Hoshea of Israel reigns nine years, does evil but less than predecessors; he becomes Assyria's vassal but conspires with Egypt. Shalmaneser imprisons him, besieges Samaria three years, and in the ninth year of Hoshea carries Israel to Assyria—to Halah, the Habor, the Gozan River, and the cities of the Medes. This happens because Israel sinned against the LORD who brought them from Egypt, fearing other gods, walking in the nations' customs, building high places everywhere, setting up pillars and Asherim, serving idols despite prophetic warnings. They rejected the LORD's statutes, made metal calves, worshiped the host of heaven, served Baal, burned their children, practiced divination and omens, and sold themselves to evil. Only Judah remained, though they too followed Israel's practices. The LORD rejected Israel as He warned through His servants the prophets. Assyria settles foreigners in Samaria's cities; when lions kill some, the king sends a priest to teach them 'the manner of the god of the land.' Each nation makes its own gods while also fearing the LORD—mixed worship continuing to this day.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 17 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Ruler of Egypt during the Exodus
King of Israel
Father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
Places in This Chapter
Egypt plays a significant role throughout the Bible, from the time of Abraham to the flight of the Holy Family. Joseph was sold into slavery there and rose to become second to Pharaoh, saving his family during famine. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses in the Exodus. Jesus' family fled to Egypt to escape King Herod, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son."
Bethel means "House of God" and was where Jacob had his famous dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Abraham also built altars here. Later, Jeroboam set up a golden calf here as an alternative worship site to Jerusalem, which was condemned by prophets.
Position in Book
Assyria conquers Israel (722 BC) because of persistent idolatry; foreigners settle in the land.