2 Kings 17:5

KJV

Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} came up {H5927} throughout all the land {H776}, and went up {H5927} to Samaria {H8111}, and besieged {H6696} it three {H7969} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king of Ashur invaded all the land, advanced on Shomron and put it under siege for three years.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years.

American Standard Version

Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 17:5 marks the climactic beginning of the end for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing the relentless and comprehensive military campaign launched by the Assyrian Empire. This verse specifically records the initial phase of the Assyrian king's advance "throughout all the land" of Israel, culminating in the strategic siege of its capital city, Samaria, a grueling operation that would last for three years and ultimately lead to the kingdom's catastrophic downfall and the exile of its people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, who reigned in Samaria for nine years ([2 Kings 17:1](/2_kings/17-1 "2 Kings 17:1 - Hoshea's Reign Begins")). The narrative quickly establishes Hoshea's initial vassalage to Shalmaneser V, king of Assyria, and his subsequent rebellion, which involved ceasing tribute payments and seeking an alliance with Egypt ([2 Kings 17:4](/2_kings/17-4 "2 Kings 17:4 - Hoshea's Rebellion Against Assyria")). Verse 5, therefore, serves as the direct consequence of Hoshea's insubordination, initiating the military retribution from Assyria that the previous verses foreshadowed. The subsequent verses in [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel and Its Reasons") elaborate on the reasons for Israel's judgment, attributing their demise not merely to geopolitical factors but primarily to their persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "king of Assyria" in this verse refers primarily to Shalmaneser V, who initiated the campaign and the siege of Samaria. Historically, the siege began around 725 BC. Although Shalmaneser V died during the prolonged siege, his successor, Sargon II, is credited with completing the conquest and capturing Samaria in 722 BC. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military tactics, efficient administration, and policy of deporting conquered peoples to prevent rebellion. Israel, as a smaller nation, had been caught in the geopolitical struggles between Assyria and Egypt for decades. The three-year siege highlights the strategic importance and formidable defenses of Samaria, built on a prominent hill, as well as the immense resources and resolve of the Assyrian war machine.

* **Key Themes:** The events described in [2 Kings 17:5](/2_kings/17-5 "2 Kings 17:5 - The Siege of Samaria Begins") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel and Its Reasons") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment**, portraying the Assyrian invasion not merely as a political act but as God's righteous punishment against the Northern Kingdom for its persistent idolatry, syncretism, and rejection of His covenant commands, as detailed in [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Reasons for Israel's Exile"). Second, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that prolonged unfaithfulness to God inevitably leads to severe suffering and national catastrophe. Third, the narrative highlights the **Sovereignty of God**, showing how even a powerful foreign empire like Assyria, seemingly acting on its own geopolitical agenda, was ultimately an instrument in God's hands to execute His divine will. Finally, this verse marks the definitive **End of an Era** for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to its destruction and the dispersal of the ten tribes, a pivotal turning point in salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came up (עָלָה, _‘alah'_):** This Hebrew verb literally means "to go up" or "to ascend," but in a military context, it frequently denotes an invasion or advance into enemy territory, often implying a comprehensive and overwhelming movement. Here, it signifies the full-scale military campaign launched by the Assyrian king, not just a localized skirmish, but a systematic subjugation of the entire land before focusing on the capital.
* **besieged (צוּר, _tsur'_):** This verb means "to bind," "to confine," or "to lay siege." It conveys the act of surrounding a city with military forces to cut off supplies and communication, aiming to starve the inhabitants into submission or to breach its defenses. The use of this word emphasizes the deliberate, protracted, and suffocating nature of the Assyrian strategy against Samaria.
* **three years (שָׁלֹשׁ שָׁנִים, _shalosh shanim'_):** The explicit mention of the duration of the siege is crucial. This specific timeframe underscores the tenacity of Samaria's resistance, the strength of its fortifications, and the immense suffering endured by its inhabitants. It also highlights the Assyrians' unwavering determination to conquer the city, demonstrating their military might and strategic patience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land":** This clause describes the initial, widespread phase of the Assyrian invasion. It indicates that the Assyrian forces did not immediately attack Samaria but systematically moved through and subjugated the surrounding territories of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This comprehensive approach ensured that Samaria would be isolated and deprived of any external support before the main assault.
* **"and went up to Samaria":** Following the general subjugation of the land, the Assyrian army then concentrated its efforts on the capital city. "Went up" here likely refers to the physical ascent to the elevated position of Samaria, built on a prominent hill, and the strategic movement of forces to position themselves around the city for a siege.
* **"and besieged it three years":** This final clause details the specific military action taken against Samaria and its extraordinary duration. The three-year siege signifies a prolonged period of intense military pressure, blockade, and likely intermittent assaults, which would have brought the city to the brink of starvation and collapse before its eventual fall.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the initiation of the siege explicitly signals the impending doom of the Northern Kingdom, a fate that has been hinted at throughout the Deuteronomistic history due to Israel's persistent idolatry. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, familiar with the historical outcome, understands the ultimate futility of Samaria's three-year resistance, even as the inhabitants within the city walls fought for their survival. The phrase "throughout all the land" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the thoroughness and overwhelming nature of the Assyrian military campaign, suggesting a complete subjugation of the territory rather than a literal occupation of every square inch. Finally, the very act of the **Siege** itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of divine judgment, representing the tightening grip of God's wrath and the inevitable consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The siege of Samaria, as depicted in [2 Kings 17:5](/2_kings/17-5 "2 Kings 17:5 - The Siege of Samaria Begins"), is a stark theological statement about God's justice and His covenant faithfulness, even in judgment. It underscores the principle that disobedience to God's commands, particularly the persistent idolatry and rejection of His prophets that characterized the Northern Kingdom, inevitably leads to severe consequences. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over nations and uses even pagan empires as instruments of His righteous judgment, fulfilling His warnings delivered through the Mosaic Law and the prophets. The fall of Samaria is not merely a political defeat but a divine act, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable to the covenant He established with them.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-52](/deuteronomy/28-49 "Warnings of Siege and Exile")
* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Dispersion Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Assyria as God's Instrument")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Samaria's three-year siege in [2 Kings 17:5](/2_kings/17-5 "2 Kings 17:5 - The Siege of Samaria Begins") offers a sobering reflection for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that God's patience, while immense, is not infinite, and His warnings, delivered through His Word and the testimony of history, are to be taken with utmost seriousness. Just as ancient Israel faced dire consequences for their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness, we are called to examine our own lives for any "idols" that might subtly compete for our ultimate allegiance—whether they be material possessions, career success, comfort, or even self-reliance. This passage challenges us to live lives of genuine faithfulness and obedience, recognizing that spiritual compromise, though seemingly minor at first, can lead to profound and destructive outcomes. It underscores the importance of heeding God's voice, repenting of sin, and returning to Him with undivided hearts, for our actions, both individually and corporately, have eternal ramifications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or competing loyalties might be subtly eroding my faithfulness to God in my own life today?**
* **How does the prolonged suffering of Samaria during the three-year siege speak to the long-term consequences of spiritual disobedience?**
* **In what ways can I actively cultivate a deeper and more undivided commitment to God in my daily walk?**
* **How can the historical judgment on Israel inform my prayers and actions regarding the spiritual health of my community or nation?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "king of Assyria" mentioned in this verse, and why did he besiege Samaria?**

Answer: The "king of Assyria" who initiated the campaign and the siege of Samaria was Shalmaneser V. While he began the siege, his successor, Sargon II, ultimately completed the conquest in 722 BC. The primary reason for the siege was the rebellion of Hoshea, the last king of Israel, who ceased paying tribute to Assyria and sought an alliance with Egypt ([2 Kings 17:4](/2_kings/17-4 "2 Kings 17:4 - Hoshea's Rebellion")). This act of insubordination provoked the wrath of the Assyrian Empire, which viewed such actions as a direct challenge to its hegemonic power. From a theological perspective, the siege was also God's righteous judgment against the Northern Kingdom for its persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, as elaborated in [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Reasons for Israel's Exile")).

**Why did the siege of Samaria last for "three years"?**

Answer: The duration of "three years" for the siege (approximately 725-722 BC) indicates several factors. Firstly, it speaks to the formidable defenses of Samaria. The city was built on a strong, elevated hill, making it difficult to assault directly. Secondly, it highlights the tenacity and resilience of the Israelite defenders, who likely endured immense suffering, including famine, during this prolonged period. Thirdly, it underscores the immense military resources and strategic patience of the Assyrian Empire, which was willing to commit its forces for an extended period to achieve its objective of conquering the Israelite capital. The length of the siege emphasizes the severity of the judgment unfolding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fall of Samaria and the Northern Kingdom, initiated by the siege in [2 Kings 17:5](/2_kings/17-5 "2 Kings 17:5 - The Siege of Samaria Begins"), represents the tragic culmination of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, leading to judgment and exile. This historical event, however, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Where Israel failed to keep the covenant and faced its curses, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore its curses on behalf of His people, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The judgment visited upon Samaria, a consequence of turning away from God, foreshadows the greater judgment for sin that Christ absorbed on the cross, thereby offering a path to reconciliation and new life. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a new covenant, not dependent on national boundaries or perfect human obedience, but on faith in Him ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). The "end of an era" for the Northern Kingdom thus serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the necessity and glory of the new era ushered in by Christ, where a spiritual Israel—the Church—is gathered from all nations, united not by physical descent or geopolitical power, but by the indwelling Spirit and allegiance to their true King, Jesus ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - One in Christ Jesus")).

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 13:16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

2 Kings 18:9

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which [was] the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

2 Kings 25:1

¶ And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.

2 Kings 25:3

And on the ninth [day] of the [fourth] month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.

Jeremiah 52:4

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth [day] of the month, [that] Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

Jeremiah 52:5

So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.