So, 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 ancient Near East. His mention is brief but significant, appearing in 2 Kings 17:4. The historical and biblical context surrounding So provides insight into the geopolitical dynamics during the period of the divided monarchy in Israel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to So is found in 2 Kings 17:4: "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" . This passage highlights the political maneuvering of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, who sought an alliance with Egypt in an attempt to resist Assyrian domination.

Historical Context:

The identity of So is debated among scholars, as Egyptian records from the period do not explicitly mention a king by this name. Some scholars suggest that So may be identified with Osorkon IV, a ruler of the 22nd Dynasty, or possibly Tefnakht of the 24th Dynasty. The lack of direct evidence makes it challenging to pinpoint his exact identity, but the biblical account suggests that So was a figure of some influence in Egypt during the late 8th century BC.

During this time, the Assyrian Empire was expanding its influence over the Levant, and smaller states like Israel sought alliances to counter this threat. Egypt, with its historical power and resources, was a natural choice for such alliances, despite its own internal divisions and challenges.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the alliance with So represents a recurring theme in the Old Testament: the temptation of Israel to rely on foreign powers rather than trusting in the LORD. The prophets frequently warned against such alliances, emphasizing that true security and deliverance come from God alone. In Isaiah 30:1-3, the prophet Isaiah admonishes those who seek help from Egypt, highlighting the futility of relying on human strength instead of divine guidance.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative:

The mention of So, King of Egypt, serves as a critical turning point in the narrative of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Hoshea's failed alliance with Egypt and subsequent imprisonment by the Assyrians led to the fall of Samaria and the exile of the Israelites in 722 BC. This event marked the end of the Northern Kingdom and fulfilled the prophetic warnings of judgment due to Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience.

In summary, So, King of Egypt, is a figure whose brief mention in the Bible underscores the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East and serves as a reminder of the theological lessons regarding trust and reliance on God. His role in the narrative of Israel's decline highlights the consequences of political alliances that disregard divine counsel.