2 Kings 17:38

Do not forget the covenant I have made with you. Do not worship other gods,

Study Bible

Do not forget the covenant I have made with you.
This phrase emphasizes the importance of remembering the covenant established between God and the Israelites. The covenant refers to the agreements made at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Law to Moses (Exodus 19-24). This covenant was central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people and included promises of blessing for obedience and consequences for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). The call to remember is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:23 and Joshua 23:11-16, where the Israelites are reminded of their obligations to God. Forgetting the covenant often led to idolatry and apostasy, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah, culminating in the exile. This phrase also foreshadows the New Covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who established a new relationship between God and humanity through His death and resurrection.

Do not worship other gods,
This command underscores the monotheistic foundation of Israel's faith, as articulated in the Shema: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). Worshiping other gods was a direct violation of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3-4) and was a persistent issue throughout Israel's history. The allure of surrounding pagan cultures and their deities often led Israel astray, as seen in the worship of Baal and Asherah (Judges 2:11-13, 1 Kings 18:18-21). This command is a call to exclusive loyalty to Yahweh, who alone is worthy of worship. The prohibition against idolatry is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are warned against the worship of anything other than God (1 Corinthians 10:14, 1 John 5:21). This phrase also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the true image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) and the one through whom believers have access to the Father (John 14:6).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was experiencing spiritual decline and idolatry, leading to its eventual exile by the Assyrians.

2. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God who had established a relationship with Israel, emphasizing exclusive worship and obedience.

3. Assyrian Exile
The event where the Northern Kingdom was conquered and its people were taken into exile due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience.

4. Prophets
Messengers sent by God to warn Israel of the consequences of their idolatry and to call them back to covenant faithfulness.

5. Covenant
The solemn agreement between God and Israel, which included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Teaching Points

Covenant Faithfulness
God calls His people to remember and uphold the covenant. This requires a commitment to exclusive worship and obedience to His commands.

The Dangers of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decline and separation from God. Believers must guard against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-worship.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's covenant results in severe consequences, as seen in the exile of Israel. This serves as a warning to remain faithful.

God's Patience and Warnings
God is patient and sends warnings through His prophets. Believers should heed God's warnings and repent when they stray from His ways.

The Importance of Remembrance
Remembering God's past faithfulness and His covenant helps believers stay grounded in their faith and avoid the pitfalls of forgetfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of covenant in 2 Kings 17:38 relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways can modern believers identify and avoid idolatry in their own lives?

3. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you do not "forget the covenant" God has made with you?

4. How do the warnings given to Israel through the prophets apply to the church today?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's covenant and faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:3-4
The first and second commandments, which prohibit the worship of other gods and the making of idols, directly relate to the warning in 2 Kings 17:38.

Deuteronomy 6:12
A reminder to Israel not to forget the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, similar to the call in 2 Kings 17:38 to remember the covenant.

Jeremiah 11:10
Describes Israel's breaking of the covenant, echoing the themes of disobedience and idolatry found in 2 Kings 17.

Hosea 4:1-2
Highlights Israel's unfaithfulness and lack of knowledge of God, which are central issues in 2 Kings 17.

Psalm 106:34-39
A recounting of Israel's idolatry and the consequences, providing a historical context for the events of 2 Kings 17.