FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
2 Kings 17:4
KJVAnd the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present 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.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster.
- 17:1 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.
- 17:2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him.
- 17:3 Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.
- 17:4 And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution to Kings. The completed work incorporates records of Israel and Judah and events during exile; its final compiler is uncertain. Biblical references: 2 Kings 15:11; 2 Kings 25:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Kings 17:1–17:41): The northern kingdom of Israel, its kings and people, and Assyrian rulers are involved in the fall of Samaria. The account also describes the populations settled in its place. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelite and Judean community in and after the exile, reflecting on why both kingdoms fell and what remained of the Davidic line. Biblical references: 2 Kings 17:7; 2 Kings 23:27; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Hoshea the Last King of Israel. Read 2 Kings 17:1 through 2 Kings 17:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The accounts of the kings culminate in Assyria's conquest of Israel and an extended explanation of the disaster. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book continues the divided-kingdom histories through Assyria's conquest of Israel and Babylon's conquest of Judah, ending with a notice concerning Jehoiachin. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative ranges through Israel and Judah, including Samaria and Jerusalem, and ends with exile in Babylon. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Hoshea the Last King of Israel (2 Kings 17:1 to 2 Kings 17:4). Start reading at 2 Kings 17:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus cites the cleansing of Naaman in His discourse at Nazareth. This supplies a specific connection to the book's prophetic narratives and challenges assumptions about privilege. See 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Hear warnings before repeated refusal hardens into habit. Reform, repentance, and faithfulness should be assessed from the narrated response to God's word, not merely a ruler's reputation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 17:4, 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- A. M. 3279. B.C. 725. found conspiracy 2 Kgs 24:1,20 Ezek 17:13-19
- king of Egypt 2 Kgs 18:21 Isa 30:1-4 Isa 31:1-3 Ezek 17:15
- brought 2 Kgs 18:14-15
- bound him 2 Kgs 25:7 2 Chr 32:11 Ps 149:7-8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings 17
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Israel Carried Captive to Assyria
2 Kings 17:5–23FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Samaria Resettled
2 Kings 17:24–41FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Kings
2 Kings 17:7 2 Kings 23:27 2 Kings 25:27
Elijah's departure and Elisha's ministry
2 Kings 1:1–8:15FocusThe prophetic word continues
FocusRoyal succession, reform, and persistent sin
Judah before its fall
2 Kings 18:1–23:30FocusHezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah
Jerusalem falls and Judah is exiled
2 Kings 23:31–25:30FocusDestruction and a final note of favor
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.