</a> <a href="/hebrew/2706.htm" title="2706: ha·ḥuq·qîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Something prescribed or owed, a statute. From chaqaq; an enactment; hence, an appointment.">the statutes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: ham·miš·pā·ṭîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Judgment. ">ordinances,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: wə·hat·tō·w·rāh (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">laws,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: wə·ham·miṣ·wāh (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">and commandments</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3789.htm" title="3789: kā·ṯaḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">He wrote</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">for you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: ṯî·rə·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">worship</a> <a href="/hebrew/312.htm" title="312: ’ă·ḥê·rîm (Adj-mp) -- Another. From 'achar; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.">other</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">gods.</a> </span><span class="reftext">38</span>Do not forget the covenant I have made with you. Do not worship other gods,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-17.htm">Deuteronomy 6:17</a></span><br />You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">Deuteronomy 4:1-2</a></span><br />Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. / You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-32.htm">Deuteronomy 5:32-33</a></span><br />So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you are not to turn aside to the right or to the left. / You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-1.htm">Deuteronomy 11:1</a></span><br />You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Deuteronomy 12:32</a></span><br />See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7-8</a></span><br />Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-4.htm">Psalm 119:4</a></span><br />You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-33.htm">Psalm 119:33-34</a></span><br />Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end. / Give me understanding that I may obey Your law, and follow it with all my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-60.htm">Psalm 119:60</a></span><br />I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-19</a></span><br />Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-21.htm">John 14:21</a></span><br />Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, you shall observe to do for ever more; and you shall not fear other gods.</p><p class="hdg">the statutes</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-37.htm">Leviticus 19:37</a></b></br> Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-4.htm">Deuteronomy 4:4,45</a></b></br> But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God <i>are</i> alive every one of you this day… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-31.htm">Deuteronomy 5:31-33</a></b></br> But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do <i>them</i> in the land which I give them to possess it… </p><p class="hdg">wrote for you</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/31-9.htm">Deuteronomy 31:9,11</a></b></br> And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/9-13.htm">Nehemiah 9:13,14</a></b></br> Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: … </p><p class="hdg">and ye shall not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/17-35.htm">2 Kings 17:35</a></b></br> 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:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/8-19.htm">Always</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-31.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-34.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-19.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-11.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-33.htm">Evermore</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-36.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-19.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-51.htm">Forevermore</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-35.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-33.htm">Judgments</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-34.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-35.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-34.htm">Ordinances</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-19.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-34.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-36.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-25.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-6.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/16-11.htm">Always</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-13.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-36.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-36.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-6.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-13.htm">Decrees</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-11.htm">Evermore</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-38.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-7.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Forevermore</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-38.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-12.htm">Judgments</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-8.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-6.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-13.htm">Ordinances</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-19.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-3.htm">Statutes</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-38.htm">Worship</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/28-19.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-6.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">2 Kings 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-1.htm">Hoshea the Last King of Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-3.htm">Being subdued by Shalmaneser, he conspires against him with So, king of Egypt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-5.htm">Samaria for sinning is led into captivity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_kings/17-24.htm">The strange nations transplanted into Samaria make a mixture of religions.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments refer to the comprehensive body of divine instructions found in the Torah, particularly the first five books of the Old Testament. These were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and are foundational to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The call to "always be careful" underscores the necessity of diligence and intentionality in following God's commands, reflecting the covenantal faithfulness expected of God's people. This obedience is not merely ritualistic but is meant to be a heartfelt commitment to God's will, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a>, which commands love for God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. The historical context here is crucial, as the Israelites were surrounded by nations with differing religious practices, and adherence to God's law was a means of maintaining their distinct identity as His chosen people.<p><b>Do not worship other gods.</b><br>This command is a reiteration of the first of the Ten Commandments found in <a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>, which prohibits the worship of any gods other than Yahweh. The historical context of <a href="/2_kings/17.htm">2 Kings 17</a> involves the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had fallen into idolatry and syncretism, adopting the religious practices of surrounding nations. This led to their eventual downfall and exile by the Assyrians. The prohibition against worshiping other gods is a call to exclusive devotion to Yahweh, who is the one true God. This exclusivity is a central theme throughout the Old Testament and is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus affirms the greatest commandment as loving God with all one's heart (<a href="/mark/12-30.htm">Mark 12:30</a>). Theologically, this command highlights the monotheistic foundation of the Israelite faith and serves as a warning against the spiritual adultery of idolatry, which is often depicted as a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The Northern Kingdom, which is the primary audience of this warning. They were often led astray by idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant-making and covenant-keeping God who commands Israel to remain faithful to Him alone.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The solemn agreement between God and Israel, which includes the Ten Commandments and other laws given through Moses.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/o/other_gods.htm">Other gods</a></b><br>Refers to the idols and deities of surrounding nations that Israel was tempted to worship, contrary to God's command.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a></b><br>God's messengers who repeatedly warned Israel about the consequences of idolatry and breaking the covenant.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god's_covenant.htm">Faithfulness to God's Covenant</a></b><br>God calls His people to remember and uphold the covenant. This requires a commitment to His commandments and a rejection of idolatry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_forgetfulness.htm">The Danger of Forgetfulness</a></b><br>Forgetting God's covenant leads to spiritual decline. Regular engagement with Scripture and prayer helps keep God's commands at the forefront of our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/exclusive_worship_of_god.htm">Exclusive Worship of God</a></b><br>Worship is due to God alone. Modern "idols" can include anything that takes priority over our relationship with God, such as materialism, career, or personal ambitions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_remembrance_in_spiritual_life.htm">The Role of Remembrance in Spiritual Life</a></b><br>Regularly recalling God's faithfulness and past deliverances strengthens our faith and commitment to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The history of Israel serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God. Obedience brings blessing, while disobedience leads to judgment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_kings_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_kings_17_34-39__why_did_god_reject_israel.htm">2 Kings 17:34-39 - If God's covenant with Israel was everlasting, how does the text reconcile this with the assertion that He 'rejected all the descendants of Israel?'</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_hezekiah's_unique_devotion.htm">2 Kings 18:5-6 - How can we verify Hezekiah's unprecedented devotion when other kings are also praised elsewhere?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_ezekiel_37_24's_'david'_consistent.htm">If Ezekiel 37:24 refers to David as king, how is this consistent with a historical timeline where David's dynasty effectively ended during the exile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_zedekiah_seek_jeremiah's_prophecy.htm">Why would King Zedekiah, who ignored God, privately seek Jeremiah's prophecy in Jeremiah 37:17, and does this align with his other actions?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_kings/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 37.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the Law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, which, by his Providence, were given you in a written form (comp. <a href="/exodus/24-4.htm">Exodus 24:4</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/31-9.htm">Deuteronomy 31:9</a>; <a href="/joshua/8-34.htm">Joshua 8:34</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">ye shall observe to do forevermore</span> (comp. <a href="/leviticus/18-4.htm">Leviticus 18:4, 5</a>; <a href="/leviticus/19-37.htm">Leviticus 19:37</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Deuteronomy 4:6</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/5-1.htm">Deuteronomy 5:1</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/6-24.htm">Deuteronomy 6:24, 25</a>, etc.); <span class="cmt_word">and ye shall not fear other gods</span> (see the comment on ver. 35). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_kings/17-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you must always</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be careful</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁמְר֥וּן</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·mə·rūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to observe</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the statutes,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֻקִּ֨ים</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥuq·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2706.htm">Strong's 2706: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prescribed or owed, a statute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ordinances,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֜ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·pā·ṭîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">laws,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַתּוֹרָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hat·tō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and commandments</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַמִּצְוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ham·miṣ·wāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He wrote</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּתַ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(kā·ṯaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grave, to write</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for you.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָכֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">worship</span><br /><span class="heb">תִֽירְא֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯî·rə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">other</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחֵרִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥê·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hinder, next, other</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gods.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_kings/17-37.htm">2 Kings 17:37 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_kings/17-37.htm">OT History: 2 Kings 17:37 And the statutes and the ordinances (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_kings/17-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Kings 17:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Kings 17:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_kings/17-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Kings 17:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Kings 17:38" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>