Topical Encyclopedia
Hoshea, son of Elah, is noted in the biblical narrative as the last king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is marked by political intrigue and spiritual apostasy, culminating in the fall of Samaria and the exile of the Israelites. Hoshea's ascent to power is characterized by conspiracy and betrayal, as he rose to the throne through the assassination of his predecessor, Pekah.
The biblical account in
2 Kings 15:30 states, "Then Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and killed him, and reigned in his place in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah." This act of treachery underscores the turbulent and violent nature of Israel's political landscape during this period. Hoshea's conspiracy against Pekah was not merely a personal vendetta but part of a broader pattern of instability and moral decline that plagued the northern kingdom.
Hoshea's reign, which lasted approximately from 732 to 722 BC, is further described in
2 Kings 17:1-2 : "In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like the kings of Israel who preceded him." While the text notes that Hoshea's evil was not as severe as some of his predecessors, his reign was nonetheless marked by disobedience to God and reliance on foreign alliances.
One of the most significant actions of Hoshea's rule was his attempt to break free from Assyrian dominance by seeking an alliance with Egypt. This political maneuver is recorded in
2 Kings 17:4 : "But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired, for he had sent envoys to So king of Egypt and had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore, the king of Assyria arrested him and put him in prison." Hoshea's reliance on Egypt rather than seeking the LORD's guidance reflects the spiritual waywardness that characterized his leadership.
The consequences of Hoshea's actions were dire. His rebellion against Assyria led to the siege and eventual capture of Samaria, as detailed in
2 Kings 17:5-6 : "Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria." This event marked the end of the northern kingdom and the beginning of the Assyrian exile, a pivotal moment in Israel's history.
Hoshea's reign serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human schemes and alliances. His conspiracy against Pekah and subsequent actions illustrate the destructive path of wicked rulers who fail to lead their people in righteousness and faithfulness to the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 15:30And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Assyrian Captivity
... For two centuries and more the rulers of the ten ... In the third year of Hoshea's reign,
good King Hezekiah ... and wrought wicked things." "They would not hear, but ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm
Resources
What is the account of Annas and Caiaphas? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Daniel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Carolingian Dynasty? What was its influence on church history? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
