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King Hoshea was the last king of the northern kingdom of Israel before its destruction by the Assyrians. His reign marked the final chapter in the history of the ten tribes of Israel as an independent nation. The biblical account of Hoshea is found primarily in 2 Kings 17, where his rule, political maneuvers, and the eventual downfall of Israel are detailed. This article will explore the life, reign, and significance of King Hoshea, as well as the reasons for Israel’s downfall during his time.
Hoshea’s Rise to Power
Hoshea became king of Israel after leading a conspiracy against his predecessor, King Pekah. The Bible states:
“Then Hoshea the son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and struck him and killed him; so he reigned in his place in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah” (2 Kings 15:30, NKJV).
Although Hoshea assassinated Pekah and took the throne, he did not establish a strong or independent kingdom. His rule was initially subject to the authority of the Assyrian empire, which had already exerted control over Israel. His ascent to power was not solely through his own efforts; rather, it was likely facilitated by the Assyrians, who saw him as a more compliant ruler compared to his predecessor.
The Political Climate of His Reign
Hoshea ruled Israel during a time of great political instability and external pressure. The Assyrian Empire, under King Tiglath-Pileser III and later Shalmaneser V, had extended its dominance over the region. Rather than ruling as an independent sovereign, Hoshea was initially a vassal to Assyria:
“And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, but not as the kings of Israel who were before him. Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him; and Hoshea became his vassal, and paid him tribute” (2 Kings 17:2-3, NKJV).
Hoshea’s willingness to submit to Assyria initially allowed him to remain on the throne. However, he later attempted to break free from Assyrian control, which led to his downfall. This period was characterized by widespread economic hardship, heavy taxation, and diminishing national strength, as Israel had already lost many territories to the Assyrians.
Hoshea’s Rebellion Against Assyria
Despite being a vassal king, Hoshea sought to establish Israel’s independence by seeking an alliance with Egypt. The Bible records his betrayal of Assyria:
“And the king of Assyria uncovered a conspiracy by Hoshea; for he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, and brought no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison” (2 Kings 17:4, NKJV).
Hoshea’s attempt to gain Egyptian support proved disastrous. Egypt, under Pharaoh So (possibly Osorkon IV), did not provide the necessary military aid. Assyria responded swiftly by imprisoning Hoshea and laying siege to Samaria, the capital of Israel. Hoshea had gambled on Egypt’s intervention, but his miscalculation proved fatal.
The Fall of Samaria and the End of Israel
Following Hoshea’s capture, the Assyrians besieged Samaria for three years:
“Now the king of Assyria went throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria and besieged it for three years” (2 Kings 17:5, NKJV).
In 722 B.C., the city fell to the Assyrians under King Shalmaneser V, though it was his successor, Sargon II, who completed the conquest. As a result, the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed, and its people were taken into captivity:
“Then the king of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah and by the Habor, the River of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes” (2 Kings 17:6, NKJV).
This marked the end of Israel as an independent nation. The ten tribes were scattered, becoming known as the “Lost Tribes of Israel.” Many of them were assimilated into the surrounding cultures, while some were resettled in foreign lands. This dispersion had lasting theological and historical implications, as it signified God’s judgment upon Israel for their persistent disobedience.
Reasons for Israel’s Downfall
The Bible attributes the fall of Israel to their persistent disobedience to God. The people had repeatedly turned away from Him, engaging in idolatry and rejecting His commandments:
“For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt… and they had feared other gods, and had walked in the statutes of the nations whom the Lord had cast out from before the children of Israel” (2 Kings 17:7-8, NKJV).
Their sins included:
- Worshiping false gods (2 Kings 17:12)
- Rejecting the prophets (2 Kings 17:13-14)
- Practicing idolatry and sorcery (2 Kings 17:16-17)
- Sacrificing their children to false deities (2 Kings 17:17)
Because of their continued rebellion, God allowed the Assyrians to conquer them:
“Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight; there was none left but the tribe of Judah alone” (2 Kings 17:18, NKJV).
The Legacy of King Hoshea
Hoshea’s reign is significant because it marks the end of the northern kingdom. Unlike some previous kings, he did not lead Israel into deeper idolatry, but he also failed to bring about spiritual reform. His reliance on Egypt rather than God contributed to Israel’s downfall. He stands as a tragic figure—a ruler who sought independence but lacked the faith and wisdom to navigate the complexities of his time.
Although Hoshea was the last king of Israel, the people of Judah remained in the land for over a century until their own exile to Babylon. The fall of Israel serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human alliances rather than divine protection.
Conclusion
King Hoshea was the final ruler of Israel before its destruction by the Assyrians. His reign was marked by submission to Assyria, an unsuccessful rebellion, and the ultimate fall of his kingdom. The biblical account of Hoshea and Israel’s downfall highlights the dangers of disobedience to God and reliance on worldly powers. The story of Hoshea reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences that come with rejecting His ways. His legacy serves as both a warning and a lesson—turning away from God ultimately leads to judgment and destruction.