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 chronicles a pivotal moment in the decline of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the subjugation of its last king, Hoshea, to the formidable Assyrian Empire under Shalmaneser V. This verse marks the formal establishment of Israel's vassalage, characterized by Hoshea becoming a "servant" and paying "presents" (tribute), setting the stage for the kingdom's ultimate downfall and the subsequent exile of its people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Hoshea, the final 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 of 2 Kings is structured around the reigns of kings and their adherence to or deviation from God's covenant, often linking their spiritual fidelity to the nation's political fortunes. Verse 3 directly illustrates the immediate consequence of Israel's prolonged apostasy and Hoshea's own wickedness, demonstrating the beginning of the end for the Northern Kingdom. It serves as the direct prelude to Hoshea's rebellion and the final Assyrian siege and exile described later in the chapter ([2 Kings 17:4-6](/2_kings/17-4 "2 Kings 17:4-6 - Hoshea's Rebellion and the Fall of Samaria")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BC was dominated by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II systematically conquered and absorbed smaller kingdoms in the Levant, employing brutal tactics including mass deportations to prevent rebellion. Shalmaneser V (reigned 727-722 BC) continued this aggressive policy. Israel, weakened by internal strife, regicide, and spiritual apostasy, found itself caught between the rising 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" and paying "presents" (tribute) was a standard feature of ancient Near Eastern international relations, signifying a loss of sovereignty and often accompanied by a formal vassal treaty. This imposed tribute was a heavy economic burden, designed to extract wealth and maintain control.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. The primary theme is **Political Subjugation**, as Hoshea's status shifts from independent monarch to a mere "servant" or vassal, illustrating Israel's 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 avoid further Assyrian military intervention, 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 part of the larger theme of the **Consequences of Disobedience**. While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the broader narrative of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel") makes it clear that Israel's political decline and eventual destruction were direct divine judgments for their persistent idolatry, covenant breaking, and rejection of God's prophets, fulfilling the warnings of the Mosaic covenant ([Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shalmaneser (Hebrew, _Shalman'eser'_):** This refers to Shalmaneser V, king of Assyria. His name signifies the overwhelming military and political might of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which served as God's instrument of judgment against disobedient Israel. His "coming up" against Israel indicates a military campaign aimed at asserting Assyrian dominance and extracting tribute, a common practice for this imperial power.
* **servant (Hebrew, _'eved'_):** The term _'eved_ here denotes a vassal or subordinate ruler rather than a personal attendant. Hoshea, once an independent king, is reduced to the status of a bondservant to Shalmaneser, signifying a complete loss of national sovereignty and political independence. This shift underscores the humiliation and subjugation of the Northern Kingdom, highlighting their diminished status in the geopolitical landscape.
* **presents (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** While _minchah_ can 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 political context, it unequivocally means "tribute" or "levy." These were not voluntary gifts but mandatory payments of wealth or goods extracted by a dominant power from a subordinate one. The giving of _minchah_ was a concrete sign of submission and an attempt to appease the Assyrian king, albeit a temporary and ultimately unsuccessful one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria":** This clause describes the aggressive military action initiated by the Assyrian monarch, Shalmaneser V, against Hoshea, the king of Israel. The phrase "came up" implies a military expedition from Assyria's heartland into the Levant, demonstrating Assyria's superior power and its intent to enforce its will upon Israel. This was not a diplomatic visit but a show of force.
* **"and Hoshea became his servant":** This signifies the immediate outcome of Shalmaneser's campaign: Hoshea's submission and acceptance of vassal status. It marks the formal end of Israel's independent monarchy and its integration into the Assyrian imperial system. As a "servant," Hoshea was bound by treaty obligations, including loyalty to Assyria and the payment of tribute.
* **"and gave him presents":** This final clause details the concrete manifestation of Hoshea's new vassal status. The "presents" were not gifts of goodwill but compulsory tribute payments, a heavy economic burden imposed by Assyria. This act was an attempt to placate the Assyrian king and prevent further military devastation, but it ultimately failed to secure Israel's long-term peace or independence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as this initial subjugation of Hoshea and the payment of tribute directly foreshadow the complete collapse of the Northern Kingdom and the exile of its people, which unfolds in the subsequent verses of [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"). There is also an element of **Irony** in Hoshea's actions; his attempt to secure peace and maintain his throne through appeasement and political maneuvering ultimately leads to his downfall, highlighting the futility of human strategies apart from divine guidance. Furthermore, the "presents" themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing not generosity but the loss of sovereignty, the economic exploitation, and the humiliating submission of a once-proud nation to a foreign power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 17:3, while describing a historical event of political subjugation, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark illustration of God's sovereignty over the nations, using even pagan empires like Assyria as instruments of His divine judgment against His disobedient people. Israel's persistent idolatry and covenant breaking, detailed elsewhere in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"), led to their vulnerability and eventual subjugation, fulfilling the curses outlined in the Mosaic covenant. This verse underscores the principle that true security and national prosperity are found not in political alliances or material appeasement, but in faithful allegiance to the Lord. The loss of independence and the imposition of tribute are direct consequences of a nation abandoning its divine covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience and Foreign Rule")
* [Isaiah 7:17-20](/isaiah/7-17 "Isaiah 7:17-20 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [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 timeless lessons for individuals and communities today. Just as Israel’s spiritual decline led to political vulnerability and subjugation, so too can our personal or collective compromises with sin expose us to various forms of bondage. The temptation to seek peace or security through "presents" – whether it be compromising our values, relying on worldly systems, or appeasing cultural pressures – rather than trusting in God's sovereign protection and provision, remains a perennial challenge. This verse calls us to examine our ultimate allegiance: are we truly "servants" of the Lord, or have we, like Hoshea, become vassals to other powers, whether they be financial, social, or ideological? It reminds us that true freedom and lasting peace are found only in unwavering faithfulness to God, rather than in desperate attempts to appease the shifting demands of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Israel's political subjugation in this verse reflect deeper spiritual compromises within the nation?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be tempted to seek "presents" or appeasement in the world rather than trusting in God's sovereign provision and protection?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the long-term consequences of persistent disobedience, 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 from 727 to 722 BC. He was a formidable monarch who continued Assyria's aggressive imperial expansion. For Israel, his significance lies in his role as the instrument of their subjugation. He initiated the campaign that reduced Hoshea, the last king of the Northern Kingdom, to a vassal, forcing him to pay tribute. Ultimately, it was Shalmaneser who began the siege of Samaria, though it was completed by his successor Sargon II, leading to the final fall of the Northern Kingdom and the exile of its people ([2 Kings 17:5-6](/2_kings/17-5 "2 Kings 17:5-6 - The Siege and Fall of Samaria")).

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

Answer: In the context of 2 Kings 17:3, "gave him presents" does not refer to a voluntary gift of goodwill. Instead, it signifies the payment of **tribute**. This was a mandatory, often heavy, levy of goods, wealth, or resources that a subordinate nation (like Israel) was compelled to pay to a dominant empire (like Assyria). It was a clear sign of vassalage, acknowledging the suzerainty of the Assyrian king and an attempt to avert further military action or harsher penalties. It represented a significant economic burden and a profound loss of national dignity and sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The subjugation of Israel under Hoshea to Assyria, marked by forced tribute and a loss of sovereignty, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate human condition apart from Christ. Humanity, in its rebellion against God, became enslaved to sin and death, paying a heavy "tribute" of futility and despair. Earthly kings and human strategies, like Hoshea's appeasement, proved utterly incapable of securing true freedom or lasting peace. This brokenness points to the desperate need for a different kind of King and a different kind of "servant." Jesus Christ, the true King of Kings, did not come to demand tribute but to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. He is the [Suffering Servant](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant") who bore the judgment for our disobedience, paying the ultimate price to redeem us from the bondage of sin and the dominion of darkness ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Unlike Hoshea, who became a servant to an earthly conqueror, Christ, though Lord of all, 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 appeasement, but by sacrificial love and divine power, offering true liberation and eternal peace to all who become His willing "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.