2 Kings 15:30

Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah. In the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah, Hoshea attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place.

Study Bible

Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah.
Hoshea's conspiracy against Pekah reflects the turbulent political climate of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during this period. The kingdom was marked by instability and frequent changes in leadership, often through violent means. Pekah, who had seized the throne by assassinating King Pekahiah, faced opposition from within his own ranks. Hoshea's actions are indicative of the internal strife and the lack of a stable succession process in Israel. This period was characterized by alliances and conflicts with surrounding nations, including Assyria, which played a significant role in the region's politics. The conspiracy also highlights the fulfillment of divine judgment against the house of Israel for their continued idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments.

In the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah,
Jotham was the king of Judah, the Southern Kingdom, and his reign is noted for his efforts to maintain the worship of Yahweh and his relative stability compared to the Northern Kingdom. The mention of Jotham's reign provides a chronological anchor, situating the events within the broader historical context of the divided monarchy. Jotham's reign is described in 2 Kings 15:32-38 and 2 Chronicles 27, where he is portrayed as a king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, although he did not remove the high places. This contrast between the relative faithfulness of Judah and the apostasy of Israel underscores the spiritual decline of the Northern Kingdom.

Hoshea attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place.
Hoshea's assassination of Pekah and subsequent reign marks another violent transition of power in Israel. This act of regicide was not uncommon in the history of the Northern Kingdom, where several kings came to power through similar means. Hoshea's reign, however, would be the last for the Northern Kingdom, as he would eventually become a vassal to the Assyrian Empire before the kingdom's ultimate fall and exile. The political instability and moral decline of Israel during this time are seen as consequences of their departure from the covenant with God. The prophetic voices of Amos and Hosea, who ministered during this period, warned of impending judgment and called for repentance, but their messages went largely unheeded. Hoshea's reign is detailed further in 2 Kings 17, where his failure to heed the warnings of the prophets and his reliance on foreign alliances ultimately led to the Assyrian conquest and the end of the Northern Kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hoshea son of Elah
The conspirator who assassinated Pekah and became king of Israel. His actions marked a significant political shift in the Northern Kingdom.

2. Pekah son of Remaliah
The king of Israel who was assassinated by Hoshea. His reign was marked by idolatry and conflict with Judah.

3. Jotham son of Uzziah
The king of Judah during the time of Hoshea's conspiracy. His reign is noted for his efforts to follow God, contrasting with the idolatry in Israel.

4. Israel (Northern Kingdom)
The setting of the political upheaval where Hoshea's conspiracy took place, highlighting the instability and moral decline of the kingdom.

5. Judah (Southern Kingdom)
Ruled by Jotham, it serves as a backdrop of relative stability and faithfulness compared to Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Political Intrigue
The assassination of Pekah by Hoshea illustrates the destructive nature of political conspiracies and the instability they bring. Believers are reminded to seek peace and integrity in leadership.

The Sovereignty of God in Leadership Changes
Despite human actions, God remains sovereign over the rise and fall of leaders. This encourages trust in God's ultimate plan, even amidst political turmoil.

The Importance of Faithful Leadership
The contrast between the kings of Israel and Judah highlights the importance of leaders who seek to follow God's ways. Believers are called to pray for and support leaders who uphold godly principles.

The Impact of Idolatry and Disobedience
The events leading to Hoshea's conspiracy are rooted in Israel's persistent idolatry. This serves as a warning against turning away from God and the consequences that follow.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the political instability in Israel during Hoshea's conspiracy reflect the spiritual state of the nation? Consider the role of idolatry and disobedience.

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the rise and fall of leaders, both in biblical times and today?

3. How does the contrast between the leadership in Israel and Judah during this period challenge us to evaluate the qualities we value in our leaders?

4. What lessons can we learn from the consequences of political intrigue and conspiracy in the context of our own communities and nations?

5. How can we apply the warnings against idolatry and disobedience in our personal lives, ensuring that we remain faithful to God's commands?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 17:1-6
This passage describes the eventual downfall of Israel under Hoshea's reign, connecting the political instability initiated by his conspiracy to the ultimate judgment and exile of Israel.

Isaiah 7:1-9
This passage provides a prophetic context during the reign of Pekah, where Isaiah speaks to King Ahaz of Judah about the threat posed by Pekah and Rezin, king of Aram.

Hosea 10:3-7
The prophet Hosea speaks to the consequences of Israel's idolatry and political intrigue, which aligns with the events of Hoshea's conspiracy and the resulting instability.