Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7200 History of God's people in OT  »  7215 exile, the  »  7216 exile, in Assyria

People of the northern kingdom of Israel were taken into exile after their defeat by the Assyrians and the fall of Samaria. The Israelites were transported to Assyria in stages, starting with the upper strata of society. They were replaced by immigrants from other parts of the Assyrian empire. The Israelites had to share their land with these people when they returned from exile after the downfall of the Assyrians. This was the origin of the Samaritan people.

Israel was warned of coming punishment for her misconduct

God warned his people

Deuteronomy 28:62-66; Isaiah 5:12-13 See also Leviticus 26:27-28; Deuteronomy 28:49-57; Isaiah 10:5-6; Hosea 8:1-8; Hosea 13:16; Amos 3:2,11; Amos 5:27; Amos 9:4,7-9; Micah 1:6-7

Some prophecies referred specifically to Assyria as God's instrument

Isaiah 8:4-7; Isaiah 10:5-6 See also Hosea 8:9-10; Nahum 1:11-13

Warning through Solomon

1 Kings 8:46-50

The history of Israel's capture

Tiglath-Pileser III invades Israel in 743 B.C. but withdraws upon payment of slave-indemnity

See also 2 Kings 15:19-20

A further attack takes place ten years later

2 Kings 15:29; 1 Chronicles 5:26

Shalmaneser V comes on the scene

2 Kings 17:3-6 After a three-year siege, Samaria falls in 722 B.C.

Israelites are removed to Assyria under Sargon II

2 Kings 17:5-7 See also 2 Kings 17:23

Non-Israelites are settled in Israel

2 Kings 17:24

God sees his people in their distress

Psalm 69:33 See also Leviticus 26:40-46

Assyria to be punished eventually

Isaiah 10:5 Despite having been used as God's instrument, Assyria will come under God's judgment. See also Isaiah 10:12; Nahum 3:18-19

Nineveh will fall

Nahum 1:14; Nahum 2:1-2 See also Nahum 3:1-5

God's people will be restored

Hosea 1:10-11; Amos 9:14-15

See also

Samaria

5354  invasions
5560  suffering
6223  rebellion of Israel
7233  Israel, northern kingdom
8755  folly
8769  idolatry, in OT
8840  unfaithfulness to God
9165  restoration
9210  judgment, God's