24 The king of Assyria brought men from Babylon and from Cuthah and from Avva and from Hamath and Sephar-vaim , and settled them in the cities of Samaria in place of the sons of Israel . So they possessed Samaria and lived in its cities . 25 At the beginning of their living there , they did not fear the Lord ; therefore the Lord sent lions among them which killed some of them. 26 So they spoke to the king of Assyria , saying , "The nations whom you have carried away into exile in the cities of Samaria do not know the custom of the god of the land ; so he has sent lions among them, and behold , they kill them because they do not know the custom of the god of the land ." 27 Then the king of Assyria commanded , saying , "Take there one of the priests whom you carried away into exile and let him go and live there ; and let him teach them the custom of the god of the land ." 28 So one of the priests whom they had carried away into exile from Samaria came and lived at Bethel , and taught them how they should fear the Lord . 29 But every nation still made gods of its own and put them in the houses of the high places which the people of Samaria had made , every nation in their cities in which they lived .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:24-29
Commentary on 2 Kings 17:24-41
(Read 2 Kings 17:24-41)
The terror of the Almighty will sometimes produce a forced or feigned submission in unconverted men; like those brought from different countries to inhabit Israel. But such will form unworthy thoughts of God, will expect to please him by outward forms, and will vainly try to reconcile his service with the love of the world and the indulgence of their lusts. May that fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, possess our hearts, and influence our conduct, that we may be ready for every change. Wordly settlements are uncertain; we know not whither we may be driven before we die, and we must soon leave the world; but the righteous hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken from him.