2 Kings 17:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the ninth {H8671} year {H8141} of Hoshea {H1954} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} took {H3920} Samaria {H8111}, and carried {H1540} Israel {H3478} away {H1540} into Assyria {H804}, and placed {H3427} them in Halah {H2477} and in Habor {H2249} by the river {H5104} of Gozan {H1470}, and in the cities {H5892} of the Medes {H4074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Ashur captured Shomron. He carried Isra'el away captive to Ashur, resettling them in Halach, in Havor on the Gozan River and in the cities of the Medes.

Berean Standard Bible

In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The pivotal verse of 2 Kings 17:6 records the tragic culmination of centuries of Israel's rebellion against God: the fall of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, to the Assyrian Empire. In the ninth year of King Hoshea's reign, the Assyrians, under Shalmaneser V and later Sargon II, conquered Samaria and implemented their brutal policy of mass deportation, scattering the Israelite population into various regions of Mesopotamia and Media. This event marked the definitive end of the Northern Kingdom as a distinct political and national entity, serving as a stark fulfillment of divine judgment for persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic point of the narrative detailing the decline and fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It immediately follows the account of Hoshea's rebellion against Assyria, his imprisonment, and the three-year siege of Samaria by Shalmaneser V (2 Kings 17:3-5). The verses that follow 2 Kings 17:6 (specifically [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7-23 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - Israel's Disobedience and Exile")) provide an extensive theological commentary on *why* this catastrophe occurred, attributing it directly to Israel's persistent sin, idolatry, and rejection of God's covenant and prophetic warnings. Thus, 2 Kings 17:6 is not merely a historical report but the central event around which the subsequent theological explanation revolves, highlighting God's justice and faithfulness to His covenant curses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which employed ruthless military tactics and a systematic policy of mass deportation to control conquered territories and prevent future rebellions. This policy involved uprooting entire populations from their homelands and resettling them in distant parts of the empire, thereby dissolving national identity and cohesion. Israel, caught between Assyria and Egypt, attempted to play these superpowers against each other, leading to Hoshea's fatal decision to withhold tribute from Assyria and seek an alliance with Egypt. Culturally, the Northern Kingdom had, since its inception, been plagued by syncretism and idolatry, establishing golden calves at Bethel and Dan and adopting Canaanite Baal worship, practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:29-31](/deuteronomy/12-29-31 "Deuteronomy 12:29-31 - Warnings Against Idolatry")). This deep-seated spiritual apostasy, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Amos, and Hosea, set the stage for divine judgment executed through the Assyrian Empire.
* **Key Themes:** The fall of Samaria and the exile of Israel in 2 Kings 17:6 underscore several profound themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's unwavering justice against persistent sin and covenant unfaithfulness, as prophesied in the Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Prophecy of Scattering")). This event also highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations, even using pagan empires like Assyria as instruments of His righteous purposes (cf. [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")). Furthermore, it marks the **End of the Northern Kingdom**, signifying the definitive dissolution of the ten northern tribes as a distinct political entity and the beginning of their dispersion, leading to the concept of the "lost tribes of Israel." Finally, the narrative implicitly emphasizes the **Consequences of Idolatry and Disobedience**, serving as a stark warning against spiritual apostasy and the abandonment of God's covenant commands, a theme consistently present throughout the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Assyria (Hebrew, _ʼAshshûwr'_):** This refers to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the dominant geopolitical power in the ancient Near East during the 8th century BCE. Far from being a random historical actor, Assyria is consistently portrayed in biblical prophecy and narrative as an instrument of divine judgment, a "rod" in God's hand to punish rebellious nations, including Israel. Their brutal efficiency in warfare and systematic deportation policies made them a fearsome and effective tool for fulfilling God's covenant curses.
* **took (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** This primitive root means "to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy." In the context of 2 Kings 17:6, it signifies the decisive military conquest of Samaria by the Assyrian king. This was not merely a siege but a complete seizure, marking the end of the city's, and thus the kingdom's, independence.
* **carried away (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root means "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." The use of this word emphasizes the forced removal and humiliation of the Israelite population, a direct fulfillment of the covenant curses that warned of scattering and loss of land due to unfaithfulness.
* **placed (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This primitive root means "to sit down... by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle." In this context, it describes the Assyrian policy of forcibly resettling the exiled Israelites in new, distant locations within their empire. This act was designed to break their national identity and prevent future rebellions by integrating them into the broader Assyrian populace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the ninth year of Hoshea":** This specifies the precise historical timing of Samaria's fall, placing it within the reign of Hoshea, the last king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This detail anchors the event firmly in the historical chronology of the ancient Near East, highlighting the finality of Israel's decline under its last monarch.
* **"the king of Assyria took Samaria":** This declares the conquest of the capital city, Samaria, by the Assyrian monarch. While Shalmaneser V initiated the siege, it was likely completed by his successor, Sargon II, who claimed the capture of Samaria in his own inscriptions. "Took" signifies a decisive military victory, ending the three-year siege mentioned in the preceding verses and dismantling the political heart of the Northern Kingdom.
* **"and carried Israel away into Assyria":** This describes the subsequent act of deportation, a hallmark of Assyrian imperial policy. "Israel" here refers to the inhabitants of the Northern Kingdom, who were forcibly removed from their homeland and transported to various parts of the vast Assyrian Empire. This act effectively dismantled the nation of Israel, dissolving its national and tribal cohesion.
* **"and placed them in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes":** These are specific geographical locations within the Assyrian sphere of influence, detailing the destinations of the exiled Israelites. Halah and Habor (likely the Khabur River, a tributary of the Euphrates) are in northern Mesopotamia, while "the cities of the Medes" refers to regions east of Assyria, in what is now northwestern Iran. This precise geographical detail underscores the historical veracity of the biblical account and the vast reach of the Assyrian deportation policy, ensuring the thorough scattering of the Israelite population.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Kings 17:6 is **Historical Narrative**, presenting a concise, factual account of a pivotal geopolitical event. The verse functions as a climactic summary of the preceding narrative of Hoshea's reign and Assyrian aggression, marking the definitive end of the Northern Kingdom. It also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the total destruction and scattering of the Northern Kingdom implicitly warns the Southern Kingdom of Judah about the consequences of their own potential unfaithfulness, setting a precedent for future exiles. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony** in God using a pagan, ruthless empire like Assyria as the instrument of His righteous judgment against His own covenant people, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all nations and their rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The fall of Samaria and the exile of Israel represent a profound theological statement about God's justice, holiness, and covenant faithfulness. This was not a random historical misfortune but a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of the Mosaic covenant, despite repeated warnings from prophets. God, who had brought Israel out of Egypt and established them in the land, was also faithful to His covenant curses, demonstrating that He holds His people accountable for their actions. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God's patience has limits and that persistent rebellion against His revealed will inevitably leads to severe consequences. It underscores the truth that true security and blessing lie only in faithful obedience to the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Prophecy of Scattering")
* [Amos 5:27](/amos/5-27 "Amos 5:27 - Prophecy of Exile Beyond Damascus")
* [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7-18 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Israel's Sins Leading to Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of Israel's exile in 2 Kings 17:6 serves as a powerful and sobering lesson for believers today. It underscores the gravity of sin and the inevitable consequences of persistent disobedience to God's commands. Just as ancient Israel faced judgment for abandoning the Lord and pursuing idolatry, we too are called to examine our hearts for any "idols" that compete for God's rightful place in our lives—whether they be wealth, power, comfort, or self-reliance. This narrative reminds us that God is sovereign, just, and holy, and while He is merciful and patient, He also holds His people accountable. It challenges us to cultivate a deep and unwavering faithfulness, recognizing that true flourishing comes only through wholehearted devotion to Him. The history of Israel's fall is a perpetual call to vigilance against spiritual complacency and a renewed commitment to living in humble obedience to God's Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or competing loyalties in my own life might be subtly drawing my heart away from complete devotion to God?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in Israel's exile deepen my appreciation for His grace and patience in my own life?**
* **In what ways can I actively cultivate a greater sense of faithfulness and obedience to God's Word in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary reason for the Northern Kingdom's fall and exile?**

Answer: The primary reason for the Northern Kingdom's fall and exile was their persistent and systemic idolatry and unfaithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh. From the very beginning of the divided monarchy, King Jeroboam I established golden calves at Bethel and Dan, leading the people into a pattern of false worship (1 Kings 12:28-30). This was compounded by the adoption of Baal worship under kings like Ahab and Jezebel, and a general disregard for God's laws and prophetic warnings. The subsequent verses in [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7-23 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - The Reasons for Israel's Exile") explicitly detail these sins, including worshipping other gods, building high places, practicing divination, and rejecting God's statutes. The Assyrian conquest was, therefore, not merely a political defeat but a divinely ordained judgment for their spiritual apostasy.

**What happened to the "lost tribes of Israel" after the Assyrian deportation?**

Answer: The "lost tribes of Israel" refer to the ten northern tribes deported by the Assyrians. While the term "lost" implies their complete disappearance, it's more accurate to say they lost their distinct tribal and national identity. The Assyrian policy was designed to integrate conquered peoples into the empire, breaking their cohesion. Some Israelites likely assimilated into the surrounding cultures, intermarrying and adopting local customs and religions. However, some remnants of these tribes undoubtedly remained in the land or eventually migrated south to Judah, contributing to the population there. Furthermore, the New Testament indicates that the twelve tribes, though scattered, were still recognized as a people (e.g., [James 1:1](/james/1-1 "James 1:1 - Greeting to the Twelve Tribes Scattered Abroad"), [Acts 26:7](/acts/26-7 "Acts 26:7 - Paul's Hope in the Promise to the Twelve Tribes")). Ultimately, in God's redemptive plan, all of scattered Israel will be gathered and restored through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic exile of Israel in 2 Kings 17:6, a consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate scattering of humanity due to sin and points directly to the necessity of Christ. Just as Israel was exiled from the promised land, humanity was exiled from God's presence in Eden due to disobedience ([Genesis 3:23-24](/genesis/3-23-24 "Genesis 3:23-24 - Expulsion from Eden")). The failure of the Northern Kingdom, and indeed all of Israel, to perfectly uphold the Law demonstrated humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on its own. Jesus Christ, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the Law and bore the ultimate judgment for sin, becoming the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through His death and resurrection, He inaugurated a New Covenant, not written on tablets of stone but on human hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), gathering a new people—Jew and Gentile—from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His spiritual kingdom ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). He is the true Shepherd who gathers the scattered sheep ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), offering not exile but eternal life and restoration in His presence. The judgment against Israel highlights the depths of human sin, making the grace and redemptive work of Christ all the more glorious as the means by which God's people are truly brought home.

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.

Deuteronomy 28:64

And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

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.

Isaiah 21:2

A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up, O Elam: besiege, O Media; all the sighing thereof have I made to cease.

Amos 5:27

Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the LORD, whose name [is] The God of hosts.

Deuteronomy 28:36

The LORD shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone.

Deuteronomy 29:27

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book: