12 For they served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
12 They worshiped idols, though the Lord had said, "You shall not do this."
12 and they served idols, of which the Lord had said to them, "You shall not do this."
12 fed up with their persistent worship of gods carved out of deadwood or shaped out of clay, even though God had plainly said, "Don't do this - ever!"
12 for they served idols, of which the Lord had said to them, "You shall not do this thing."
12 Yes, they worshiped idols, despite the Lord 's specific and repeated warnings.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:12
Commentary on 2 Kings 17:7-23
(Read 2 Kings 17:7-23)
Though the destruction of the kingdom of the ten tribes was but briefly related, it is in these verses largely commented upon, and the reasons of it given. It was destruction from the Almighty: the Assyrian was but the rod of his anger, Isaiah 10:5. Those that bring sin into a country or family, bring a plague into it, and will have to answer for all the mischief that follows. And vast as the outward wickedness of the world is, the secret sins, evil thoughts, desires, and purposes of mankind are much greater. There are outward sins which are marked by infamy; but ingratitude, neglect, and enmity to God, and the idolatry and impiety which proceed therefrom, are far more malignant. Without turning from every evil way, and keeping God's statutes, there can be no true godliness; but this must spring from belief of his testimony, as to wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness, and his mercy in Christ Jesus.