Bible Strands
2 Kings 17:36
Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Lord commands the Israelites to worship only Him, following a covenant prohibition against idolatry. This directive sits between a ban on serving other gods and a charge to keep His written statutes.
The words — The conjunction אִֽם\־ ('im-) meaning "except" establishes worship of Yahweh as the sole alternative to idolatry. The verb הֶעֱלָ֨ה (he.'e.Lah) records God's past action of bringing Israel out of Egypt, anchoring the present command in historical deliverance.
The thread — The redemption language parallels Exodus 6:6 and the exclusive devotion mandate echoes Deuteronomy 6:13. The "outstretched arm" motif reflects the demonstrated power described in Exodus 9:15.
Why it lands — The text demands exclusive worship of Yahweh as the necessary response to His historical deliverance. It requires observable adherence to His written commands rather than syncretistic practice.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But the Lord, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.
Cross-references
- Exodus 6:6 Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.
- Deuteronomy 6:13 Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.
- Exodus 9:15 For by this time I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth.
- Leviticus 19:32 You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 5:15 Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.
- Deuteronomy 10:20 You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.
- Deuteronomy 12:5 Instead, you must seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to establish as a dwelling for His Name, and there you must go.
- Deuteronomy 12:11 then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name. And there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice offerings you vow to the LORD.
- Jeremiah 32:21 You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror.
- Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.