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
The name "Hoshea" in Hebrew means "salvation" or "he saves." This is significant as it reflects a common theme in the Bible where names often carry prophetic or symbolic meanings. Hoshea's rise to power, however, is marked by violence and conspiracy, which contrasts with the peaceful connotations of his name. The mention of "son of Elah" helps to identify Hoshea's lineage, grounding him in the historical and genealogical context of Israel's monarchy.

led a conspiracy
The Hebrew root for "conspiracy" is "קֶשֶׁר" (qesher), which implies a secret plan or alliance, often with negative connotations. In the biblical narrative, conspiracies are frequently associated with political intrigue and betrayal. This highlights the turbulent and unstable nature of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during this period, where power struggles and assassinations were common.

against Pekah son of Remaliah
Pekah, whose name means "open-eyed" or "watchful," was the king of Israel before Hoshea. The phrase "son of Remaliah" serves to distinguish him from others with similar names and emphasizes his royal lineage. Pekah's reign was marked by idolatry and conflict, and his assassination by Hoshea reflects the divine judgment often seen in the Deuteronomic history, where kings who led Israel into sin faced dire consequences.

He attacked and killed him
This phrase succinctly describes the violent overthrow of Pekah. The act of assassination was a common method of regime change in the ancient Near East, reflecting the brutal realities of monarchical rule. The brevity of this statement underscores the swift and decisive nature of Hoshea's actions, which were likely motivated by political ambition and a desire to seize power.

and reigned in his place
Hoshea's ascension to the throne marks a new chapter in Israel's history. The phrase "reigned in his place" indicates a transfer of power, but it also suggests continuity in the cycle of sin and judgment that characterized the Northern Kingdom. Hoshea's reign would eventually lead to the fall of Samaria and the Assyrian exile, fulfilling prophetic warnings about the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness.

in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah
This chronological marker situates the events within the broader timeline of Judah's monarchy. Jotham, a king of Judah, is noted for his relatively righteous reign compared to his contemporaries in Israel. The mention of "son of Uzziah" connects Jotham to a lineage of kings who, despite their flaws, sought to uphold the worship of Yahweh. This contrast between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah serves as a reminder of the blessings associated with faithfulness to God.

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.