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何細亞作以色列王

17 猶大王亞哈斯在位第十二年,以拉的兒子何細亞在撒瑪利亞登基,統治以色列九年。 他行耶和華看為惡的事,只是不像他以前的以色列諸王。 亞述王撒縵以色上來攻擊他,他就臣服於他,並且向他進貢。 後來,亞述王發覺何細亞陰謀反叛:他曾派使者去見埃及王梭,並且不再向亞述王獻上貢物,像過去每年一樣。亞述王就拿住他,把他囚在牢裡。

亞述王攻陷撒瑪利亞的原因

亞述王上來攻擊以色列全國各地,並且到撒瑪利亞來,圍城三年。 何細亞在位第九年,亞述王佔領了撒瑪利亞,把以色列人擄到亞述去,安置他們在哈臘,在哈博河和歌散河一帶,以及在瑪代人的各城。

這是因為以色列人得罪了那曾帶領他們從埃及王法老的手下離開埃及的耶和華他們的 神,去敬畏別的神。 他們隨從耶和華從以色列人面前驅逐的外族人的風俗,以及以色列諸王奉行的風俗。 以色列人暗中做了不對的事,違背耶和華他們的 神,並且在他們所有的城市,從哨站到設防城,為他們自己建築邱壇。 10 又在各高山頂上和每一棵青翠的樹下豎立神柱和亞舍拉。 11 他們在各邱壇上獻祭和焚香,好像耶和華從他們的面前擄去的外族人一樣,又行惡事,使耶和華發怒。 12 他們又服事雕刻的偶像,耶和華曾警告他們不可以行這事。 13 耶和華曾藉著他的眾先知和先見警告以色列人和猶大人說:“從你們的惡道上轉回吧!謹守我的吩咐和我的律例,就是我曾吩咐你們的祖先,和藉著我的僕人眾先知傳遞給你們的一切律法。” 14 可是他們不聽從,反而硬著自己的頸項,好像他們的祖先,不信服耶和華他們的 神; 15 厭棄他的律例和他與他們的祖先訂立的約,以及他對他們的警戒;卻信從虛無的神,自己成為虛妄,跟從他們周圍的外族人,耶和華曾吩咐他們不可跟從他們的行為。 16 他們丟棄耶和華他們 神的一切吩咐,為自己做了兩個牛犢的鑄像,又做亞舍拉,並且敬拜天上的萬象和服事巴力; 17 他們又把兒女用火燒為祭,並且占卜,行法術,出賣自己去行耶和華看為惡的事,使他發怒。 18 於是耶和華向以色列人大大發怒,把他們從自己面前趕走,只剩下猶大一個支派。

19 連猶大人也不持守耶和華他們的 神的吩咐,隨從以色列人所行的習俗。 20 耶和華就厭棄以色列人的後裔,使他們受苦,把他們交在搶掠他們的人的手中,直到把他們從自己的面前完全丟棄。 21 因為他自從使以色列從大衛家分裂出來後,他們就立了尼八的兒子耶羅波安作王,耶羅波安卻引誘以色列人不去跟從耶和華,又使他們犯了大罪。 22 以色列人就隨從耶羅波安所犯的一切罪惡,總不轉離; 23 以致最後耶和華把以色列人從自己的面前趕走,就像他藉著自己的僕人眾先知所說的。於是以色列人被擄離開自己的國土,往亞述去,直到今日。

亞述安置外族於撒瑪利亞

24 亞述王從巴比倫、古他、亞瓦、哈馬和西法瓦音帶人來,安置在撒瑪利亞的城市,代替以色列人。他們就得了撒瑪利亞作產業,住在它的城市中。 25 他們開始在那裡居住的時候,並不敬畏耶和華,所以耶和華派獅子到他們中間,咬死他們好些人。 26 有人告訴亞述王說:“你所擄去,安置在撒瑪利亞各城市的眾民族不知道當地的神的規矩,所以他派獅子到他們中間。看哪,獅子咬死他們,因為他們不知道當地的神的規矩。”

27 於是亞述王下令:“我從那裡擄來的祭司中,要叫一個回到那裡去。他要去住在那裡,教導他們當地的神的規矩。” 28 於是從撒瑪利亞被擄來的祭司中,有一個回去,住在伯特利,教導他們怎樣敬畏耶和華。 29 但各族的人仍然製造自己的神像,安放在撒瑪利亞人所造各邱壇的廟中;各族人在他們所居住的城市都這樣作。 30 巴比倫人做了疏割.比訥像,古他人做了匿甲像,哈馬人做了亞示瑪像, 31 亞瓦人做了匿哈和他珥他像,西法瓦音人用火焚燒自己的兒女,獻給西法瓦音的神亞得米勒和亞拿米勒。 32 他們也懼怕耶和華,所以從他們中間選立邱壇的祭司,替他們在邱壇的廟裡獻祭。 33 他們既懼怕耶和華,又服事他們的神;從哪個民族擄來的,就按照哪個民族的習俗服事他們的神。

34 直到今日,他們仍是按照他們初時的習俗去行;他們不敬畏耶和華,行事不按他們的規例和典章,也不按耶和華曾吩咐雅各的子孫的律法和誡命。耶和華曾給雅各起名為以色列。 35 耶和華曾經和他們立約,又吩咐他們說:“你們不可崇敬別的神,不可跪拜他們,不可服事他們,也不可向他們獻祭。 36 但那曾用大能和伸出的膀臂把你們從埃及地領出來的耶和華,你們應當敬畏他,跪拜他和向他獻祭。 37 他寫給你們的律例、典章、律法和誡命,你們要永遠謹守遵行,不要崇敬別的神。 38 我和你們所立的約你們不可忘記,不要崇敬別的神。 39 但要敬畏耶和華你們的 神,他必救你們脫離所有仇敵的手。” 40 可是他們沒有聽從,仍然照著他們起初的習俗去行。 41 這樣,這些民族一方面敬畏耶和華;另一方面又繼續服事他們的偶像。他們的子子孫孫繼續照著他們的祖先所行的去行,直到今日。

何细亚做以色列王

17 犹大王亚哈斯执政第十二年,以拉的儿子何细亚在撒玛利亚登基做以色列王,执政九年。 他做耶和华视为恶的事,不过没有他之前的以色列诸王那么败坏。 亚述王撒缦以色攻打以色列,何细亚纳贡称臣。 然而,何细亚差遣使者向埃及王梭求援,不再像往年那样向亚述王进贡。亚述王发现后,把他抓起来囚在狱中。 亚述王攻打以色列全境,并围困撒玛利亚三年。 何细亚执政第九年,撒玛利亚沦陷。亚述王把以色列人掳到亚述,安置在哈腊、歌散的哈博河一带以及玛代人的各城。

以色列人的罪恶史

以色列人之所以有如此下场,是因为他们的上帝耶和华领他们出埃及,从埃及王法老手中救出他们,他们却犯罪得罪祂。他们祭拜别的神明, 效法耶和华在他们面前赶走的外族人的风俗和以色列诸王奉行的习俗。 以色列人暗中做不义之事,冒犯他们的上帝耶和华。从瞭望塔到坚城,他们在各地建丘坛, 10 在各高岗上、绿树下立神柱和亚舍拉神像, 11 在各丘坛烧香,如同耶和华在他们面前赶走的外族人一样。他们邪恶的行为激怒了耶和华。 12 尽管耶和华警告他们不可祭拜偶像,他们仍然执迷不悟。

13 耶和华借着祂的众先知和先见警告以色列人和犹大人说:“你们要离开恶道,遵守我的诫命和律例,即我吩咐你们祖先遵守并借着我的仆人——众先知传给你们的律法。” 14 但他们充耳不闻,像他们祖先一样顽固不化,不信靠他们的上帝耶和华, 15 拒绝遵守祂的律例和祂与他们祖先所立的约,无视祂的警告。他们随从虚无的偶像,自己也变得虚无。他们违背耶和华的命令,去效法周围的外族人。 16 他们把他们的上帝耶和华的诫命抛诸脑后,铸造了两个金牛犊,还造了亚舍拉神像。他们祭拜巴力和天上的万象, 17 把自己的儿女烧死献作祭物。他们占卜,行邪术,出卖自己去做耶和华视为恶的事,惹祂发怒。

18 因此,耶和华非常愤怒,从祂面前赶走以色列人,只留下犹大一个支派。 19 但犹大人也不遵守他们的上帝耶和华的诫命,反而效法以色列人的恶行。 20 于是,耶和华弃绝了以色列全族,使他们饱尝痛苦,任人宰割,直至把他们从自己眼前赶走。 21 祂使以色列从大卫家分裂出来,以色列人便拥立尼八的儿子耶罗波安为王。耶罗波安诱使以色列人远离耶和华,使他们犯了大罪。 22 以色列人沉溺于耶罗波安所犯的一切罪中,始终不肯回头, 23 直到耶和华把他们从自己眼前赶走,正如祂借自己的仆人——众先知对他们的警告。这样,以色列人被掳到亚述,至今仍住在那里。

外族人移居撒玛利亚

24 亚述王把巴比伦、古他、亚瓦、哈马、西法瓦音等地的一些居民迁移到撒玛利亚各城,代替以色列人。 25 刚迁居到那里的时候,他们不敬拜耶和华,所以耶和华差遣狮子闯入他们当中,咬死了一些人。 26 有人禀告亚述王说:“你迁移到撒玛利亚各城的那些人不知道当地神明的规矩,所以神明就差遣狮子闯入他们当中,咬死了一些人。” 27 亚述王便下令:“派一位被掳来的祭司回去,让他住在那里,把当地神明的规矩教导给他们。” 28 于是,有一位从撒玛利亚被掳走的祭司回去住在伯特利,教导他们怎样敬拜耶和华。

29 可是,这些从各地迁来的民族都在所住的各城为自己制造神像,供奉在撒玛利亚人在高岗上建造的神庙中。 30 巴比伦人造疏割·比讷神像,古他人造匿甲神像,哈马人造亚示玛神像, 31 亚瓦人造匿哈和他珥他神像,西法瓦音人焚烧儿女向他们的神明亚得米勒和亚拿米勒献祭。 32 他们也敬拜耶和华,却委任各种人做祭司,在高岗上的神庙为他们献祭。 33 他们就这样既敬拜耶和华,又各按各的风俗供奉自己的神明。

34 直到现在,他们仍然执迷不悟,不敬畏耶和华,也不遵行耶和华赐给雅各子孙的律例、典章、法度和诫命。耶和华曾给雅各取名叫以色列, 35 与他的子孙立约,吩咐他们:“不可祭拜其他神明,不可跪拜和供奉他们,也不可向他们献祭。 36 耶和华伸出大能的臂膀把你们领出埃及,你们要敬拜祂,要向祂跪拜、献祭。 37 你们要永远谨遵祂所定的律例、典章、法度和诫命,不可祭拜其他神明。 38 不可忘记我与你们立的约,不可祭拜其他神明。 39 我是你们的上帝耶和华,你们要敬拜我,我必从一切仇敌手中救你们。” 40 但是他们没有听从,依然仿效先前的风俗。 41 那些移民到撒玛利亚各城的外族人既敬拜耶和华,又供奉自己的偶像。直到今日,他们的子孙仍是这样。

Hoshea Last King of Israel(A)

17 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea(B) son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years. He did evil(C) in the eyes of the Lord, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.

Shalmaneser(D) king of Assyria came up to attack Hoshea, who had been Shalmaneser’s vassal and had paid him tribute.(E) But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea was a traitor, for he had sent envoys to So[a] king of Egypt,(F) and he no longer paid tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore Shalmaneser seized him and put him in prison.(G) The king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched against Samaria and laid siege(H) to it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria(I) captured Samaria(J) and deported(K) the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan(L) on the Habor River and in the towns of the Medes.

Israel Exiled Because of Sin

All this took place because the Israelites had sinned(M) against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt(N) from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations(O) the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city(P) they built themselves high places in all their towns. 10 They set up sacred stones(Q) and Asherah poles(R) on every high hill and under every spreading tree.(S) 11 At every high place they burned incense, as the nations whom the Lord had driven out before them had done. They did wicked things that aroused the Lord’s anger. 12 They worshiped idols,(T) though the Lord had said, “You shall not do this.”[b] 13 The Lord warned(U) Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers:(V) “Turn from your evil ways.(W) Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.”(X)

14 But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked(Y) as their ancestors, who did not trust in the Lord their God. 15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant(Z) he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols(AA) and themselves became worthless.(AB) They imitated the nations(AC) around them although the Lord had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.”

16 They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves,(AD) and an Asherah(AE) pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts,(AF) and they worshiped Baal.(AG) 17 They sacrificed(AH) their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens(AI) and sold(AJ) themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.

18 So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence.(AK) Only the tribe of Judah was left, 19 and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced.(AL) 20 Therefore the Lord rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers,(AM) until he thrust them from his presence.(AN)

21 When he tore(AO) Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat their king.(AP) Jeroboam enticed Israel away from following the Lord and caused them to commit a great sin.(AQ) 22 The Israelites persisted in all the sins of Jeroboam and did not turn away from them 23 until the Lord removed them from his presence,(AR) as he had warned(AS) through all his servants the prophets. So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland(AT) into exile in Assyria, and they are still there.

Samaria Resettled

24 The king of Assyria(AU) brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim(AV) and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. 25 When they first lived there, they did not worship the Lord; so he sent lions(AW) among them and they killed some of the people. 26 It was reported to the king of Assyria: “The people you deported and resettled in the towns of Samaria do not know what the god of that country requires. He has sent lions among them, which are killing them off, because the people do not know what he requires.”

27 Then the king of Assyria gave this order: “Have one of the priests you took captive from Samaria go back to live there and teach the people what the god of the land requires.” 28 So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came to live in Bethel and taught them how to worship the Lord.

29 Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns(AX) where they settled, and set them up in the shrines(AY) the people of Samaria had made at the high places.(AZ) 30 The people from Babylon made Sukkoth Benoth, those from Kuthah made Nergal, and those from Hamath made Ashima; 31 the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek(BA) and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim.(BB) 32 They worshiped the Lord, but they also appointed all sorts(BC) of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. 33 They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.

34 To this day they persist in their former practices. They neither worship the Lord nor adhere to the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands that the Lord gave the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel.(BD) 35 When the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: “Do not worship(BE) any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them.(BF) 36 But the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm,(BG) is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices. 37 You must always be careful(BH) to keep the decrees(BI) and regulations, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget(BJ) the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the Lord,(BK) they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Kings 17:4 So is probably an abbreviation for Osorkon.
  2. 2 Kings 17:12 Exodus 20:4,5

17 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.

Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.

And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.

Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.

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,

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.

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.

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:

12 For they served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.

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.

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.

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.

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 worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.

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.

18 Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

19 Also Judah kept not the commandments of the Lord their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.

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.

21 For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a great sin.

22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

30 And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

31 And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.

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.

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;

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.

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.

38 And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.

39 But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.

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.

何細亞作以色列王

17 猶大王亞哈斯在位第十二年,以拉的兒子何細亞在撒瑪利亞登基,統治以色列九年。 他行耶和華看為惡的事,只是不像他以前的以色列諸王。 亞述王撒縵以色上來攻擊他,他就臣服於他,並且向他進貢。 後來,亞述王發覺何細亞陰謀反叛:他曾派使者去見埃及王梭,並且不再向亞述王獻上貢物,像過去每年一樣。亞述王就拿住他,把他囚在牢裡。

亞述王攻陷撒瑪利亞的原因

亞述王上來攻擊以色列全國各地,並且到撒瑪利亞來,圍城三年。 何細亞在位第九年,亞述王佔領了撒瑪利亞,把以色列人擄到亞述去,安置他們在哈臘,在哈博河和歌散河一帶,以及在瑪代人的各城。

這是因為以色列人得罪了那曾帶領他們從埃及王法老的手下離開埃及的耶和華他們的 神,去敬畏別的神。 他們隨從耶和華從以色列人面前驅逐的外族人的風俗,以及以色列諸王奉行的風俗。 以色列人暗中做了不對的事,違背耶和華他們的 神,並且在他們所有的城市,從哨站到設防城,為他們自己建築邱壇。 10 又在各高山頂上和每一棵青翠的樹下豎立神柱和亞舍拉。 11 他們在各邱壇上獻祭和焚香,好像耶和華從他們的面前擄去的外族人一樣,又行惡事,使耶和華發怒。 12 他們又服事雕刻的偶像,耶和華曾警告他們不可以行這事。 13 耶和華曾藉著他的眾先知和先見警告以色列人和猶大人說:“從你們的惡道上轉回吧!謹守我的吩咐和我的律例,就是我曾吩咐你們的祖先,和藉著我的僕人眾先知傳遞給你們的一切律法。” 14 可是他們不聽從,反而硬著自己的頸項,好像他們的祖先,不信服耶和華他們的 神; 15 厭棄他的律例和他與他們的祖先訂立的約,以及他對他們的警戒;卻信從虛無的神,自己成為虛妄,跟從他們周圍的外族人,耶和華曾吩咐他們不可跟從他們的行為。 16 他們丟棄耶和華他們 神的一切吩咐,為自己做了兩個牛犢的鑄像,又做亞舍拉,並且敬拜天上的萬象和服事巴力; 17 他們又把兒女用火燒為祭,並且占卜,行法術,出賣自己去行耶和華看為惡的事,使他發怒。 18 於是耶和華向以色列人大大發怒,把他們從自己面前趕走,只剩下猶大一個支派。

19 連猶大人也不持守耶和華他們的 神的吩咐,隨從以色列人所行的習俗。 20 耶和華就厭棄以色列人的後裔,使他們受苦,把他們交在搶掠他們的人的手中,直到把他們從自己的面前完全丟棄。 21 因為他自從使以色列從大衛家分裂出來後,他們就立了尼八的兒子耶羅波安作王,耶羅波安卻引誘以色列人不去跟從耶和華,又使他們犯了大罪。 22 以色列人就隨從耶羅波安所犯的一切罪惡,總不轉離; 23 以致最後耶和華把以色列人從自己的面前趕走,就像他藉著自己的僕人眾先知所說的。於是以色列人被擄離開自己的國土,往亞述去,直到今日。

亞述安置外族於撒瑪利亞

24 亞述王從巴比倫、古他、亞瓦、哈馬和西法瓦音帶人來,安置在撒瑪利亞的城市,代替以色列人。他們就得了撒瑪利亞作產業,住在它的城市中。 25 他們開始在那裡居住的時候,並不敬畏耶和華,所以耶和華派獅子到他們中間,咬死他們好些人。 26 有人告訴亞述王說:“你所擄去,安置在撒瑪利亞各城市的眾民族不知道當地的神的規矩,所以他派獅子到他們中間。看哪,獅子咬死他們,因為他們不知道當地的神的規矩。”

27 於是亞述王下令:“我從那裡擄來的祭司中,要叫一個回到那裡去。他要去住在那裡,教導他們當地的神的規矩。” 28 於是從撒瑪利亞被擄來的祭司中,有一個回去,住在伯特利,教導他們怎樣敬畏耶和華。 29 但各族的人仍然製造自己的神像,安放在撒瑪利亞人所造各邱壇的廟中;各族人在他們所居住的城市都這樣作。 30 巴比倫人做了疏割.比訥像,古他人做了匿甲像,哈馬人做了亞示瑪像, 31 亞瓦人做了匿哈和他珥他像,西法瓦音人用火焚燒自己的兒女,獻給西法瓦音的神亞得米勒和亞拿米勒。 32 他們也懼怕耶和華,所以從他們中間選立邱壇的祭司,替他們在邱壇的廟裡獻祭。 33 他們既懼怕耶和華,又服事他們的神;從哪個民族擄來的,就按照哪個民族的習俗服事他們的神。

34 直到今日,他們仍是按照他們初時的習俗去行;他們不敬畏耶和華,行事不按他們的規例和典章,也不按耶和華曾吩咐雅各的子孫的律法和誡命。耶和華曾給雅各起名為以色列。 35 耶和華曾經和他們立約,又吩咐他們說:“你們不可崇敬別的神,不可跪拜他們,不可服事他們,也不可向他們獻祭。 36 但那曾用大能和伸出的膀臂把你們從埃及地領出來的耶和華,你們應當敬畏他,跪拜他和向他獻祭。 37 他寫給你們的律例、典章、律法和誡命,你們要永遠謹守遵行,不要崇敬別的神。 38 我和你們所立的約你們不可忘記,不要崇敬別的神。 39 但要敬畏耶和華你們的 神,他必救你們脫離所有仇敵的手。” 40 可是他們沒有聽從,仍然照著他們起初的習俗去行。 41 這樣,這些民族一方面敬畏耶和華;另一方面又繼續服事他們的偶像。他們的子子孫孫繼續照著他們的祖先所行的去行,直到今日。

何细亚做以色列王

17 犹大王亚哈斯执政第十二年,以拉的儿子何细亚在撒玛利亚登基做以色列王,执政九年。 他做耶和华视为恶的事,不过没有他之前的以色列诸王那么败坏。 亚述王撒缦以色攻打以色列,何细亚纳贡称臣。 然而,何细亚差遣使者向埃及王梭求援,不再像往年那样向亚述王进贡。亚述王发现后,把他抓起来囚在狱中。 亚述王攻打以色列全境,并围困撒玛利亚三年。 何细亚执政第九年,撒玛利亚沦陷。亚述王把以色列人掳到亚述,安置在哈腊、歌散的哈博河一带以及玛代人的各城。

以色列人的罪恶史

以色列人之所以有如此下场,是因为他们的上帝耶和华领他们出埃及,从埃及王法老手中救出他们,他们却犯罪得罪祂。他们祭拜别的神明, 效法耶和华在他们面前赶走的外族人的风俗和以色列诸王奉行的习俗。 以色列人暗中做不义之事,冒犯他们的上帝耶和华。从瞭望塔到坚城,他们在各地建丘坛, 10 在各高岗上、绿树下立神柱和亚舍拉神像, 11 在各丘坛烧香,如同耶和华在他们面前赶走的外族人一样。他们邪恶的行为激怒了耶和华。 12 尽管耶和华警告他们不可祭拜偶像,他们仍然执迷不悟。

13 耶和华借着祂的众先知和先见警告以色列人和犹大人说:“你们要离开恶道,遵守我的诫命和律例,即我吩咐你们祖先遵守并借着我的仆人——众先知传给你们的律法。” 14 但他们充耳不闻,像他们祖先一样顽固不化,不信靠他们的上帝耶和华, 15 拒绝遵守祂的律例和祂与他们祖先所立的约,无视祂的警告。他们随从虚无的偶像,自己也变得虚无。他们违背耶和华的命令,去效法周围的外族人。 16 他们把他们的上帝耶和华的诫命抛诸脑后,铸造了两个金牛犊,还造了亚舍拉神像。他们祭拜巴力和天上的万象, 17 把自己的儿女烧死献作祭物。他们占卜,行邪术,出卖自己去做耶和华视为恶的事,惹祂发怒。

18 因此,耶和华非常愤怒,从祂面前赶走以色列人,只留下犹大一个支派。 19 但犹大人也不遵守他们的上帝耶和华的诫命,反而效法以色列人的恶行。 20 于是,耶和华弃绝了以色列全族,使他们饱尝痛苦,任人宰割,直至把他们从自己眼前赶走。 21 祂使以色列从大卫家分裂出来,以色列人便拥立尼八的儿子耶罗波安为王。耶罗波安诱使以色列人远离耶和华,使他们犯了大罪。 22 以色列人沉溺于耶罗波安所犯的一切罪中,始终不肯回头, 23 直到耶和华把他们从自己眼前赶走,正如祂借自己的仆人——众先知对他们的警告。这样,以色列人被掳到亚述,至今仍住在那里。

外族人移居撒玛利亚

24 亚述王把巴比伦、古他、亚瓦、哈马、西法瓦音等地的一些居民迁移到撒玛利亚各城,代替以色列人。 25 刚迁居到那里的时候,他们不敬拜耶和华,所以耶和华差遣狮子闯入他们当中,咬死了一些人。 26 有人禀告亚述王说:“你迁移到撒玛利亚各城的那些人不知道当地神明的规矩,所以神明就差遣狮子闯入他们当中,咬死了一些人。” 27 亚述王便下令:“派一位被掳来的祭司回去,让他住在那里,把当地神明的规矩教导给他们。” 28 于是,有一位从撒玛利亚被掳走的祭司回去住在伯特利,教导他们怎样敬拜耶和华。

29 可是,这些从各地迁来的民族都在所住的各城为自己制造神像,供奉在撒玛利亚人在高岗上建造的神庙中。 30 巴比伦人造疏割·比讷神像,古他人造匿甲神像,哈马人造亚示玛神像, 31 亚瓦人造匿哈和他珥他神像,西法瓦音人焚烧儿女向他们的神明亚得米勒和亚拿米勒献祭。 32 他们也敬拜耶和华,却委任各种人做祭司,在高岗上的神庙为他们献祭。 33 他们就这样既敬拜耶和华,又各按各的风俗供奉自己的神明。

34 直到现在,他们仍然执迷不悟,不敬畏耶和华,也不遵行耶和华赐给雅各子孙的律例、典章、法度和诫命。耶和华曾给雅各取名叫以色列, 35 与他的子孙立约,吩咐他们:“不可祭拜其他神明,不可跪拜和供奉他们,也不可向他们献祭。 36 耶和华伸出大能的臂膀把你们领出埃及,你们要敬拜祂,要向祂跪拜、献祭。 37 你们要永远谨遵祂所定的律例、典章、法度和诫命,不可祭拜其他神明。 38 不可忘记我与你们立的约,不可祭拜其他神明。 39 我是你们的上帝耶和华,你们要敬拜我,我必从一切仇敌手中救你们。” 40 但是他们没有听从,依然仿效先前的风俗。 41 那些移民到撒玛利亚各城的外族人既敬拜耶和华,又供奉自己的偶像。直到今日,他们的子孙仍是这样。

Hoshea Last King of Israel(A)

17 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea(B) son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years. He did evil(C) in the eyes of the Lord, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.

Shalmaneser(D) king of Assyria came up to attack Hoshea, who had been Shalmaneser’s vassal and had paid him tribute.(E) But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea was a traitor, for he had sent envoys to So[a] king of Egypt,(F) and he no longer paid tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore Shalmaneser seized him and put him in prison.(G) The king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched against Samaria and laid siege(H) to it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria(I) captured Samaria(J) and deported(K) the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan(L) on the Habor River and in the towns of the Medes.

Israel Exiled Because of Sin

All this took place because the Israelites had sinned(M) against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of Egypt(N) from under the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations(O) the Lord had driven out before them, as well as the practices that the kings of Israel had introduced. The Israelites secretly did things against the Lord their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city(P) they built themselves high places in all their towns. 10 They set up sacred stones(Q) and Asherah poles(R) on every high hill and under every spreading tree.(S) 11 At every high place they burned incense, as the nations whom the Lord had driven out before them had done. They did wicked things that aroused the Lord’s anger. 12 They worshiped idols,(T) though the Lord had said, “You shall not do this.”[b] 13 The Lord warned(U) Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers:(V) “Turn from your evil ways.(W) Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.”(X)

14 But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked(Y) as their ancestors, who did not trust in the Lord their God. 15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant(Z) he had made with their ancestors and the statutes he had warned them to keep. They followed worthless idols(AA) and themselves became worthless.(AB) They imitated the nations(AC) around them although the Lord had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.”

16 They forsook all the commands of the Lord their God and made for themselves two idols cast in the shape of calves,(AD) and an Asherah(AE) pole. They bowed down to all the starry hosts,(AF) and they worshiped Baal.(AG) 17 They sacrificed(AH) their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens(AI) and sold(AJ) themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.

18 So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence.(AK) Only the tribe of Judah was left, 19 and even Judah did not keep the commands of the Lord their God. They followed the practices Israel had introduced.(AL) 20 Therefore the Lord rejected all the people of Israel; he afflicted them and gave them into the hands of plunderers,(AM) until he thrust them from his presence.(AN)

21 When he tore(AO) Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat their king.(AP) Jeroboam enticed Israel away from following the Lord and caused them to commit a great sin.(AQ) 22 The Israelites persisted in all the sins of Jeroboam and did not turn away from them 23 until the Lord removed them from his presence,(AR) as he had warned(AS) through all his servants the prophets. So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland(AT) into exile in Assyria, and they are still there.

Samaria Resettled

24 The king of Assyria(AU) brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim(AV) and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns. 25 When they first lived there, they did not worship the Lord; so he sent lions(AW) among them and they killed some of the people. 26 It was reported to the king of Assyria: “The people you deported and resettled in the towns of Samaria do not know what the god of that country requires. He has sent lions among them, which are killing them off, because the people do not know what he requires.”

27 Then the king of Assyria gave this order: “Have one of the priests you took captive from Samaria go back to live there and teach the people what the god of the land requires.” 28 So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria came to live in Bethel and taught them how to worship the Lord.

29 Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns(AX) where they settled, and set them up in the shrines(AY) the people of Samaria had made at the high places.(AZ) 30 The people from Babylon made Sukkoth Benoth, those from Kuthah made Nergal, and those from Hamath made Ashima; 31 the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek(BA) and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim.(BB) 32 They worshiped the Lord, but they also appointed all sorts(BC) of their own people to officiate for them as priests in the shrines at the high places. 33 They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.

34 To this day they persist in their former practices. They neither worship the Lord nor adhere to the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands that the Lord gave the descendants of Jacob, whom he named Israel.(BD) 35 When the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: “Do not worship(BE) any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them.(BF) 36 But the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm,(BG) is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices. 37 You must always be careful(BH) to keep the decrees(BI) and regulations, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget(BJ) the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the Lord,(BK) they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their ancestors did.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Kings 17:4 So is probably an abbreviation for Osorkon.
  2. 2 Kings 17:12 Exodus 20:4,5

17 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.

Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.

And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.

Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.

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,

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.

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.

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:

12 For they served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.

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.

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.

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.

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 worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.

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.

18 Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

19 Also Judah kept not the commandments of the Lord their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.

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.

21 For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a great sin.

22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

30 And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,

31 And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.

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.

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;

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.

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.

38 And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.

39 But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.

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.