2 Kings 17:31

Arabic SAB (الكتاب الشريف)

وَأَهْلُ عَوَّا صَنَعُوا نِبْحَزَ وَتَرْتَقَ، وَأَهْلُ سَفَرْوِيمَ كَانُوا يَحْرِقُونَ أَوْلَادَهُمْ فِي النَّارِ قُرْبَانًا لِلْإِلَهَيْنِ أَدَرْمَلِكَ وَعَنْمَلَكَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how different groups of people who were brought to Samaria worshipped their own gods. The Avites made idols named Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites sacrificed their children to their gods, Adrammelech and Anammelech. It shows how these people practiced their religions, which included harmful practices.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're in a big playground with kids from all over. Some kids brought their favorite toys and played with them, but others had very strange games where they hurt themselves. This verse is like that, showing how different people had different ways of worshipping their gods, and some of those ways were very wrong.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of 2 Kings, written by the prophets during the Babylonian exile, around 560-540 BCE. It was written to document the history of Israel and to remind the people of the consequences of worshipping false gods. The cultural setting is one of multiple religions and practices coexisting and influencing each other.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse reminds us to be cautious about the influences in our lives and the practices we adopt. Just as the people in Samaria were influenced by false beliefs, we too can be influenced by harmful practices or beliefs that can hurt ourselves and others. It's important to critically evaluate and choose what aligns with truth and love.

Topics

• worship
• idolatry
• consequences
• cultural practices
• false gods
• historical context

Related Verses

• Exodus 20:3-5
• Deuteronomy 12:30-31
• 2 Kings 16:3
• Jeremiah 7:30-34
• Acts 17:22-23

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Nibhaz and Tartak?

Nibhaz and Tartak were idols worshipped by the Avites, a group of people brought to Samaria by the Assyrians. These idols represented the gods of their native land.

Why did the Sepharvites burn their children?

The Sepharvites practiced a form of child sacrifice, a deeply troubling and harmful religious ritual. This act was performed to please their gods, Adrammelech and Anammelech, which was a common but terrible practice in ancient times.

How does this relate to other parts of the Bible?

This verse relates to other parts of the Bible that warn against idolatry and false worship, such as the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and the warnings in the prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah.

What can we learn from this verse today?

Today, we can learn from this verse the importance of rejecting harmful practices and false beliefs. It reminds us to critically examine and question practices that cause harm, and to seek truth and love in our lives.