these nations] Which the king of Assyria placed in the cities of Samaria; of whom see v. 29, &c. Of these came the Samaritans, with whom the Jews would have nothing to do, John 4:9. feared the Lord] Acknowledged Jehovah to be a God, and did some services to him. This is here noted, in opposition to the obstinacy of the Israelites. For those heathen in Samaria, were somewhat moved with Gods judgement, v. 25. But the Israelites nothing at all, though the judgement on them, being cast out of their land, was more sevete. and served] This shews that their fear of the LORD was unsound and servile. See Zephaniah 1:5.