Hoshea the Last King of Israel 1In the twelfth year of the reign of Ahaz over Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria nine years. 2And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him. 3Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. 4But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King Soa of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison. Israel Carried Captive to Assyria 5Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. 6In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. 7All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods 8and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. 9The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. 10They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. 11They burned incense on all the high places like the nations that the LORD had driven out before them. They did wicked things, provoking the LORD to anger. 12They served idols, although the LORD had told them, “You shall not do this thing.”b 13Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.” 14But they would not listen, and they stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God. 15They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate. 16They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. 17They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the firec and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. 18So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained, 19and even Judah did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but lived according to the customs Israel had introduced. 20So the LORD rejected all the descendants of Israel. He afflicted them and delivered them into the hands of plunderers, until He had banished them from His presence. 21When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin. 22The Israelites persisted in all the sins that Jeroboam had committed and did not turn away from them. 23Finally, the LORD removed Israel from His presence, as He had declared through all His servants the prophets. So Israel was exiled from their homeland into Assyria, where they are to this day. Samaria Resettled 24Then the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its towns. 25Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. 26So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The peoples that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the God of the land. Because of this, He has sent lions among them, which are indeed killing them off.” 27Then the king of Assyria commanded: “Send back one of the priests you carried off from Samaria, and have him go back to live there and teach the requirements of the God of the land.” 28Thus one of the priests they had carried away came and lived in Bethel, and he began to teach them how they should worship the LORD. 29Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places. 30The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, 31the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech the gods of Sepharvaim. 32So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places. 33They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods according to the customs of the nations from which they had been carried away. 34To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel. 35For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, “Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them. 36Instead, worship the LORD, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm. You are to bow down to Him and offer sacrifices to Him. 37And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38Do not forget the covenant I have made with you. Do not worship other gods, 39but worship the LORD your God, and He will deliver you from the hands of all your enemies.” 40But they would not listen, and they persisted in their former customs. 41So these nations worshiped the LORD but also served their idols, and to this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did. Footnotes: 4 a So is likely an abbreviation for Osorkon. 12 b Exodus 20:4–6; Deuteronomy 5:8–10 17 c Literally made their sons and their daughters pass through the fire Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 17 Summary Hoshea the Last King of IsraelVerses 1–2 – Hoshea’s Troubled Throne Verses 3–6 – Assyrian Siege and Exile Verses 7–12 – Root Cause: Sin Against the LORD Verses 13–18 – Prophetic Warnings Rejected Verses 19–23 – Judah’s Parallel Path and Israel’s Expulsion Verses 24–28 – Foreign Settlers and Lion Attacks Verses 29–34 – Syncretism in the New Population Verses 35–41 – Covenant Reminder and Last Word 2 Kings 17 is a sobering account of the fall of the Kingdom of Israel due to their abandonment of God's commands and their persistent idolatry. The chapter sheds light on God's righteous judgement, the consequences of disobedience, and the dangers of syncretism. Historical Background • Timeline: 732–722 BC. Hoshea comes to power as Tiglath-Pileser III’s vassal. Shalmaneser V and later Sargon II finish the conquest. • Samaria’s fall fulfills warnings issued since 1 Kings 12. Assyrian annals note the capture of “Omri-land” and the deportation of 27,290 inhabitants, matching the biblical account. • Archaeology: Ostraca from Samaria reveal an economy thriving on export oils and wines—prosperity that masked spiritual decay. Political Dynamics and Archaeology • Assyria’s vassal treaties demanded exclusive loyalty, paralleling the covenant’s demand for exclusive worship (cf. Exodus 20:3). • Excavations at Lachish and reliefs in Sennacherib’s palace depict deportation trains, illustrating the fate that befell Samaria. Theological Emphasis: Covenant Faithfulness • Leviticus 26:33 and Deuteronomy 28:36 promised exile for disobedience. 2 Kings 17 shows the promise carried out. • The prophets Hosea and Amos, ministering to the Northern Kingdom, pleaded for repentance (Hosea 11:1-11; Amos 5:21-27). Their words align with verses 13-18. • The mention of Judah’s compromise (v. 19) foreshadows 2 Kings 25 and Babylonian exile. Prophetic Voices Echoed • Hosea likened Israel to an unfaithful spouse (Hosea 2). The mixed worship of verses 29-34 embodies that image. • Micah 1:6 predicted, “I will make Samaria a heap of rubble”. The siege fulfilled it. • Compare Isaiah 1:2-4, where Judah’s sin mirrors Israel’s, underscoring the writer’s warning. Assyrian Policy of Resettlement • Assyria uprooted conquered peoples to break national identity. The new settlers from “Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and Sepharvaim” (v. 24) brought their idols—Nergal, Ashima, Adrammelech. • Sargon II’s records confirm relocation tactics after the fall of Samaria and cite imported populations as “people of the steppe.” Lions in the Land – Natural and Supernatural • Lions were common in ancient Canaan (Judges 14:5; 1 Samuel 17:34). • Scripture often links wild beasts with covenant curses (Leviticus 26:22). The lion attacks underscore that even pagan settlers must respect the LORD of that land. Samaritan Identity and Later History • The syncretistic worship laid the groundwork for the Samaritan community encountered in Ezra 4 and John 4. • By Jesus’ day, Samaritans claimed loyalty to the Pentateuch but rejected Jerusalem’s temple, a legacy traceable to the priest sent back in verse 28. Lessons for Today • Half-hearted loyalty invites spiritual drift; Israel “feared the LORD, yet served their own gods” (v. 33). • God’s patience is long but not endless (2 Peter 3:9). Exile demonstrates both justice and a call to return (Jeremiah 29:11-14). • National strength without covenant faithfulness cannot stand. Samaria’s walls fell because its worship failed first. Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:14-15Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. 1 Samuel 15:22 Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice. Jeremiah 7:23 But this is what I commanded them: Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. Teaching Points The Fall of Israel2 Kings 17:6 states, In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. This marks the end of the northern kingdom due to their unfaithfulness. Reasons for Exile Verses 7-8 highlight that Israel's exile was due to their sin against God, as they feared other gods and walked in the customs of the nations that God had driven out before them. Idolatry and Disobedience Verses 10-12 describe how the Israelites set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles and burned incense on all the high places, directly disobeying God's commandments. Prophetic Warnings Ignored Verse 13 reveals that God sent prophets to warn Israel, saying, Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments, but they would not listen. Consequences of Rebellion Verses 18-20 explain that God's anger led to the removal of Israel from His sight, leaving only the tribe of Judah. Practical Applications Guard Against IdolatryJust as Israel fell into idolatry, we must be vigilant in identifying and removing anything that takes precedence over God in our lives. Heed God's Warnings God often sends warnings through His Word and His people. We should be attentive and responsive to His guidance. Value Obedience Obedience to God's commandments is crucial. We should strive to live according to His Word, recognizing that His laws are for our good. Reflect on God's Faithfulness Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remained faithful to His covenant. We can trust in His steadfast love and mercy. People 1. Hoshea"In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years." (2 Kings 17:1). Hoshea was the last king of Israel before the Assyrian conquest. His name in Hebrew is הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hôshēa‘), meaning "salvation." 2. Shalmaneser "Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years." (2 Kings 17:5). Shalmaneser V was the Assyrian king who besieged Samaria. His name in Akkadian is Šulmanu-ašarēdu, meaning "Shulmanu is pre-eminent." 3. The King of Assyria "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria." (2 Kings 17:6). This refers to Shalmaneser V, who completed the conquest of Israel. 4. The Israelites "The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right." (2 Kings 17:9). The people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel who were exiled due to their disobedience to God. 5. The LORD "They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves all sorts of people as priests to serve them in the shrines of the high places." (2 Kings 17:32). The covenant God of Israel, referred to in Hebrew as יהוה (YHWH). 6. The Priests "They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves all sorts of people as priests to serve them in the shrines of the high places." (2 Kings 17:32). These were unauthorized priests appointed by the Israelites to serve in the high places. 7. The Prophets "The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers." (2 Kings 17:13). These were the messengers of God who warned Israel and Judah of their impending judgment. 8. The Seers "The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers." (2 Kings 17:13). Similar to prophets, seers were individuals who received divine visions and messages. Places 1. SamariaSamaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In 2 Kings 17, it is significant as the city that fell to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for Samaria is "שֹׁמְרוֹן" (Shomron). 2. Assyria Assyria was the empire that conquered Samaria and exiled the Israelites. The Assyrians are central to the narrative of 2 Kings 17 as the instrument of God's judgment against Israel. The Hebrew term for Assyria is "אַשּׁוּר" (Ashur). 3. Halah Halah is one of the places to which the Israelites were exiled by the Assyrians. It is mentioned in the context of the Assyrian resettlement policy. 4. Habor Habor is another location where the Israelites were settled after being exiled. It is described as being by the river of Gozan. 5. Gozan Gozan is a region associated with the exile of the Israelites. The river of Gozan is mentioned as a landmark in the resettlement of the exiled Israelites. 6. Hara Hara is listed as one of the places where the Israelites were taken during the Assyrian exile. 7. Cuthah Cuthah is one of the cities from which the Assyrians brought people to resettle in Samaria after the Israelites were exiled. 8. Avva Avva is another city from which the Assyrians brought people to inhabit the land of Israel. 9. Hamath Hamath is mentioned as a source of people brought by the Assyrians to resettle in Samaria. 10. Sepharvaim Sepharvaim is also listed as a city from which the Assyrians brought people to resettle in the land of Israel. Events 1. Hoshea's Reign and SinHoshea, the son of Elah, becomes king over Israel in Samaria and reigns for nine years. He does evil in the sight of the LORD, though not like the kings of Israel before him. (2 Kings 17:1-2) 2. Assyrian Invasion and Siege Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, comes up against Hoshea, who becomes his vassal and pays him tribute. However, Hoshea conspires against the king of Assyria by sending envoys to So, king of Egypt, and stops paying tribute. As a result, the king of Assyria imprisons him. (2 Kings 17:3-4) 3. Fall of Samaria The king of Assyria invades the entire land, marches against Samaria, and besieges it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captures Samaria and carries the Israelites away to Assyria. (2 Kings 17:5-6) 4. Reasons for Israel's Exile The text explains that the exile occurs because the Israelites sinned against the LORD by worshiping other gods, following the practices of the nations, and rejecting the LORD's statutes and covenant. They built high places, set up sacred stones and Asherah poles, and worshiped idols. (2 Kings 17:7-12) 5. Prophetic Warnings Ignored The LORD warns Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers, urging them to turn from their evil ways and keep His commandments. However, they do not listen and become stiff-necked like their ancestors. (2 Kings 17:13-14) 6. Idolatry and Rejection of God The Israelites reject God's decrees and covenant, follow worthless idols, and imitate the nations around them. They forsake all the commands of the LORD, make two golden calves, and worship Baal. (2 Kings 17:15-16) 7. Child Sacrifice and Divination They sacrifice their sons and daughters in the fire, practice divination and sorcery, and sell themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. (2 Kings 17:17) 8. God's Anger and Rejection of Israel Because of their sins, the LORD is very angry with Israel and removes them from His presence, leaving only the tribe of Judah. (2 Kings 17:18) 9. Judah's Sin and Partial Survival Even Judah does not keep the commands of the LORD and follows the practices of Israel. The LORD rejects all the descendants of Israel, afflicts them, and hands them over to plunderers. (2 Kings 17:19-20) 10. Assyrian Resettlement The king of Assyria brings people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim to settle in the towns of Samaria, replacing the Israelites. These settlers do not initially fear the LORD, leading to problems with lions. (2 Kings 17:24-25) 11. Introduction of Mixed Worship A priest from Israel is sent back to teach the new inhabitants how to worship the LORD. However, each group continues to make its own gods and worship them alongside the LORD, creating a syncretistic religion. (2 Kings 17:27-33) 12. Continued Disobedience Despite being taught to fear the LORD, the people continue to follow their former practices. The chapter concludes by stating that these nations continue to fear the LORD while serving their carved images, a practice that persists to the time of writing. (2 Kings 17:34-41) Topics 1. Hoshea's Reign and Israel's CaptivityHoshea, the last king of Israel, reigns and is eventually captured by the Assyrians. The chapter begins by detailing the political situation leading to Israel's downfall. "In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king over Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years" (2 Kings 17:1). The Hebrew root for "reigned" (מָלַךְ, malak) emphasizes the authority and governance of Hoshea. 2. Israel's Sin and Idolatry The chapter outlines the sins of Israel, particularly their idolatry, which led to their downfall. "They worshiped other gods and followed the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites" (2 Kings 17:7-8). The Hebrew word for "worshiped" (עָבַד, avad) indicates servitude and devotion, highlighting Israel's misplaced allegiance. 3. Prophetic Warnings Ignored Despite warnings from prophets, Israel continued in disobedience. "Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers, saying, 'Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments and statutes'" (2 Kings 17:13). The Hebrew root for "warned" (עֵד, ed) conveys the act of bearing witness or testifying, underscoring the seriousness of the prophetic messages. 4. Assyrian Conquest and Exile The Assyrian conquest results in the exile of the Israelites. "So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah was left" (2 Kings 17:18). The Hebrew root for "removed" (סוּר, sur) implies a turning away or removal, signifying God's judgment. 5. Resettlement of Samaria The Assyrians resettle Samaria with people from other nations, leading to a syncretistic form of worship. "The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites" (2 Kings 17:24). The Hebrew root for "settled" (יָשַׁב, yashav) means to dwell or inhabit, indicating the establishment of new communities. 6. Syncretism and Continued Idolatry The new inhabitants of Samaria adopt a mixed form of worship, blending their own practices with those of the Israelites. "They worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves all sorts of people as priests to serve them in the shrines of the high places" (2 Kings 17:32). The Hebrew root for "appointed" (עָשָׂה, asah) suggests making or establishing, reflecting the creation of a new religious order. 7. Summary of Israel's Unfaithfulness The chapter concludes with a summary of Israel's unfaithfulness and the consequences thereof. "They would not listen, however, but stiffened their necks like their fathers, who did not believe the LORD their God" (2 Kings 17:14). The Hebrew root for "stiffened" (קָשָׁה, qashah) implies hardness or stubbornness, illustrating Israel's resistance to divine guidance. Themes 1. Idolatry and ApostasyThe chapter highlights the persistent idolatry and apostasy of Israel. The Israelites "feared other gods" (2 Kings 17:7) and "walked in the customs of the nations" (2 Kings 17:8). The Hebrew root for "feared" (יָרֵא, yare) implies reverence or worship, indicating a turning away from the worship of Yahweh to false gods. 2. Divine Judgment God's judgment upon Israel is a central theme, as He allows the Assyrians to conquer them due to their disobedience. "So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence" (2 Kings 17:18). The Hebrew word for "angry" (קָצַף, qatsaph) conveys a sense of intense wrath. 3. Prophetic Warnings Ignored The Israelites ignored the warnings of the prophets sent by God. "Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers" (2 Kings 17:13). The Hebrew term for "warned" (עֵד, ed) suggests a solemn testimony or admonition. 4. Covenant Unfaithfulness The chapter underscores Israel's unfaithfulness to the covenant with God. "They rejected His statutes and His covenant" (2 Kings 17:15). The Hebrew word for "rejected" (מָאַס, ma'as) indicates a despising or disdain for God's laws. 5. Syncretism and Corruption The Israelites mixed the worship of Yahweh with pagan practices, leading to religious corruption. "They served idols, although the LORD had told them, 'You shall not do this thing'" (2 Kings 17:12). The Hebrew root for "served" (עָבַד, avad) implies a form of worship or service that was misdirected. 6. Consequences of Disobedience The chapter illustrates the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands. "Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel" (2 Kings 17:18). The narrative shows that disobedience leads to national downfall and exile. 7. Loss of Identity and Heritage The exile resulted in a loss of national identity and heritage for Israel. "The king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria" (2 Kings 17:6). The Hebrew word for "deported" (הֶגְלָה, heglah) signifies a forced removal from one's land, leading to cultural and spiritual disintegration. Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Kings 17:6 – Where is the historical or archaeological evidence confirming such a massive deportation of Israelites to Assyria? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does 2 Kings 17 illustrate the consequences of disobedience? 2. In what ways did Israel forsake God and what were the consequences of their actions? 3. How does the capture of Israel by Assyria reflect on the protective power of God? 4. Discuss the danger of religious syncretism as portrayed in this chapter. 5. How does God's patience manifest itself in the chapter, and what can we learn from it? 6. In the current world, how can we prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of 'idol worship' like the Israelites? 7. How does 2 Kings 17 relate to the idea of covenant commitment to God? 8. What does the story of the resettlement of Samaria by the Assyrians teach us about the cultural exchange and faith? 9. How do you understand God's fairness in the face of Israel's judgement? 10. How can you apply the lessons from Israel's disobedience to your personal life? 11. Reflect on a situation in your life where you've felt the consequences of disobedience. How does this relate to Israel's experiences? 12. How do our choices and actions today relate to the story of Israel's fall? 13. How does the narrative of Israel's fall challenge you in your faith journey? 14. What does 2 Kings 17 teach us about God's faithfulness even in our failures? 15. How does the Assyrian captivity of Israel connect to the broader narrative of the Bible? 16. How can we maintain a pure and undivided devotion to God in a world full of distractions? 17. Discuss the relevance of the themes from 2 Kings 17 to contemporary Christian life. 18. What does the fall of Israel reveal about the nature of God's judgement and grace? 19. In what ways can the church today fall into the same trap as the Israelites did with idolatry and syncretism? 20. What is one concrete action you can take based on the lessons from 2 Kings 17 to enhance your spiritual journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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