2 Kings 15:29

KJV

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the days {H3117} of Pekah {H6492} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} came {H935} Tiglathpileser {H8407} king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}, and took {H3947} Ijon {H5859}, and Abelbethmaachah {H62}, and Janoah {H3239}, and Kedesh {H6943}, and Hazor {H2674}, and Gilead {H1568}, and Galilee {H1551}, all the land {H776} of Naphtali {H5321}, and carried them captive {H1540} to Assyria {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

During the time of Pekach king of Isra'el, Tiglat-Pil'eser king of Ashur came and conquered 'Iyon, Avel-Beit-Ma'akhah, Yanoach, Kedesh, Hatzor, Gil'ad, and the Galil - all the land of Naftali - and took them captive to Ashur.

Berean Standard Bible

In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria.

American Standard Version

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel-beth-maacah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:29 records a pivotal moment in the decline of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the first major wave of deportations by the Neo-Assyrian Empire under Tiglathpileser III. This act of military conquest and forced relocation targeted key northern and eastern territories, including the region of Naphtali, signaling the beginning of the end for Israel's sovereignty and foreshadowing the complete destruction of Samaria and the scattering of its inhabitants a few decades later. It stands as a stark testament to the consequences of covenant disobedience and the unfolding of divine judgment through the actions of a powerful foreign empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of 2 Kings, a historical narrative chronicling the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah, often highlighting their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. Chapter 15 specifically details the rapid succession of unstable and often ungodly kings in the Northern Kingdom, including Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah. The political instability, marked by numerous coups and assassinations, directly correlates with Israel's spiritual decline. Verse 29 immediately follows the account of Pekah's 20-year reign, which began with his assassination of Pekahiah, Menahem's son ([2 Kings 15:25](/2_kings/15-25 "2 Kings 15:25 - Pekah's Coup")). The Assyrian invasion described here is a direct consequence of Pekah's anti-Assyrian foreign policy, particularly his alliance with Rezin of Aram against Judah, known as the Syro-Ephraimite War ([2 Kings 16:5](/2_kings/16-5 "2 Kings 16:5 - The Syro-Ephraimite War")). This event sets the stage for the ultimate fall of Samaria in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile"), portraying a relentless divine judgment unfolding through the Assyrian superpower.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mid-8th century BCE was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East, dominated by the rise of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Tiglathpileser III (reigned 745–727 BCE), also known as Pul in Babylonian records, was a highly effective and ruthless Assyrian monarch who revolutionized imperial administration. His strategy involved systematic military campaigns, the imposition of heavy tribute, and, crucially, mass deportations of conquered populations. This policy aimed to break national identities, prevent rebellions, and integrate diverse peoples into the Assyrian economic and military machine. The specific locations mentioned—Ijon, Abelbethmaachah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, encompassing "all the land of Naphtali"—were strategically important northern and eastern territories of Israel, vulnerable to invasion from the north. These regions, particularly Galilee and Gilead, had strong historical and tribal connections within Israel, making their loss and the deportation of their inhabitants a profound blow to the national identity and a vivid demonstration of Assyrian power.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes present in 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and political corruption. The Assyrian invasion is not merely a geopolitical event but is presented as Yahweh's instrument of chastisement, fulfilling ancient warnings about exile and scattering for disobedience, as found in [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Warnings of Scattering Among Nations"). Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Sin and Rebellion**, demonstrating the devastating impact of national apostasy on a people's land, freedom, and identity. The loss of these territories and the forced deportation represent the culmination of generations of spiritual decline and political instability. Finally, the verse reveals the **Sovereignty of God over World Powers**. Even though Tiglathpileser III acted out of his own imperial ambitions, the biblical narrative consistently portrays God as orchestrating history, using even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes, whether in judgment or, eventually, in restoration. This is a recurring motif, seen in God's use of Babylon against Judah later on, and His control over all nations, as declared in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pekah (Hebrew, _peqaḥ_):** Meaning "open" or "opened," Pekah was the son of Remaliah and a military officer who assassinated King Pekahiah to seize the throne of Israel. His reign (c. 740-732 BCE) was marked by an anti-Assyrian alliance with Rezin of Aram, which provoked the very invasion described in this verse. His reign exemplifies the political instability and moral decline that plagued the Northern Kingdom in its final decades.
* **Tiglathpileser (Hebrew, _tiglat pilʾeser_):** This is the Hebrew rendering of the Akkadian name "Tukultī-apil-Ešarra," meaning "My trust is in the son of Ešarra" (Ešarra being a temple of the god Ashur). Tiglathpileser III was one of Assyria's most formidable kings, responsible for significant territorial expansion and the refinement of Assyrian imperial policies, including mass deportations, which profoundly impacted Israel and Judah. His appearance here signifies the direct intervention of a major world power, acting as an agent of divine judgment.
* **Carried them captive (Hebrew, הִגְלָם, _higlam_):** This verb, from the root גלה (_galah_), meaning "to uncover, reveal," but in the Hiphil stem, it means "to cause to go into exile, deport." This term precisely describes the Assyrian policy of forced population transfer. It implies not merely military defeat but the systematic uprooting of entire communities, severing their ties to their land, culture, and religious practices, and relocating them to distant parts of the Assyrian Empire. This practice was designed to break the national spirit of conquered peoples, prevent future uprisings, and integrate them into the Assyrian imperial system, leading to the eventual loss of their distinct identity as the "lost tribes" of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria,"**: This opening clause precisely dates the event to the reign of Pekah, a king known for his anti-Assyrian stance, which directly provoked this invasion. It immediately introduces the two main antagonists from Israel's perspective: Pekah, the Israelite king whose policies led to disaster, and Tiglathpileser, the powerful Assyrian monarch who served as God's instrument of judgment. The arrival of the Assyrian king signifies an overwhelming external force against a weakened and apostate Israel.
* **"and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali,"**: This detailed list enumerates the specific territories and cities conquered by Tiglathpileser. These regions were primarily in the northern and eastern parts of Israel, including significant tribal lands. Ijon, Abelbethmaachah, Janoah, Kedesh, and Hazor were fortified cities in the northern Galilee region, while Gilead refers to the Transjordanian territory. The phrase "all the land of Naphtali" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the conquest, highlighting the loss of a major tribal inheritance. The enumeration underscores the extent of the devastation and the systematic nature of the Assyrian campaign.
* **"and carried them captive to Assyria."**: This concluding clause describes the ultimate fate of the inhabitants of the conquered territories. The phrase "carried them captive" (Hebrew: _higlam_) points to the brutal Assyrian policy of mass deportation. This was not just a military occupation but a forced removal of entire populations from their ancestral lands to distant parts of the Assyrian Empire. This act was designed to break their national identity and prevent future rebellions, effectively dissolving the distinct Israelite presence in these regions and initiating the process that would lead to the "lost tribes" phenomenon.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Catalogue** or **Listing**, as evidenced by the explicit enumeration of the conquered cities and regions: "Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali." This detailed list serves to emphasize the comprehensive and devastating scope of the Assyrian invasion, leaving no doubt about the extent of Israel's territorial loss. Furthermore, the event described functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the impending and complete destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which would occur just a few decades later with the fall of Samaria. The partial deportation here serves as a grim precursor to the full-scale exile. Implicitly, there is also an element of **Divine Passive** or **Divine Agency** at play; while Tiglathpileser is the active agent, the theological context of 2 Kings suggests that this invasion is ultimately an instrument of God's judgment against Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The deportation described in 2 Kings 15:29 is a profound theological statement, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment. It serves as a tangible fulfillment of the curses outlined in the Mosaic Law, particularly the warnings of exile and dispersion for disobedience. This event demonstrates that God is sovereign over all nations, using even pagan empires as instruments of His divine will to bring about justice and to call His people to repentance. The loss of land and identity was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent rebellion against Yahweh, their pursuit of idolatry, and their rejection of prophetic warnings. It underscores the seriousness of covenant breaking and the ultimate futility of relying on political alliances rather than on the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Warning of Scattering Among Nations")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 9:1](/isaiah/9-1 "Isaiah 9:1 - Prophecy of Galilee's Future")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The events of 2 Kings 15:29 offer potent lessons for believers today, reminding us of the enduring principles of divine justice and the consequences of spiritual compromise. Just as Israel's persistent unfaithfulness led to the loss of their land and freedom, so too can our personal and corporate disobedience lead to spiritual barrenness, loss of peace, and a diminished witness. This passage calls us to sober reflection on the seriousness of sin and the importance of heeding God's warnings, whether through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or the counsel of godly leaders. It also challenges us to recognize God's sovereignty even amidst chaotic global events, understanding that He works through all circumstances and agents to accomplish His ultimate purposes. Our trust must remain firmly in Him, not in fleeting political powers or human strategies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be neglecting God's warnings or compromising on His commands, and what might be the consequences?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations, even through difficult historical events, shape my perspective on current global affairs?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Israel's loss of identity and land regarding the importance of maintaining a distinct, Christ-centered identity in a secular world?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "land of Naphtali" being taken captive?**

Answer: The capture of "all the land of Naphtali" was highly significant for several reasons. Geographically, Naphtali was a northern tribal territory, bordering Aram and vulnerable to northern invasions. Historically, it was part of the original tribal allotment given by God to Israel, making its loss a direct violation of God's promise of land. Theologically, the region of Galilee (part of Naphtali) was later prophesied by Isaiah to see a "great light" ([Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1 "Isaiah 9:1-2 - Prophecy of Light in Galilee")), which would be fulfilled by Jesus' ministry. Thus, its capture represented a deep wound to Israel's national and spiritual identity, foreshadowing the complete scattering of the Northern Kingdom and highlighting the severity of God's judgment.

**How did Tiglathpileser III's actions differ from previous conquerors?**

Answer: Tiglathpileser III revolutionized Assyrian imperial policy, making mass deportation a systematic and widespread practice. While earlier empires might have taken tribute or enslaved portions of populations, Tiglathpileser's approach involved the forced relocation of entire communities, often exchanging populations between different conquered territories. This was designed to break national cohesion, prevent revolts, and integrate diverse peoples into the Assyrian economic and military system. This policy was unique in its scale and systematic application, profoundly impacting the identity and future of the conquered peoples, including the Israelites. His actions were a highly effective, albeit brutal, method of maintaining control over his vast empire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Kings 15:29 depicts a moment of profound darkness, judgment, and scattering for the people of Israel, it also inadvertently sets the stage for a glorious future fulfillment in Christ. The "land of Naphtali" and Galilee, once devastated by Assyrian conquest and deportation, would centuries later become the very epicenter of Jesus' earthly ministry. The prophet Isaiah, speaking of this very region, declared that "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone" ([Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - Light in Galilee")). Matthew explicitly connects this prophecy to Jesus' move to Capernaum in Galilee ([Matthew 4:13-16](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13-16 - Jesus Begins Ministry in Galilee")), demonstrating that where Israel experienced physical captivity and spiritual darkness, Christ brought liberation and divine light. Jesus, the true King of Israel, came not to scatter and deport, but to gather His people, to break the bonds of spiritual captivity to sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and to lead a new exodus from darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, reversing the curse of exile and establishing an unshakable kingdom where His people are eternally secure, gathered under Him as the Good Shepherd ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers His Sheep")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 5:26

And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

2 Kings 17:6

In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.

2 Kings 16:7

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

1 Kings 15:20

So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

Joshua 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

2 Samuel 20:14

¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

2 Samuel 20:15

And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that [were] with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.