2 Kings 15:30

KJV

And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hoshea {H1954} the son {H1121} of Elah {H425} made {H7194} a conspiracy {H7195} against Pekah {H6492} the son {H1121} of Remaliah {H7425}, and smote {H5221} him, and slew {H4191} him, and reigned {H4427} in his stead, in the twentieth {H6242} year {H8141} of Jotham {H3147} the son {H1121} of Uzziah {H5818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hoshea the son of Elah conspired against Pekach the son of Remalyah, struck him, killed him and took his place as king in the twentieth year of Yotam the son of 'Uziyah.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah. In the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah, Hoshea attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:30 records a climactic and violent event in the tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the successful conspiracy of Hoshea, son of Elah, against King Pekah, son of Remaliah. This regicide culminated in Pekah's assassination and Hoshea's subsequent usurpation of the throne, marking the final violent transfer of power before Israel's ultimate demise. The precise chronological synchronism, "in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah," underscores the era's pervasive instability and the stark contrast between the chaotic succession in Israel and the more stable (though not perfect) Davidic line in Judah, highlighting God's sovereign hand even amidst human rebellion and political chaos.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the rapid and often bloody succession of kings in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a period consistently characterized by political instability, regicide, and profound moral and spiritual decay. Immediately preceding this verse, the narrative recounts Pekah's own violent seizure of power from Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:25) and the significant invasion by Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria, which resulted in the deportation of many Israelites from Galilee and Gilead (2 Kings 15:29). The book of 2 Kings relentlessly highlights the Northern Kingdom's persistent idolatry and rejection of God's covenant, presenting these internal upheavals and external pressures as direct consequences of their spiritual rebellion. The subsequent chapters will detail Hoshea's reign, which, ironically, would be the last, culminating in the fall of Samaria and the complete exile of Israel by Assyria (2 Kings 17), fulfilling the prophetic warnings issued over generations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mid-8th century BCE was a period of immense geopolitical pressure for both Israel and Judah, primarily from the burgeoning Neo-Assyrian Empire. Under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Assyria's expansionist policies led to frequent invasions, demands for tribute, and the brutal practice of deporting conquered peoples to break their national identity and prevent rebellion. Internally, the Northern Kingdom was plagued by a relentless cycle of assassinations and coups—no fewer than six kings were murdered in the last 50 years of its existence—a stark contrast to the comparatively more stable Davidic dynasty in Judah. Kings often formed shifting alliances with or against regional powers (like Aram or Egypt), leading to internal strife and external vulnerability. The "twentieth year of Jotham" synchronism is crucial for biblical chronologists, as it helps align the timelines of the two kingdoms and the broader ancient Near Eastern history. Culturally, while regicide was condemned by the prophets and represented a profound breakdown of divine order, it had become a disturbingly common method of succession in Israel, reflecting a kingdom that had lost its moral compass and divine mandate.
* **Key Themes:** The events of [2 Kings 15:30](/2_kings/15-30 "2 Kings 15:30 - Hoshea's Conspiracy Against Pekah") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Kings. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **political instability and cycles of violence** that plagued the Northern Kingdom, a direct consequence of its spiritual apostasy and rejection of God's covenant. This verse marks the final regicide before the kingdom's collapse, emphasizing the chaotic nature of its leadership as opposed to the more stable Davidic line in Judah (e.g., [2 Kings 15:32-38](/2_kings/15-32-38 "2 Kings 15:32-38 - Jotham's Righteous Reign in Judah")). Secondly, it implicitly highlights **divine judgment**; while God does not explicitly command Hoshea's act, the unrelenting internal decay and external pressures are presented as the outworking of God's righteous judgment against Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, as seen in the broader narrative of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **usurpation of power**, where authority is seized through treachery and bloodshed rather than legitimate, divinely appointed succession, reflecting a kingdom that had lost its moral compass and divine favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made a conspiracy (Hebrew, _qâshar'_):** The Hebrew verb קָשַׁר (H7194, _qâshar'_) means "to tie, bind, conspire." In this context, it refers to the act of forming a secret plot or alliance, specifically for the purpose of overthrowing a reigning authority. Its use here immediately signals the illicit and premeditated nature of Hoshea's actions, indicating a pre-arranged plot rather than a spontaneous act of violence. This verb emphasizes the deliberate and treacherous planning involved in the coup, highlighting the moral and political chaos that had engulfed the Northern Kingdom, where power was seized through deception and force.
* **Conspiracy (Hebrew, _qesher'_):** The Hebrew noun קֶשֶׁר (H7195, _qesher_), derived from the verb _qâshar_, refers to the "unlawful alliance" or "treason" itself. It denotes the outcome or nature of the act of conspiring. In biblical contexts, it almost invariably describes an illicit and violent overthrow of authority, typically leading to regicide. Its presence underscores the illegitimate and violent nature of Hoshea's ascension, distinguishing it from a legitimate transfer of power. This word choice emphasizes the profound breakdown of order and the prevalence of treacherous acts in the pursuit of power during this period.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** The Hebrew verb מוּת (H4191, _mûwth'_) is a primitive root meaning "to die" or, causatively, "to kill." In this verse, it definitively states the fatal outcome of the conspiracy. While the preceding verb "smote" (from _nakah_) indicates the initial violent blow, "slew" confirms the resulting death. The directness of this phrasing leaves no ambiguity: Pekah was not merely wounded or deposed, but definitively killed. This brutal efficiency highlights the ruthlessness of Hoshea's coup and the violent means by which power was obtained in this final, chaotic chapter of Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah,"**: This clause precisely identifies the perpetrator (Hoshea, son of Elah) and the victim (Pekah, son of Remaliah) of the coup. The phrase "made a conspiracy" immediately establishes the illicit, premeditated, and treacherous nature of Hoshea's actions, indicating a pre-arranged plot rather than a spontaneous act of violence. It sets the stage for the violent overthrow of the reigning monarch, highlighting the internal strife and moral decay within the Northern Kingdom.
* **"and smote him, and slew him,"**: This describes the execution of the conspiracy. The verbs "smote" and "slew" are direct and forceful, leaving no doubt about the violent and fatal outcome for King Pekah. This is a clear act of regicide, a tragically common occurrence in the final decades of the Northern Kingdom, demonstrating the complete breakdown of order and the prevalence of bloodshed in the pursuit of power. It underscores the severity of the political instability that plagued Israel.
* **"and reigned in his stead,"**: This clause states the immediate consequence of Pekah's assassination: Hoshea's successful usurpation of the throne. It signifies the transfer of power, not through legitimate succession or divine appointment, but through violent seizure. Hoshea becomes the new king, albeit one who came to power through bloodshed, thereby continuing the cycle of instability and illegitimate rule that characterized Israel's final kings.
* **"in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah."**: This precise chronological marker provides a crucial synchronism with the reign of Jotham, King of Judah. Such synchronisms are characteristic of the books of Kings, serving to anchor the narrative within a broader historical framework and to demonstrate the parallel, though often contrasting, histories of the two kingdoms. It allows for the accurate dating of this significant event within the reigns of both Israelite and Judahite monarchs, highlighting the contemporary nature of their respective histories and the broader ancient Near Eastern context.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Synchronism**, a common and vital literary device in the books of Kings, by precisely dating the event in Israel ("twentieth year of Jotham") relative to the reign of a Judahite king. This serves to interweave the histories of the two kingdoms, providing a robust chronological framework and emphasizing their interconnected destinies despite their political separation. Furthermore, the verse, within the broader narrative context, exemplifies **Irony**, as Pekah himself had seized power through regicide (2 Kings 15:25), only to fall victim to the very same violent means. This cyclical nature of violence and usurpation also suggests a form of **Foreshadowing**, as Hoshea's reign, initiated by bloodshed and continuing Israel's pattern of rebellion, would ultimately lead to the final destruction and exile of the Northern Kingdom, fulfilling the prophetic warnings against Israel's persistent unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The violent transition of power in 2 Kings 15:30, like many before it in the Northern Kingdom, serves as a stark testament to the devastating consequences of a nation's persistent rejection of divine covenant and moral order. While the text does not explicitly state God's direct command for Hoshea's conspiracy, the relentless cycle of regicide, internal instability, and external pressures is consistently presented throughout the books of Kings as the outworking of God's righteous judgment against Israel's pervasive idolatry and unfaithfulness. This chaotic political landscape underscores the profound theological truth that true stability, lasting peace, and divine blessing come only from humble adherence to God's righteous ways, contrasting sharply with the self-destructive path chosen by the Northern Kingdom. The inherent instability of human kingship, particularly when divorced from divine authority and moral integrity, ultimately leads to ruin and national collapse.

* [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7-23 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - The Reasons for Israel's Exile")
* [Hosea 8:4](/hosea/8-4 "Hosea 8:4 - Kings Appointed Without God's Approval")
* [Proverbs 28:2](/proverbs/28-2 "Proverbs 28:2 - When a Land Transgresses, It Has Many Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Hoshea's conspiracy and Pekah's assassination in 2 Kings 15:30 offers profound and timeless lessons for all generations, extending beyond ancient political dynamics to contemporary life. It powerfully illustrates the destructive nature of unchecked ambition, the inherent instability of power seized through illegitimate means, and the inevitable consequences when a society or its leadership abandons divine principles and moral integrity. When the foundation of a nation is not righteousness, it often descends into a chaotic cycle of violence, treachery, and self-destruction. This passage reminds us that true peace, justice, and lasting prosperity are not built on human cunning, brute force, or political expediency, but on humility, integrity, and a commitment to God's established order. For believers, it serves as a solemn call to pray for and uphold righteous leadership, understanding that the character of those in authority profoundly impacts the well-being of a nation. More deeply, it encourages us to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else, recognizing that only His perfect and eternal rule brings ultimate stability, true justice, and enduring hope in a world often marked by chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the cycle of violence and instability in the Northern Kingdom, as exemplified in this verse, serve as a warning for contemporary societies and leaders regarding the consequences of moral and spiritual decline?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the dangers of seeking power through illegitimate means, even if such actions appear to offer a quick solution to existing problems?**
* **In what ways does the historical account of Israel's decline, culminating in its exile, encourage us to prioritize spiritual faithfulness and covenant obedience over political expediency or worldly success?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah" in this verse?**

Answer: This chronological detail is a crucial **synchronism**, a common and important feature in the books of Kings. It serves to precisely date the event of Pekah's assassination and Hoshea's ascension in the Northern Kingdom of Israel by correlating it with the reign of a king in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Jotham was a righteous king of Judah (as noted in [2 Kings 15:34](/2_kings/15-34 "2 Kings 15:34 - Jotham's Righteous Reign")), and this synchronism helps biblical chronologists align the parallel histories of both kingdoms, providing a clearer understanding of the broader historical context of the ancient Near East and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for His people.

**How does Hoshea's conspiracy fit into the broader narrative of the Northern Kingdom's decline?**

Answer: Hoshea's conspiracy marks the final act of regicide in the Northern Kingdom of Israel before its ultimate destruction and exile. This event is a culmination of a long period of political instability, moral decay, and spiritual apostasy that had plagued Israel since its division from Judah. The frequent coups and assassinations, like that of Pekah, were symptoms of a kingdom that had consistently rejected God's covenant and embraced idolatry. Hoshea's reign, though beginning with violence, would ironically be the last, ending with the Assyrian conquest of Samaria and the deportation of the Israelite population, as prophesied and recorded in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile"). This final act of internal violence underscores the complete breakdown of order that preceded the kingdom's external demise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The relentless cycle of violence, instability, and illegitimate kingship evident in [2 Kings 15:30](/2_kings/15-30 "2 Kings 15:30 - Hoshea's Conspiracy") and throughout the tragic history of the Northern Kingdom profoundly underscores humanity's desperate need for a true, righteous, and eternal King. The earthly kings of Israel, even those who began with good intentions, ultimately failed to bring lasting peace, justice, or stability, often succumbing to the very corruption and violence they sought to overthrow. This chaotic backdrop points forward with profound theological urgency to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the only legitimate King, not by human conspiracy or violent overthrow, but by divine appointment and eternal decree. Unlike Hoshea, who seized power through bloodshed, Jesus established His kingdom through self-sacrifice on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His reign is characterized by perfect peace, unwavering righteousness, and an unbreakable covenant, fulfilling the prophecies of an everlasting Davidic King (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). The instability and ultimate collapse of human kingdoms, as seen in Pekah's demise and Israel's exile, serve as a powerful contrast to the unshakable and eternal kingdom of Christ, into which all believers are invited to enter (e.g., [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). He is the King who truly reigns in righteousness, bringing ultimate stability, salvation, and eternal hope, a stark and glorious contrast to the fleeting and bloody reigns of earthly monarchs.

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

2 Kings 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.

2 Kings 16:1

¶ In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign.

Hosea 10:3

For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?

2 Kings 15:10

And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 28:16

¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him.

2 Kings 15:32

¶ In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah king of Israel began Jotham the son of Uzziah king of Judah to reign.

2 Kings 15:33

Five and twenty years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok.