What is the meaning of 2 Kings 17:28? Thus one of the priests they had carried away • The Assyrians deported Israel’s population (2 Kings 17:6), yet God preserved a priest from the northern kingdom for His purposes. • Even in judgment, the LORD maintains a faithful witness; compare the remnant theme in 1 Kings 19:18 and Isaiah 10:20–22. • The priest’s survival underscores God’s sovereignty over nations and exiles (Jeremiah 29:4–7). came and lived in Bethel • Bethel, once a center of idolatrous calf worship (1 Kings 12:28–33), now becomes the setting for renewed instruction in true worship. • God often reclaims places marred by sin—see Jacob’s earlier encounter at Bethel that designated it “house of God” (Genesis 28:19). • The priest’s residence there echoes the Levites settling among the people to serve (Joshua 21:1–2). and he began to teach them • Teaching Scripture is central to priestly duty (Deuteronomy 33:10; Malachi 2:7). • The people lacked knowledge after years of apostasy; faithful instruction revives hearts (2 Chronicles 17:7–9). • God meets spiritual ignorance with truth, fulfilling Hosea 4:6 in reverse—knowledge prevents destruction. how they should worship the LORD • “Fear the LORD” means reverent obedience, not mere ritual (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). • Right worship is defined by God, not culture—contrast with the mixed worship described later in 2 Kings 17:32–33. • The narrative foreshadows Jesus’ insistence on worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:22–24), showing continuity in God’s demand for wholehearted devotion. summary 2 Kings 17:28 reveals God’s grace amid judgment: He sends an exiled priest back to idol-ridden Bethel to reestablish true worship. The verse demonstrates His control over history, His commitment to preserve a witness, and His call for His people to fear Him according to His Word. |
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