How does 2 Kings 17:26 connect with Proverbs 9:10 on fearing God? Setting the Historical Scene • After Israel’s fall, the Assyrian king repopulated Samaria with people from many nations (2 Kings 17:24). • These newcomers brought their own gods. They had no relationship with “the God of the land,” the LORD. • Their ignorance triggered judgment: “Therefore He has sent lions among them, and behold, they are killing them because the people do not know the requirements of the God of the land.” (2 Kings 17:26) When Ignorance Replaces Fear • The phrase “do not know the requirements of the God of the land” shows a total absence of reverence—no fear, no wisdom, no obedience. • In biblical language, “know” is relational. It’s more than information; it’s personal submission (Jeremiah 22:16). • Without that relationship, the settlers found themselves exposed to danger. God’s response via lions was a concrete reminder that He alone rules the land—and history. Proverbs 9:10 in Living Color “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) • Proverbs gives the principle; 2 Kings shows the living illustration. • Fear (reverent awe) is the first step toward wisdom. The settlers skipped that step, so they walked in folly. • Knowledge of the Holy One brings understanding. Lacking it, they misread their circumstances and suffered. Parallel Threads Between the Passages 1. Recognition of God’s Sovereignty – 2 Kings 17:26: “the God of the land.” – Proverbs 9:10: “the LORD” (YHWH, covenant name). – Both stress that true wisdom starts with acknowledging His ultimate rule. 2. Consequences of Neglect – Lions (2 Kings 17:25–26) symbolize immediate, physical judgment. – Proverbs warns of calamity that befalls the fool (Proverbs 1:24–33). 3. Remedy Offered – Assyria sends for an Israelite priest to teach “the custom of the God of the land” (2 Kings 17:27–28). – Proverbs offers the open invitation of Wisdom to “leave your folly and you will live” (Proverbs 9:6). Illustrations from the Rest of Scripture • Psalm 34:9–11—Those who fear Him lack no good thing; come, learn the fear of the LORD. • Deuteronomy 10:12–13—Fear, walk, love, serve, keep His commands “for your own good.” • Acts 10:34–35—In every nation, “the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” Take-Home Reflections • God never relinquishes ownership of any land or people group. Disregarding Him isn’t neutral; it invites loss and confusion. • Reverent fear is not terror that drives us away but awe that draws us to seek His ways—“the beginning of wisdom.” • Instruction in God’s Word is mercy. The priest in Samaria and the call of Wisdom in Proverbs both aim to bring aliens—and us—into right relationship. Putting It Into Practice • Cultivate daily habits that reinforce reverence: intentional Scripture reading (Psalm 119:38), thankful worship (Psalm 86:11–12), and prompt obedience (John 14:23). • Evaluate decisions through the lens of “Does this align with the fear of the LORD?” That filter guards against the folly seen in Samaria. • Share the knowledge of the Holy One with those who, like the settlers, “do not know.” God still desires every nation to come into wisdom that begins with fearing Him. |
    |