2 Kings 17:4

But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King So of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison.

Study Bible

But the king of Assyria discovered
The phrase highlights the political tension and espionage of the ancient Near East. The "king of Assyria" refers to Shalmaneser V, who ruled from 727 to 722 BC. The Hebrew root for "discovered" (גָּלָה, galah) implies uncovering or revealing something hidden, suggesting that Hoshea's actions were clandestine. This discovery underscores the Assyrian empire's vast intelligence network and the precarious position of vassal states.

that Hoshea had conspired
Hoshea, the last king of Israel, is depicted as engaging in a "conspiracy" (קָשַׁר, qashar), which means to bind or league together. This indicates a secretive alliance against Assyria, reflecting the desperation and political maneuvering of Israel to escape Assyrian dominance. Historically, this period was marked by frequent rebellions and shifting allegiances among smaller states under Assyrian control.

to send envoys to So king of Egypt
"So" is often identified with Osorkon IV, a lesser-known pharaoh of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty. The act of sending "envoys" (מַלְאָכִים, mal'akhim) signifies diplomatic outreach, seeking military or political support. This reflects Israel's reliance on Egypt as a counterbalance to Assyrian power, a recurring theme in the Old Testament where reliance on Egypt is often portrayed as futile and faithless.

and that he had not paid tribute
Tribute (מִנְחָה, minchah) was a regular payment made by vassal states to their overlords, symbolizing submission and loyalty. Hoshea's failure to pay tribute was a direct act of rebellion, violating the terms of vassalage. This act of defiance highlights the economic burden and political oppression faced by Israel under Assyrian rule.

to the king of Assyria as in previous years
The phrase "as in previous years" indicates a longstanding practice of tribute payment, emphasizing the continuity of Assyrian dominance. It also suggests that Hoshea's rebellion was a significant departure from established norms, reflecting a bold but ultimately misguided attempt to assert independence.

Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea
The arrest of Hoshea marks the beginning of the end for the northern kingdom of Israel. The Hebrew verb for "arrested" (אָסַר, 'asar) means to bind or imprison, symbolizing the loss of freedom and autonomy. This action by the Assyrian king demonstrates the swift and decisive response to rebellion, characteristic of Assyrian policy.

and put him in prison
Imprisonment (בֵּית כֶּלֶא, beit kele) signifies the complete subjugation and humiliation of Hoshea. It serves as a warning to other vassal states about the consequences of defying Assyria. This event foreshadows the impending fall of Samaria and the exile of the Israelites, fulfilling prophetic warnings about the consequences of disobedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hoshea
The last king of Israel, who reigned during a tumultuous period marked by political instability and idolatry. His reign ended with the Assyrian conquest.

2. King of Assyria
The ruler of the Assyrian Empire, which was a dominant power in the ancient Near East. The king at this time was likely Shalmaneser V, who discovered Hoshea's conspiracy.

3. So, King of Egypt
Likely a reference to Osorkon IV or another Egyptian ruler, with whom Hoshea sought an alliance against Assyria.

4. Tribute
A payment made by one nation to another, often as a sign of submission or for protection. Hoshea's failure to pay tribute was seen as rebellion.

5. Prison
The consequence of Hoshea's conspiracy, symbolizing the end of his reign and the beginning of Israel's exile.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Hoshea's actions demonstrate the severe consequences of disobedience to God and reliance on human alliances. As believers, we are called to trust in God's provision and guidance rather than worldly powers.

The Danger of Political Alliances
The alliance with Egypt was a strategic error for Hoshea. In our lives, we must be cautious about forming alliances or partnerships that compromise our values or lead us away from God's will.

Faithfulness in Obligations
Hoshea's failure to pay tribute reflects a lack of faithfulness in his obligations. As Christians, we are called to be faithful in our commitments, whether to God, family, or community.

The Importance of Repentance
The account of Hoshea and Israel's exile serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance. Turning back to God can prevent the spiritual and physical consequences of our sins.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the political and spiritual implications of Hoshea's decision to seek an alliance with Egypt instead of relying on God?

2. How does the account of Hoshea and the fall of Israel serve as a warning for us today in terms of where we place our trust?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our commitments and obligations align with God's will, and what steps can we take if they do not?

4. How does the theme of repentance in 2 Kings 17 relate to the broader biblical account of redemption and restoration?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How can the lessons from Hoshea's account guide you in making choices that honor God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18:9-12
Provides further context on the fall of Samaria and the reasons for Israel's exile, emphasizing their disobedience to God.

Isaiah 30:1-5
Warns against relying on Egypt for help, highlighting the futility of seeking alliances with worldly powers instead of trusting in God.

Hosea 7:11-13
Describes Israel as a "silly dove" for seeking help from Egypt and Assyria, illustrating their lack of faithfulness to God.