2 Kings 18:10
And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it. So Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel.
And at the end of three years
This phrase marks a significant period of time, emphasizing the duration of the siege laid by the Assyrians against Samaria. The number three in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection. The three-year siege reflects the thoroughness and determination of the Assyrian campaign, as well as the fulfillment of God's judgment against Israel for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. Historically, this period would have been marked by severe hardship and desperation for the inhabitants of Samaria, as prolonged sieges typically led to famine and suffering.

the Assyrians captured it
The Assyrians, known for their military prowess and brutal tactics, were a dominant force in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew root for "captured" (לָכַד, lakad) implies a forceful taking or seizing, highlighting the might and aggression of the Assyrian empire. This event is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it marks the end of the Northern Kingdom. The capture of Samaria is not just a military conquest but also a divine act of judgment, as prophesied by the prophets due to Israel's unfaithfulness to God.

So Samaria was captured
Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a city of great significance. Its fall represents the culmination of Israel's spiritual decline and the consequences of turning away from God. The repetition of the word "captured" underscores the finality and totality of the event. Archaeological evidence, such as the Assyrian records, corroborates the biblical account, providing historical context to the biblical narrative. The fall of Samaria serves as a somber reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dire consequences of idolatry and sin.

in the sixth year of Hezekiah’s reign
Hezekiah, king of Judah, is noted for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. The mention of his reign provides a chronological anchor, situating the fall of Samaria within the broader historical and biblical timeline. Hezekiah's reign is characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh, contrasting sharply with the apostasy of the Northern Kingdom. This juxtaposition highlights the themes of judgment and redemption that run throughout the biblical narrative.

which was the ninth year of Hoshea’s reign over Israel
Hoshea, the last king of Israel, reigned during a time of political instability and spiritual decline. His reign is marked by attempts to resist Assyrian domination, but ultimately, his efforts were futile. The mention of his ninth year signifies the end of the Northern Kingdom and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. Hoshea's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of political alliances and reliance on human strength rather than trusting in God. The fall of Samaria under his rule underscores the inevitability of divine judgment when a nation turns away from God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in Judah.

2. Hoshea
The last king of Israel, whose reign ended with the capture of Samaria and the fall of the Northern Kingdom.

3. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which fell to the Assyrians, marking the end of the kingdom.

4. Assyrians
The empire responsible for the conquest of Samaria, known for their military might and expansionist policies.

5. Fall of Samaria
A significant event marking the judgment upon Israel for their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Disobedience
The fall of Samaria serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry. It calls us to examine our own lives for areas where we may be turning away from God's commands.

Leadership and Accountability
Hoshea's reign ended in disaster, highlighting the importance of godly leadership. Leaders are accountable for guiding their people in righteousness and truth.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The capture of Samaria demonstrates God's sovereignty in executing judgment. It reassures us that God is just and His plans will prevail, even when nations rise and fall.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Hezekiah's faithfulness during a time of national crisis encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting God even when circumstances seem dire.

The Importance of Repentance and Reform
Hezekiah's reforms in Judah contrast with Israel's downfall, teaching us the importance of repentance and returning to God with sincere hearts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fall of Samaria illustrate the consequences of turning away from God's commandments, and how can we apply this lesson to our personal lives today?

2. In what ways does Hezekiah's leadership differ from Hoshea's, and what can we learn about the qualities of godly leadership from their examples?

3. How does the capture of Samaria demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plans for our lives?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we remain faithful to God during times of adversity, as Hezekiah did?

5. How can we apply the principles of repentance and reform in our own spiritual walk, drawing from Hezekiah's example in Judah?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 17
Provides context for the fall of Samaria, detailing the reasons for God's judgment against Israel, including their idolatry and rejection of His commandments.

Isaiah 36-37
Describes the Assyrian threat to Judah during Hezekiah's reign, highlighting Hezekiah's reliance on God for deliverance.

2 Chronicles 29-31
Chronicles Hezekiah's reforms and efforts to restore true worship in Judah, contrasting with the apostasy of Israel.

Hosea 13:16
Prophecies the fall of Samaria due to Israel's sin, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God.
The Gains of PerseveranceThomas Spurgeon.2 Kings 18:10
A Just Ruler a Type of GodT. De Witt Talmage.2 Kings 18:1-37
A Striking ReformationDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 18:1-37
A Striking Reformation, a Ruthless Despotism, and an Unprincipled DiplomacyC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 18:1-37
Hezekiah's Good ReignMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 18:1-37
Hezekiah's Good ReignR. W. Keighley.2 Kings 18:1-37
The Religious -- the Greatest of Reforms2 Kings 18:1-37
The Spiritual Scores Successes2 Kings 18:1-37
Captivity and its CauseC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 18:9-12
People
Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, Zechariah
Places
Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's Field
Topics
Capture, Captured, Captureth, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hezekiah's, Hoshea, Hoshe'a, Ninth, Rule, Samaria, Sama'ria, Sixth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 18:9-11

     5354   invasions
     7233   Israel, northern kingdom

2 Kings 18:9-12

     5214   attack
     5529   sieges

2 Kings 18:10-11

     5339   home

Library
Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament

Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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