When someone at our workplace is fired or disciplined, we don’t always find out what happened. Human resources regulations prevent full disclosure, often for good reason. Yet these same regulations can prevent us from learning from that situation. Understanding what went wrong could help us do better.

Second Kings 17 explains why Israel was exiled from the Promised Land. God made it very clear: “This took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God” (v. 7). This was not a case of random violence. It was not a case of a capricious spirit. This was a case of discipline. The verses that follow detail the precise behavior that brought this judgment upon Israel. If the list reads like something from the pages of Deuteronomy, it’s because Israel violated the commandments clearly given to them in that book. So, God brought upon them the punishments that also were clearly revealed to them.

But notice that God’s merciful grace is also highlighted. He had warned them ahead of time: “You shall not do this” (v. 12). Yet later, after they fell into sin, in His patience, He sent prophets to warn them, “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands” (v. 13). But they didn’t listen. They wouldn’t listen.

This chapter revealed God’s character. It demonstrated that He keeps His word even if it means He must do difficult things. It shows that He cares for the soul of the nation, not just their comfort. It is an example to Judah, the southern kingdom. They should not behave like Israel did. One doesn’t have to look long in the New Testament to find passages that stand out as signs to us. We are instructed to flee, avoid, and put off sinful behavior. God does judge His own.

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