Topical Encyclopedia So, a king of Egypt, is a somewhat enigmatic figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the political and military alliances of the 8th century BC. His name appears in 2 Kings 17:4, where he is noted for his involvement with Hoshea, the last king of Israel. The passage reads: "But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired, for he had sent messengers 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" (2 Kings 17:4).The historical identity of So is a subject of debate among scholars. Some identify him with Osorkon IV, a ruler of the 22nd Dynasty, while others suggest he might be Tefnakht of the 24th Dynasty or even an official rather than a pharaoh. The lack of extensive Egyptian records from this period makes it difficult to pinpoint his exact identity. However, the biblical account highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time, where smaller states like Israel sought alliances with Egypt to counter the growing threat of Assyrian expansion. In the biblical narrative, So's involvement with Hoshea is significant because it illustrates the desperation and political maneuvering of the Northern Kingdom of Israel as it faced the might of Assyria. Hoshea's decision to seek an alliance with Egypt, rather than continue paying tribute to Assyria, ultimately led to his downfall and the subsequent Assyrian conquest of Samaria in 722 BC. This event marked the end of the Northern Kingdom and the beginning of the Assyrian exile for the Israelites. From a theological perspective, the alliance with So can be seen as an example of Israel's reliance on foreign powers rather than trusting in the LORD. Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets frequently admonish Israel and Judah for seeking security in alliances with pagan nations instead of relying on God's protection and guidance. This theme is echoed in other prophetic writings, where reliance on Egypt is often portrayed as futile and misguided (e.g., Isaiah 30:1-3; Ezekiel 17:15). So's brief mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the complex international relations of the ancient Near East and the spiritual lessons drawn from Israel's history. His role, though minor in the biblical text, underscores the broader narrative of Israel's struggle with faithfulness and the consequences of political alliances that diverge from divine instruction. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 17:4And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison. Nave's Topical Index Library The Escape from Egypt Joseph's Eagerness to Help Others The Flight into Egypt. Joseph, a Servant, a Prisoner, and a Saint. The King in Exile Moses. Goodness in a Dungeon Four Shaping Centuries The Rod that Troubled Egypt. A Prophet who Saved a Great City Resources So: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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