2 Kings 17:3

KJV

Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.

KJV (with Strong's)

Against him came up {H5927} Shalmaneser {H8022} king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}; and Hoshea {H1954} became his servant {H5650}, and gave {H7725} him presents {H4503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalman'eser king of Ashur advanced against Hoshea, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute.

Berean Standard Bible

Shalmaneser king of Assyria attacked him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute.

American Standard Version

Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and brought him tribute.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:3 records a critical juncture in the decline of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, depicting the subjugation of its final king, Hoshea, to the formidable Neo-Assyrian Empire under Shalmaneser V. This verse formally establishes Israel's vassalage, marked by Hoshea's transformation into a "servant" and the compulsory payment of "presents" or tribute, thereby setting the stage for the kingdom's ultimate demise and the subsequent exile of its people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, whose reign is summarily judged as "evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him" [2 Kings 17:2](/2_kings/17-2 "2 Kings 17:2 - Hoshea's Evil Reign"). The narrative framework of 2 Kings consistently links the spiritual fidelity (or infidelity) of Israel's monarchs to the nation's political fortunes and divine judgment. Verse 3 serves as the direct, immediate consequence of Israel's prolonged apostasy and Hoshea's own wickedness, illustrating the beginning of the end for the Northern Kingdom. It functions as the crucial prelude to Hoshea's subsequent rebellion and the final Assyrian siege and exile, which are detailed later in the chapter, particularly in [2 Kings 17:4-6](/2_kings/17-4-6 "2 Kings 17:4-6 - Hoshea's Rebellion and the Fall of Samaria").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BC was characterized by the aggressive and relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Assyrian kings, including Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II, systematically conquered and absorbed smaller kingdoms across the Levant, employing brutal tactics such as mass deportations to prevent resistance and consolidate control. Shalmaneser V (reigned 727-722 BC) continued this aggressive imperial policy. Israel, severely weakened by internal strife, regicide, and deep-seated spiritual apostasy, found itself precariously positioned between the burgeoning Assyrian power to the north and the declining, yet still influential, Egyptian empire to the south. The practice of a conquered or weaker nation becoming a "servant" (vassal) and paying "presents" (tribute) was a standard feature of ancient Near Eastern international relations, signifying a profound loss of sovereignty and often formalized by a vassal treaty. This imposed tribute was a crushing economic burden, meticulously designed to extract wealth and maintain rigid control over subjugated territories.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The most immediate theme is **Political Subjugation**, as Hoshea's status shifts dramatically from an independent monarch to a mere "servant" or vassal, vividly illustrating Israel's complete loss of national autonomy. This subjugation is directly linked to the theme of **Tribute and Appeasement**, where the "presents" represent a desperate, yet ultimately futile, attempt by Hoshea to buy peace and avert further Assyrian military intervention, a strategy that ultimately fails, as seen in his later rebellion [2 Kings 17:4](/2_kings/17-4 "2 Kings 17:4 - Hoshea's Treachery"). Most significantly, this event is a crucial component of the larger theme of the **Consequences of Disobedience**. While not explicitly elaborated within this single verse, the overarching narrative of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel") makes it unequivocally clear that Israel's political decline and eventual destruction were direct divine judgments for their persistent idolatry, egregious covenant breaking, and stubborn rejection of God's prophetic warnings, thereby fulfilling the solemn curses outlined in the Mosaic covenant [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience and Foreign Rule").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shalmaneser (Hebrew, _Shalman'eçer'_):** This refers specifically to Shalmaneser V, the formidable king of Assyria. His name here symbolizes the overwhelming military and political might of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which served as God's chosen instrument of judgment against a disobedient Israel. His "coming up" against Israel signifies a decisive military campaign aimed at asserting Assyrian dominance and extracting tribute, a common and brutal practice for this imperial power.
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** The term _ʻebed_ in this context denotes a vassal or subordinate ruler rather than a personal attendant. Hoshea, who once reigned as an independent king, is here reduced to the humiliating status of a bondservant to Shalmaneser, signifying a complete and irreversible loss of national sovereignty and political independence. This dramatic shift underscores the profound humiliation and subjugation of the Northern Kingdom, highlighting their diminished status within the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.
* **presents (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** While _minchâh_ can indeed refer to a grain offering in a religious context (e.g., [Genesis 4:3](/genesis/4-3 "Genesis 4:3 - Cain's Offering")), in this specific political and historical context, it unequivocally means "tribute" or "levy." These were not voluntary gifts offered out of goodwill but mandatory payments of wealth, goods, or resources extracted by a dominant imperial power from a subordinate one. The act of giving _minchâh_ was a concrete and public sign of submission and a desperate attempt to appease the Assyrian king, albeit one that proved temporary and ultimately unsuccessful in securing Israel's future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria":** This clause vividly describes the aggressive military action initiated by the Assyrian monarch, Shalmaneser V, directly against Hoshea, the reigning king of Israel. The phrase "came up" implies a significant military expedition from Assyria's heartland into the Levant, clearly demonstrating Assyria's superior power and its unyielding intent to enforce its will upon Israel. This was not a diplomatic visit or a friendly overture, but a decisive show of military force designed to compel submission.
* **"and Hoshea became his servant":** This critically important clause signifies the immediate and profound outcome of Shalmaneser's military campaign: Hoshea's complete submission and his formal acceptance of vassal status. It marks the definitive end of Israel's independent monarchy and its forced integration into the vast and oppressive Assyrian imperial system. As a "servant," Hoshea was now bound by stringent treaty obligations, including unwavering loyalty to Assyria and the regular payment of heavy tribute.
* **"and gave him presents":** This final clause details the tangible and concrete manifestation of Hoshea's newly imposed vassal status. The "presents" were not voluntary gifts of goodwill or diplomacy, but compulsory tribute payments, representing an immense economic burden imposed by Assyria. This act was a desperate attempt by Hoshea to placate the Assyrian king and prevent further military devastation, but it ultimately failed to secure Israel's long-term peace, prosperity, or independence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and somber significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as this initial subjugation of Hoshea and the imposition of tribute directly foreshadow the complete and catastrophic collapse of the Northern Kingdom and the subsequent exile of its people, events that unfold with tragic inevitability in the subsequent verses of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"). There is also a strong element of **Irony** in Hoshea's actions; his desperate attempt to secure peace and maintain his throne through appeasement and political maneuvering ultimately leads directly to his downfall, highlighting the futility and ultimate failure of human strategies when they operate apart from divine guidance and faithfulness. Furthermore, the "presents" themselves function as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not generosity or alliance, but rather the stark reality of lost sovereignty, severe economic exploitation, and the humiliating submission of a once-proud nation to a foreign, conquering power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 17:3, while meticulously detailing a historical event of political subjugation, carries immense theological weight. It serves as a stark and undeniable illustration of God's absolute sovereignty over the nations, demonstrating His capacity to use even pagan empires like Assyria as instruments of His divine judgment against His disobedient people. Israel's persistent idolatry, egregious covenant breaking, and moral decay, which are meticulously detailed elsewhere in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"), directly led to their vulnerability and eventual subjugation, thereby fulfilling the solemn curses outlined in the Mosaic covenant. This verse powerfully underscores the profound principle that true security, national prosperity, and lasting peace are found not in precarious political alliances or desperate material appeasement, but exclusively in faithful and unwavering allegiance to the Lord. The loss of independence and the imposition of tribute are direct and inevitable consequences of a nation abandoning its divine covenant and turning away from its God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience and Foreign Rule")
* [Isaiah 7:17-20](/isaiah/7-17-20 "Isaiah 7:17-20 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Judgment")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of 2 Kings 17:3 offers profound and timeless lessons that resonate deeply for individuals and communities today. Just as Israel’s spiritual decline inexorably led to political vulnerability and subjugation, so too can our personal or collective compromises with sin expose us to various forms of spiritual, emotional, or even relational bondage. The perennial temptation to seek peace, security, or acceptance through "presents" – whether it be compromising our core values, relying solely on worldly systems and strategies, or appeasing cultural pressures that contradict God's Word – remains a significant challenge. This verse serves as a powerful call to examine our ultimate allegiance: are we truly "servants" of the Lord, committed to His will and ways, or have we, like Hoshea, inadvertently become vassals to other powers, whether they manifest as financial idols, social anxieties, or prevailing secular ideologies? It serves as a sobering reminder that true freedom, lasting peace, and genuine security are found exclusively in unwavering faithfulness to God, rather than in desperate and ultimately futile attempts to appease the shifting demands and fleeting promises of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Israel's political subjugation in this verse reflect deeper spiritual compromises and a departure from covenant faithfulness within the nation?**
* **In what contemporary ways might we, as individuals or as a community of faith, be tempted to seek "presents" or appeasement in the world rather than trusting wholeheartedly in God's sovereign provision and protection?**
* **What enduring lessons does this verse impart about the long-term consequences of persistent disobedience and covenant breaking, both for nations and for individual lives?**

### FAQ

**Who was Shalmaneser and what was his significance for Israel?**

Answer: Shalmaneser V was the king of Assyria who reigned from 727 to 722 BC. He was a formidable and aggressive monarch who continued Assyria's relentless imperial expansion across the ancient Near East. For Israel, his significance is paramount as he served as the direct instrument of their subjugation. He initiated the decisive military campaign that reduced Hoshea, the last king of the Northern Kingdom, to a vassal, compelling him to pay heavy tribute. Ultimately, it was Shalmaneser who began the final siege of Samaria, the capital of Israel, though the city's fall and the subsequent exile of its people were completed by his successor, Sargon II [2 Kings 17:5-6](/2_kings/17-5-6 "2 Kings 17:5-6 - The Siege and Fall of Samaria").

**What does "gave him presents" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In the specific historical and political context of 2 Kings 17:3, the phrase "gave him presents" does not refer to a voluntary gift offered out of goodwill or friendship. Instead, it unequivocally signifies the payment of **tribute**. This was a mandatory, often economically devastating, levy of goods, wealth, or resources that a subordinate nation (like Israel) was compelled to pay to a dominant imperial power (like Assyria). It served as a clear and public sign of vassalage, acknowledging the suzerainty of the Assyrian king and representing a desperate attempt to avert further military action or more severe penalties. This act represented a significant economic burden for Israel and a profound loss of national dignity and sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The subjugation of Israel under King Hoshea to the Assyrian Empire, marked by forced tribute and a devastating loss of national sovereignty, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate human condition apart from Christ. Humanity, in its rebellion against God, became enslaved to the dominion of sin and the inevitability of death, paying a heavy "tribute" of futility, despair, and spiritual bondage. Earthly kings and human strategies, much like Hoshea's desperate attempts at appeasement, proved utterly incapable of securing true freedom or lasting peace. This profound brokenness of the human condition points to the desperate and urgent need for a fundamentally different kind of King and a different kind of "servant." Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, did not come to demand tribute or impose His will through force, but rather to offer Himself as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. He is the [Suffering Servant](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant") prophesied in Isaiah, who bore the full judgment for our disobedience, paying the ultimate price to redeem us from the bondage of sin and deliver us from the dominion of darkness [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness and Transferred to the Kingdom of His Son"). Unlike Hoshea, who became a servant to an earthly conqueror, Christ, though Lord of all creation, came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). His kingdom is not of this world, established by military might or political maneuvering, but by sacrificial love, divine power, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, offering true liberation and eternal peace to all who willingly become His "servants" [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World").

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

Hosea 10:14

Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon [her] children.

2 Kings 15:19

[And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

Isaiah 10:11

Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?

Isaiah 10:12

Wherefore it shall come to pass, [that] when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

Isaiah 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

2 Samuel 8:6

Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.