In what ways does 2 Kings 17:34 connect to the First Commandment?

Verse at a Glance

“​To this day they continue practicing their former customs. They do not fear the LORD or follow the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD commanded the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.” (2 Kings 17:34)

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Historical Setting

• After the fall of the northern kingdom, Assyria resettled foreign peoples in Samaria (2 Kings 17:24).

• These newcomers blended worship of the LORD with devotion to their native idols (17:29–33).

• Verse 34 summarizes the tragic result: ongoing disobedience and divided worship.

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Core Issue: Divided Allegiance

• “They do not fear the LORD” — fear here means reverent loyalty.

• “Practice their former customs” — they kept allegiance to other gods.

• Failure to “follow the statutes…laws…commandments” shows rejection of God’s exclusive covenant.

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Direct Links to the First Commandment

1. Exclusive Worship

– First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7)

– 2 Kings 17:34 exposes the very opposite—people placing other gods beside (or before) the LORD.

2. Fear of the LORD

– Deuteronomy 6:13: “Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only.”

– The verse notes they “do not fear the LORD,” violating the First Commandment’s call to sole reverence.

3. Covenant Faithfulness

– Exodus 20:2 grounds the command in God’s saving act: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt.”

– 2 Kings 17:34 reminds Israel of Jacob’s name change to Israel—God’s covenant identity—which they ignore.

4. Consequences of Idolatry

– Deuteronomy 6:14–15 warns that following other gods provokes God’s anger.

– The exile and mixed population in 2 Kings 17 are tangible proof of those consequences.

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Lessons for Today

• God still calls for undivided loyalty; mixing trust in Him with modern “idols” (wealth, status, pleasure) breaks the First Commandment.

• Reverent fear expresses itself in obedience; neglecting God’s Word mirrors the disobedience of Samaria.

• The covenant-keeping God deserves exclusive love (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:29–30). Keeping the First Commandment remains foundational for genuine faith and daily practice.