For they served idols,.... Baalim, as the Targum; dunghill gods, as the word signifies, as they are often called in Scripture; and Sterculius was one of the names of Saturn, an Heathen deity, which he had, as is supposed, by his finding out the method of making land fruitful with dung (i):

whereof the Lord said unto them, ye shall not do this thing; see Exodus 20:3.

(i) Vid. Macrob. l. 1. c. 7. Lactant. de fals. Relig. l. 1. c. 20.

They served the clods, i.e., worshipped clods or masses of stone as gods (גּלּלים, see at 1 Kings 15:12), notwithstanding the command of God in Exodus 20:3., 2 Kings 23:13; Leviticus 26:1, etc.

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

17:7-23 Though the destruction of the kingdom of the ten tribes was but briefly related, it is in these verses largely commented upon, and the reasons of it given. It was destruction from the Almighty: the Assyrian was but the rod of his anger, Isa 10:5. Those that bring sin into a country or family, bring a plague into it, and will have to answer for all the mischief that follows. And vast as the outward wickedness of the world is, the secret sins, evil thoughts, desires, and purposes of mankind are much greater. There are outward sins which are marked by infamy; but ingratitude, neglect, and enmity to God, and the idolatry and impiety which proceed therefrom, are far more malignant. Without turning from every evil way, and keeping God's statutes, there can be no true godliness; but this must spring from belief of his testimony, as to wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness, and his mercy in Christ Jesus.