2 Kings 17:1-5

Israel's King Hoshea

1 In the twelfth year of Judah's King Ahaz, Hoshea son of Elah became king over Israel in Samaria; [he reigned] nine years.

2 He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him.

3 Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute money.

4 But the king of Assyria discovered a conspiracy by Hoshea-he had sent envoys to So king of Egypt^[a] and had not paid tribute money to the king of Assyria as in previous years.^[b] Therefore, the king of Assyria arrested him and put him in prison.

5 Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years.^[c]

2 Kings 17:1-5 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 17

This chapter relates the captivity of the ten tribes of Israel, and how it came about, 2Ki 17:1-6, the cause of it, their idolatry, which they persisted in, notwithstanding the remonstrances made against it, 2Ki 17:7-23, in whose stead were placed people from different parts, who exercised a mixed religion, partly Heathenish, and partly Israelitish, 2Ki 17:24.

Footnotes

• [a]. Isa 31:1
• [b]. Lit as year by year
• [c]. 2 Kg 18:9-10; Hs 13:16