What lessons can we learn from Hoshea's actions in 2 Kings 17:4? Text in Focus “But the king of Assyria uncovered a conspiracy by Hoshea. For he had sent envoys to So king of Egypt and had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested him and put him in prison.” (2 Kings 17:4) Hoshea’s Choices at a Glance • Secretly courted Egypt while outwardly subject to Assyria • Broke an agreed obligation without honesty or repentance • Relied on political maneuvering instead of crying out to the LORD • Reaped swift judgment and imprisonment Key Lessons • Trusting human power over divine help invites ruin – Isaiah 31:1 “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… but do not look to the Holy One of Israel.” • Deception eventually comes to light – Numbers 32:23 “Be sure your sin will find you out.” • Half-hearted allegiance displeases God – Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters.” • Breaking covenants is sin, even with unbelievers – Psalm 15:4 “He who keeps an oath even when it hurts.” • Rebellion carries consequences – 1 Samuel 15:23 “Rebellion is like the sin of divination.” Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 17:16 – Israel’s kings were warned not to look back to Egypt. • 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 – Asa forfeited God’s help by hiring Syria. • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD, not your own understanding. • Jeremiah 2:18 – “What have you to gain by going to Egypt…?” Personal Takeaways Today • Keep dependence on the LORD front-and-center; alliances and resources are secondary tools, not saviors. • Walk in transparency—avoid back-door deals, hidden motives, secret sins. • Honor every commitment; integrity is Christian testimony. • Reject divided loyalties; choose consistent obedience over expedient compromise. • Remember that rebellion never ends quietly; it invites discipline meant to restore wholehearted fidelity to God. |
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