33 They feared the Lord and served their own gods according to the custom of the nations from among whom they had been carried away into exile . 34 To this day they do according to the earlier customs : they do not fear the Lord , nor do they follow their statutes or their ordinances or the law , or the commandments which the Lord commanded the sons of Jacob , whom He named e Israel ; 35 with whom the Lord made a covenant and commanded them, saying , " You shall not fear other gods , nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them. 36 "But the Lord , who brought you up from the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm , Him you shall fear , and to Him you shall bow yourselves down , and to Him you shall sacrifice . 37 "The statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall observe to do forever e ; and you shall not fear other gods . 38 "The covenant that I have made with you, you shall not forget , nor shall you fear other gods . 39 "But the Lord your God you shall fear ; and He will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies ." 40 However, they did not listen , but they did according to their earlier custom . 41 So while these nations feared the Lord , they also served their idols ; their children likewise and their grandchildren , as their fathers did , so they do to this day .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:33-41
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.