Once there was a kingdom with a very great king. Every year the people of the kingdom had a special celebration filled with a wonderful time of giving to the king. On this special day everyone from the kingdom would come to the castle and present the king with amazing presents hoping he would choose their’s as the best gift for that year. Whoever the king chose as the best giver would have the privilege of sitting with him for the remainder of the celebration. Some people enjoyed being close to the king because they believed the king made them look great. Others, although a minority, loved being by the king just to be with him. They loved talking with him and seeing how he handled the kingdom. They simply loved the king.
This was a very special year for one little boy. His parents had finally agreed to allow him to participate in the giving celebration. Gregory was only seven, but it felt like he’d been waiting for an eternity. He couldn’t contain his excitement. He desperately desired to win the event for one simple reason. He just wanted to get to know his king. Gregory really wanted to win! He was so excited he could barely sleep that first night. He got up early to take a walk around his neighborhood. “I’ve got to come up with a great gift,” he thought to himself. But he had one little problem. Even after saving his allowances for two straight years, he only had $30 to buy something. As he strolled around the familiar neighborhood circuit, he began to notice many of his neighbors had already begun working on their presents. He saw a large giraffe in one backyard while another neighbor had purchased a beautiful fruit tree filled with ripe pomegranates. Another family had been working on building the king a marvelous flying machine. One man was hand crafting a beautiful marble sculpture in his front yard. Walking through the neighborhood, Gregory began to grow more and more discouraged.
When he arrived back home, he was almost ready to give up. “What can I get the king for such a little amount of money,” he mumbled under his breath. Waving his hands up in surrender, he retreated to his room. He was so sad, he even missed supper that night. The next morning he stayed in his room, not wanting to see any more gifts he would soon be competing against. Almost a week went by with nothing but discouragement and frustration to guide his way. Then Gregory finally became so disquieted in his heart he simply started crying out to the king. He knew the king was great, but he really didn’t know if even the king would hear his faraway pleas. Then it happened. He decided he would give it one last shot. After all, the party was only a day away. He began pacing in his room as he tried to arrive at a winning idea. “I have to be with the king,” he said with determination in his heart.”I just have to!” All morning he walked back and forth and back and forth almost like a soldier during marching practice. All of a sudden, as if sent by the king himself, an idea flew into his mind. At first he wasn’t sure, but then a big smile slowly appeared across his face. He knew, he just knew this would be the winning idea!
Gregory sprinted over to the spare bedroom where all the boxes and wrapping paper were stored. His parents were happy to see he was finally back on track. He spent all afternoon looking for just the right box and just the right paper. That night he slept soundly, knowing with confidence that he would soon be sitting by his king. As the sun peered through his curtains, enlightening his room, he hopped out of bed as if a rabbit. His parents and he gathered their gifts and began the long trek to the castle. By the time they arrived, the line was all the way out the castle doors and down the main street. Gregory waited patiently, remaining confident even 
after seeing the many spectacular presents awaiting the king. He saw peacocks and plow horses, rubies and diamonds, glistening golden vases and large lions in cages. He overheard people talking about the kinds of gifts that had won in years gone by. One year, a tremendous tiger as white as the snow had won. Another year the winner had brought a beautiful fruit tree as tall as a four story house. This tree could actually produce three different kinds of fruit. Gregory remembered the year the tree had won. That was when he was four.
Finally, the sun was setting and Gregory had made it into castle’s throne room. It was a large room lined with marble from floor to ceiling. It echoed with voices as the people huddled around to see the remaining gifts. Oohs and aahs filled the room. Gregory had been so focused on seeing the king, he hadn’t realized until that very moment that he was actually the last person in line. This made him a little nervous knowing if the king wasn’t pleased, there would be no one behind him to make him happy again.
There were only three people ahead of him and he could hear everyone in the huge room talking about the day’s events. Some were even arguing over their own gifts, believing, of course, that they were the best. His heart began to pound and knees started to shake. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” he thought to himself. Then only one person stood between him and the king. Gregory could now see the king’s face. The king glanced over to the little boy and gave him a smile, as if to assure him it would be okay. It was almost like the king had been waiting all day just for him. That was the assurance he needed. Finally, after waiting for almost seven hours, it was time.
The crowd grew silent, noticing the only one left was a little boy that most didn’t even know. The people began to whisper to one another. A few even chuckled. “Who does this boy think he is?” a few grumbled. “He’s wasting our time,” they complained. They couldn’t quite make out what he had in his hand, but they all figured this would be the worst gift ever. Gregory slowly approached the king. This was the first time he had ever seen him this close before. The prince walked down to meet him, escorting him to his father. Gregory slowly handed the king his little gift wrapped in paper his family had saved from his birthday party the year before. A million thoughts flew through his head. Then the room fell silent and Gregory felt like it was just him and the king. The king began to open his present, carefully peeling the paper. The people could not wait to see what was inside.
The king then opened the little cardboard box lid. His fingers reached inside, pulling out a small piece of paper. The people fixed their gaze on the king as he carefully unfolded it. His eyes seemed to twinkle as he finished reading. Gregory watched and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Then the king rose to his feet and lifted his arm. “Thank you all!” he began. “I have received many wonderful gifts today, but as you all know, only one can be the winner.” The people all leaned forward with anticipation. “This year, the winner is…” Many in the audience were sure they would be this year’s winner. The king then reached down and picked up the 7 year old boy still standing at his feet. “This year the winner is Gregory.” The people could not believe it. The crowd was buzzing with amazement!
How could this little boy with his little box and little piece of paper be the winner? It was impossible. The king continued… “This boy has not only given me the best gift this year, but the best gift ever!” You could hear people gasp and complain throughout the room. “He will not only be able to be with me for today, but because of his gracious gift, Gregory will be able to visit me any time he wants for his whole life.” The people could not believe it! Everyone was excited to discover what was on that little piece of paper, but the king chose not to tell them, at least not yet.
The rest of the evening all the people of the kingdom enjoyed great food and a festival filled with games, music, and much more. But Gregory simply enjoyed being with his king. He couldn’t believe it. He just loved looking and listening to the king. They talked all night long. As people walked by the king’s table they kept asking him what the boy had given him. The king would simply smile, reassuring them to be patient. The next morning the king sent out invitations to all the people in his kingdom, requesting their presence at noon on the first day of the following week. The invitation explained that the king would finally reveal to all Gregory’s gracious gift. The people could not wait! The following Sunday people from all around the kingdom made their way to the castle. Right at noon the king stood and explained what made Gregory’s gift so special.
“You see,” began the king. “For many years now people have brought me many wonderful gifts, but no one has ever given me a gift quite like this one.” One person in the crowd just couldn’t wait any longer. “Please king,” he cried. “Tell us what was on the paper.” The king smiled. “The paper had seven simple words on it.” The people all listened carefully as the king continued. “The paper said, ‘THANK YOU MY DEAR KING, THANK YOU!'”
The people looked quite confused. “You see,” explained the king. “Although many wonderful gifts have been given to me over the years, I’ve never really needed any of them. After all, I already own everything in the kingdom. What I’ve really wanted all along is you, not your things. I want your hearts. I want you to willingly be my people. That’s what my kingdom is all about. Only after you truly become my people, will you finally get to know me as your personal king. This boy’s gift is exactly what I’ve been looking for these many years. Gregory’s gift has revealed his deep, heartfelt thanks. It has revealed his willingness to give me nothing less than his heart.”
People talked about Gregory’s gracious gift for many years to come, reminding one another that it wasn’t the objects, but their hearts that they should willingly and humbly give the king each and every day; hearts overflowing with thanksgiving to their gracious and glorious king. This is what the king was truly searching for all along.
“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways” Proverbs 23:26.
“O Lord, open my lips; and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You desire not sacrifice; else would I give it: You delight not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” Psalm 51:15-17.
Unityinthetruth's Blog 
God’s Word — A Profitable and Practical Reminder from 2 Kings 17
One of the very practical purposes it serves is to remind mankind that there really is nothing new under the sun. God’s Word is a historical reminder of His love and justice, mankind’s arrogance and pride, and Satan’s repeated attempts to kill, steal, and destroy. This historical and prophetic record we call the Bible is a very practical guide, revealing past and future accounts all for our benefit. The Holy Spirit reminds us in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” God went to great lengths to not only preserve His Word, but also to make sure certain historical events were meticulously recorded. And since it is God who inspired the men who wrote His Word, not only are the events revealed accurately, but also those unseen areas, the intentions of men’s hearts. May we take careful heed to what has been recorded and preserved for every generation!
The Old Testament is filled with Israel’s choices, both godly and ungodly. Sadly, many were the latter. Their decisions, though, serve two very important purposes for us today. First, they remind us that godly choices always lead to a beautiful walk with the Lord. Second, they remind us that ungodly choices are deceptive and common to every generation, even in our’s today.
After reading through 2 Kings 17 the last few days, I couldn’t help but think of the constant barrage of today’s false doctrines, namely the purpose driven and emergent teachings not only infiltrating churches, but being warmly embraced and taught, all in the name of the Lord. It seems just as Israel had sought out so many false doctrines from the world around them, fearing men instead of God, so the same is being repeated today. Perhaps a bit repackaged, Satan’s strategies are actually all too familiar, promising something new, but in the end always leading men further and further into darkness.
I’ve chosen to include a few comments below in brackets. Just a disclaimer and loving reminder- the comments are not inspired. May we truly take heed to God’s Word, letting it thoroughly transform and renew us, bringing eternal patience and comfort, all for our hope and His glory!
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2 Kings 17:7-17
7 For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,
[God brought His people out of Egypt, never desiring to lead them back. Egypt serves as a continual and clear example of man’s empty and dangerous philosophies and methodologies, teachings derived many times through sorcery and other occult practices. Exodus 7:11; 2 Timothy 3:8.]
8 And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.
[Not only did they fear other gods, the gods the Lord cast out, they also walked in the statutes or philosophies of the heathen. Today it’s even easier for professing saints and true believers to pick up the latest psychology and church growth books without even “walking” anywhere. Now we can simply google the information in our own homes.]
9 And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
[Even though their false deeds were done in secret, they weren’t hidden from God. The Lord knew what was going on. Also, it’s more than a bit ironic that the people built high places starting with the tower of the watchmen.]
10 And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:
11 And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the Lord carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger:
[This generation wasn’t the first to provoke the Lord to anger. May we consider carefully our actions against our loving God, never provoking Him to anger! Let us not forget that one of God’s names is Jealous. Exodus 34:4.]
12 For they served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
[God spoke plainly. No means no, no matter what a relativistic society says. God was not merely addressing a belief system or He would have said, “Ye shall not believe these things.” God is clear. Whatever one believes will be practiced. It’s not enough to just say we don’t believe something. We must also stop doing those things as well. May we seek the Lord in giving us the power to overcome those areas that hold us close to this world.]
13 Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.
[Be encouraged, in every generation, there are always a few willing to speak God’s Word. May we choose to be among the minority desiring to earnestly stand upon the Rock, boldly and faithfully proclaiming His truth, not willing to embrace this world’s evils.]
14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God.
[It was their desire, not God’s, to harden their necks. A stiff neck is very painful, preventing a man from ever looking up.]
15 And they rejected His statutes, and His covenant that He made with their fathers, and His testimonies which He testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, that they should not do like them.
[This one verse speaks of God 6 times, 5 in pronoun form, all pointing to God’s strong desire to be faithful, just, and true with Israel. Yet despite the Lord’s pursuing love, they chose to follow after vanity, which ultimately led to becoming altogether vain. We’ve all heard it said you are what you eat. A true saying from 2 Kings 17:15 would be, “You become what (or who) you follow.” As men followed after vanity they became vain. Just like Adam and Eve’s desire for knowledge apart from God, Israel diligently sought the God-hating, idol worshiping nations around them for earthly wisdom and methods to conduct both their lives and the nation as a whole. This verse speaks loudly of the dangerous potential of every unchecked heart, even of those born again. The vain doctrines of Satan have been passed along to foolish unbelievers seeking ungodly knowledge, power, glory,and honor. Sadly, many of these doctrines have been embraced and even taught in today’s professing church. Today’s relativistic, sight-walking emergent church movement is a prime example. Despite the many clear warnings from Scripture not to run after the world’s teachings, the emergent movement has willingly become a mixture of New Age philosophies and Catholicism wrapped in church growth methodologies. Just as Israel ran after other methods and doctrines, so the warning from God for our generation stands- “We should not do like them.”]
16 And they left all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshiped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
[They didn’t leave some of God’s commandments, but all. To run after the world, one must turn his back altogether on God and His Word.]
17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.
[Many of the false doctrines of witchcraft have been deceptively introduced into the professing church through the idea of methodology. Yoga isn’t a form of occultism. Rather it is now simply a method for centering one’s mind to know God better. Vain, repetitious prayers are nothing more than methods for helping one be still and know God. On and on go the lies. Yoga isn’t just a neutral method. It is a Hinduistic practice centered around worshiping many of their false gods, serving as a means to attain freedom from the wheel of reincarnation. And although vain, repetition prayers are strictly forbidden by Jesus in the Bible (Matthew 6:7), many of those in emergent churches, and even other churches, have begun practicing and teaching people this awful doctrine rooted in Eastern mysticism.]
2 Kings 17:20-29
20 And the Lord rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until He had cast them out of His sight.
[Praise God for His correction. God does not behave like many of today’s parents. He didn’t just turn a blind eye on Israel’s actions, rather He lovingly and justly corrected them. Even though Israel was disobedient, God promised Abraham that He would preserve Israel. Just like them, all who have been truly born again can rest assured, confident in the faithfulness of God. He promises eternal life to all who believe in Him. We have the Holy Spirit in us as a deposit, sealing us to the day of redemption. (2 Corinthians 1:22. Although we stumble, we can have confidence that He who began a good work in us will complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6. God’s Word of course will by no means serve as a cloak for those false prophets who are deceiving and being deceived. Nothing is hid from God. May we carefully examine ourselves to be sure we are truly in the faith, to be sure we truly understand the grace of God. 2 Corinthians 13:5.]
21 For He rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drove Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a great sin.
[Here is a perfect example of a people driven from following the Lord. The flock of God ought never be “driven”, rather a good shepherd leads the sheep. As examples of Christ, we should first be good followers of Him, then choosing to intentionally lead others to Jesus. It’s been said that cattle are driven, but sheep are led. To do this correctly, we need God’s love, both for the lost and for His bride. Driving people implies forcing them to do something against their wills. Jeroboam drove people from following the Lord and made them sin a great sin. May it never be said of us today!]
22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;
[Although we sometimes may step into the sins of this world, we can choose to depart at any time. May we choose to depart quickly, remembering the longer we stay ensnared, the more difficult departure becomes.]
23 Until the Lord removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.
[God told them what would happen before it happened so that men might know that He is God. John 13:19.]
24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.
[When God’s Word is abandoned the world will always fill the vacuum in abundance. So it is in many of today’s professing churches.]
25 And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the Lord: therefore the Lord sent lions among them, which slew some of them.
26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore He hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
[God’s expectation is that all people would seek after Him. His judgment here would be foolish if the people from these nations could not choose to turn to the True and Living God.]
27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.
[What an opportunity to teach God’s Word! God truly desires that all men would understand and know Him!]
28 Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the Lord.
[The faithfulness of the few. May we seek to teach men the fear of the Lord wherever the Lord sends us.]
29 Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.
2 Kings 17:32-40
32 So they feared the Lord, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.
[What a curious statement. They feared the Lord, yet sacrificed to false gods. This reminds me of Jesus’ statement, “They honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8.) How is it that men can fear God, but not truly follow Him? There is only one way. They have no true knowledge of the Holy One. They lack true understanding of God and their own sinfulness. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10. Perhaps these people feared God like a bug fears the light. It runs away from the light, fleeing into the darkness in hopes of preserving its own life. These men outwardly feared the Lord God, recognizing His authority, yet chose to flee from God instead of to Him. This is so true today. Too many people in churches profess to know God, yet run to the world’s teachings in psychology and occult methodologies in hopes of staying far from the true Light of the World. One of the sad things here is young believers, ignorant of some of the dangers, have the potential of getting driven down these roads, and, as we all know, the longer someone goes down the wrong road the longer it takes to get back. Secondly, it’s interesting that the people chose to make the lowest of them priests. In 1 Timothy 3:6 God warns us that a leader in church should, “not [be] a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” Choosing immature, weak men to be priests would guarantee less discernment and conviction, as well as easy manipulation.]
33 They feared the Lord, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.
34 Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the Lord, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the Lord commanded the children of Jacob, whom He named Israel;
[Israel was and continues to be God’s property. By giving them a new name, God signifies His rightful authority over Israel. They are truly God’s chosen nation. Just as Jacob was given a new name, so it is with everyone who’s turned from his sinful self to receive God’s full and free forgiveness found in Christ alone. A new name not only signifies ownership by the one who names us, but also the reality of a new life. Jesus says in John 12:46, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote, “You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6.]
35 With whom the Lord had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
36 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.
[Lest we forget, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. God led them out of sorcery, witchcraft, idol worship, and the wisdom of men. We are called to fear God because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true, eternal wisdom, and this wisdom is foolishness to the world. The world has nothing to offer Israel, and the world has nothing good to offer the true church of God!]
37 And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which He wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods.
[We shouldn’t revere or fear the ways of the world. Too often the successes of the world become a snare. We wonder why the world is doing so good. We become enticed as did Lot’s wife. May we never look back.]
38 And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.
[One of the Holy Spirit’s jobs is to help us never forget the truth found in Jesus Christ and revealed in His Word. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26.]
39 But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
[God is not only the Lord their God, but the Lord your God. He is personal and intimate. We can each have a deep, everlasting relationship with Him. Not only does the fear of God bring wisdom, it also brings true deliverance from our greatest enemies – sin, self, and Satan.]
40 Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner.
41 So these nations feared the Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
[If the Lord tarries, the choices of today’s church, both godly and ungodly, will have eternal repercussions for many generations. Let us never forget that our faithfulness unto the Lord to walk after His ways will not only bless us. Like a tree bearing much fruit, heartfelt obedience to the Lord will bring eternal nourishment to many others for years to come, bringing all the glory to the One who brings the increase. “So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:17.]
Many of today’s churches are seeking something new, fresh, and ever changing. By doing so, they are choosing to abandon the old paths of God’s sound and secure Word. They are choosing to fill themselves with empty, dangerous, and foolish doctrines instead of allowing the power of God transform and renew God’s people. May Israel’s history be a very real reminder of just how dangerous it is to play with the world and it’s doctrines taught by the god of this world. Instead of dabbling with this world, why not be sold out for the truth of God? After all, what could be more profitable, and what could be more practical?
“Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
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