2 Kings 18:10

KJV

And at the end of three years they took it: [even] in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that [is] the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at the end {H7097} of three {H7969} years {H8141} they took {H3920} it: even in the sixth {H8337} year {H8141} of Hezekiah {H2396}, that is the ninth {H8672} year {H8141} of Hoshea {H1954} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, Samaria {H8111} was taken {H3920}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At the end of three years they captured it - that is, Shomron was captured in the sixth year of Hizkiyahu, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it. So Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel.

American Standard Version

And at the end of three years they took it: in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The climactic fall of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, to the Assyrian Empire after a three-year siege. This pivotal verse provides precise chronological markers, dating the event to the sixth year of King Hezekiah's reign in Judah and the ninth year of King Hoshea's reign in Israel, thereby cementing its historical significance as the culmination of God's long-prophesied judgment against an unfaithful nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the definitive conclusion to the narrative of the siege of Samaria, which commenced in [2 Kings 18:9](/2_kings/18-9 "2 Kings 18:9 - Beginning of Samaria's Siege"). The preceding verse establishes the siege's initiation by Shalmaneser V, King of Assyria, in the seventh year of Hoshea. [Verse 10](/2_kings/18-10 "2 Kings 18:10 - The Fall of Samaria") then provides the resolution, detailing the duration and the precise dating of the city's capture. Immediately following this account, [2 Kings 18:11-12](/2_kings/18-11 "2 Kings 18:11-12 - Israel's Deportation and God's Judgment") elaborates on the consequences of the fall: the deportation of the Israelites to Assyria and a theological explanation for this devastating judgment, directly linking it to Israel's persistent disobedience to the Lord's commandments. This strategic placement underscores the theological rather than purely historical focus of the narrative, framing the fall of Samaria as a divine act of judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fall of Samaria in 722/721 BC occurred during a period of aggressive Assyrian expansion under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II. The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military tactics, including the systematic deportation of conquered populations to prevent rebellion and integrate them into the empire. Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, had been a focal point of resistance and intrigue for decades, often caught between Assyrian and Egyptian spheres of influence. King Hoshea, the last king of Israel, had attempted to rebel against Assyrian vassalage by seeking an alliance with Egypt, which provoked Shalmaneser V's final siege. The precise chronological synchronisms provided in the text—the sixth year of Hezekiah and the ninth year of Hoshea—are characteristic of biblical historiography, linking events in the Northern and Southern Kingdoms and aligning them with broader regional history, demonstrating the meticulous record-keeping of the biblical authors.

* **Key Themes:** The capture of Samaria in [2 Kings 18:10](/2_kings/18-10 "2 Kings 18:10 - The Fall of Samaria") is a powerful testament to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost among these is **Divine Judgment**, where the fall of the Northern Kingdom is presented not merely as a geopolitical event but as the direct consequence of Israel's pervasive idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. As extensively detailed in [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - Reasons for Israel's Exile"), Israel had repeatedly rejected God's laws, worshipped foreign gods, and ignored the warnings of His prophets, leading to the fulfillment of the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). This highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and His covenant stipulations carry severe repercussions for persistent rebellion. Furthermore, the precise dating and historical corroboration underscore the **Sovereignty of God over History**, revealing that even the actions of powerful empires like Assyria are ultimately instruments in God's hands to accomplish His righteous purposes and uphold His justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **לָכַד (Hebrew, _lakad'_):** This verb, translated as "took" and "was taken" in [2 Kings 18:10](/2_kings/18-10 "2 Kings 18:10 - The Fall of Samaria"), signifies "to seize," "to capture," or "to take possession of." Its repeated use emphasizes the decisive and complete nature of the Assyrian conquest. In the first instance ("they took it"), it is in the Qal perfect, indicating a completed action by the Assyrians. In the second instance ("Samaria was taken"), it appears in the Niphal perfect, highlighting the passive voice—Samaria was the object of the action, signifying its helplessness and the finality of its overthrow. This linguistic choice underscores the irreversible nature of the city's fall and, by extension, the end of the Northern Kingdom.
* **שֹׁמְרוֹן (Hebrew, _Shomron'_):** "Samaria" was not merely a city but the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, founded by Omri ([1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")). Its name became synonymous with the kingdom itself. The fall of Samaria, therefore, represents the complete subjugation and end of the independent Northern Kingdom, symbolizing the culmination of centuries of spiritual decline and political instability. Its capture marked the end of an era for the ten tribes, leading to their eventual dispersal and the rise of the "Samaritans" as a distinct, mixed people group in later history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at the end of three years they took it:"** This clause refers to the duration of the siege initiated by the Assyrians. The "three years" indicates a prolonged and arduous military campaign, testifying to Samaria's defensive strength but ultimately also to the relentless determination of the Assyrian forces. The "they" refers implicitly to the Assyrian army, who successfully completed the capture of the city.
* **"[even] in the sixth year of Hezekiah,"** This provides a crucial chronological marker from the perspective of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. King Hezekiah of Judah was a righteous king who initiated significant religious reforms ([2 Kings 18:3-6](/2_kings/18-3 "2 Kings 18:3-6 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")). Dating the fall of Samaria to his reign highlights the stark contrast between the two kingdoms at this time: one experiencing God's judgment, the other, under Hezekiah, experiencing a period of spiritual revival and divine favor.
* **"that [is] the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel,"** This second chronological marker dates the event from the perspective of the Northern Kingdom, specifically to the reign of its last king, Hoshea. Hoshea's reign was marked by political instability and ultimately, his failed rebellion against Assyria, which directly led to the siege and fall of Samaria. The synchronism between Hezekiah's sixth year and Hoshea's ninth year provides a precise historical anchor for the event, placing it around 722/721 BC.
* **"Samaria was taken."** This final, declarative statement reiterates the outcome with stark finality. It emphasizes the complete and irreversible capture of the city, signifying the end of the Northern Kingdom as an independent entity and the fulfillment of God's prophetic warnings against Israel's apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Synchronism**, a common biblical literary device, by providing two distinct chronological markers (the reigns of Hezekiah and Hoshea) to date a single event. This technique not only anchors the narrative in precise historical time but also serves a theological purpose, allowing the reader to compare the spiritual trajectories of Judah and Israel. The abrupt, declarative statement "Samaria was taken" at the end of the verse functions as a form of **Climax** and **Resolution**, bringing the long-foreshadowed narrative of Israel's judgment to its devastating conclusion. The brevity of this final clause, despite the immense historical and theological weight it carries, creates a sense of **Pathos** and finality, underscoring the tragic end of a nation that repeatedly turned away from its covenant God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The fall of Samaria is a profound theological statement on divine justice, covenant faithfulness, and the consequences of apostasy. It serves as a stark historical illustration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, both in blessing and in judgment. For centuries, God had patiently warned Israel through His prophets, calling them to repentance and adherence to the Mosaic Law. Their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and rejection of God's Word ultimately led to the fulfillment of the curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), demonstrating that God's warnings are not empty threats but expressions of His righteous character. The event underscores that God is sovereign over nations and history, using even pagan empires as instruments of His divine will to bring about His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion Among Nations")
* [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - Reasons for Israel's Exile")
* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - Israel's Unique Accountability")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The fall of Samaria, as recorded in [2 Kings 18:10](/2_kings/18-10 "2 Kings 18:10 - The Fall of Samaria"), stands as a solemn historical monument to the gravity of spiritual disobedience. It reminds us that God is not only a God of love and mercy but also of perfect justice, who holds His people accountable to the covenant they have made with Him. For believers today, this narrative serves as a powerful call to examine our own lives and communities for any forms of idolatry—whether it be the worship of material possessions, self, power, or any other created thing that supplants the rightful place of God in our hearts. It underscores the vital importance of heeding God's Word, embracing repentance when we stray, and living in faithful obedience, understanding that while God's grace is abundant, His patience is not infinite when faced with persistent, willful rebellion. We are called to learn from the tragic mistakes of Israel, ensuring that our trust remains solely in the Lord and that our lives reflect His righteousness, lest we, too, face the natural and spiritual consequences of turning away from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "idols" in my life or culture today that might be subtly drawing my allegiance away from God?**
* **How does the story of Samaria's fall challenge my understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **In what ways am I actively heeding God's warnings and cultivating a spirit of repentance in my daily walk?**
* **How can the lessons from Israel's history strengthen my commitment to faithful obedience to God's Word?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "three years" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "three years" refers to the duration of the siege of Samaria. The siege began in the seventh year of King Hoshea ([2 Kings 18:9](/2_kings/18-9 "2 Kings 18:9 - Beginning of Samaria's Siege")) and concluded in his ninth year ([2 Kings 18:10](/2_kings/18-10 "2 Kings 18:10 - The Fall of Samaria")), confirming a three-year period of sustained military blockade and assault by the Assyrian forces. This prolonged duration indicates the city's strong fortifications and the fierce resistance put up by its inhabitants, but ultimately, it could not withstand the might of the Assyrian Empire.

**Who were Shalmaneser V and Sargon II, and what was their role in Samaria's fall?**

Answer: Shalmaneser V was the Assyrian king who initiated the siege of Samaria in the seventh year of Hoshea ([2 Kings 18:9](/2_kings/18-9 "2 Kings 18:9 - Beginning of Samaria's Siege")). However, historical records suggest that Shalmaneser V died during the siege or shortly before its conclusion. His successor, Sargon II, took credit for the final capture of Samaria and the deportation of its inhabitants in his own annals. While the biblical text attributes the initial siege to Shalmaneser, it implies that the city was "taken" by the Assyrians generally, without specifying the king who personally oversaw the final conquest. This aligns well with the historical understanding that Sargon II completed the task begun by his predecessor around 722/721 BC.

**What happened to the people of the Northern Kingdom after Samaria was taken?**

Answer: Following the capture of Samaria, the Assyrian policy of deportation was implemented. [2 Kings 18:11](/2_kings/18-11 "2 Kings 18:11 - Israel's Deportation") states that the king of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria and settled them in various locations, including Halah, Habor by the river Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. This mass deportation aimed to break the national identity and prevent future rebellions. The vacuum created in the land of Israel was then filled by foreign peoples brought in by the Assyrians ([2 Kings 17:24](/2_kings/17-24 "2 Kings 17:24 - Foreigners Settle Samaria")), leading to the mixed population that would later be known as the Samaritans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fall of Samaria, a stark testament to divine judgment against sin and covenant unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Northern Kingdom experienced a devastating exile as a consequence of their rebellion, Christ embodies the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem, not through judgment but through substitutionary atonement. He is the true and faithful Israel, the Son who perfectly obeyed God where Israel failed, living a life of complete righteousness and fulfilling all the Law's demands ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The judgment that fell upon Samaria for its idolatry and disobedience points forward to the greater judgment for sin that Christ bore on the cross, taking upon Himself the wrath of God that we deserved ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation Through Christ")). Through His sacrifice, He offers a new covenant, not written on stone tablets but on the hearts of believers, promising forgiveness and reconciliation with God ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the tragic end of Samaria serves as a backdrop to highlight the glorious grace of God in Christ, who delivers us from the ultimate spiritual exile of sin and brings us into His eternal kingdom, establishing a people—the Church—who are truly faithful and obedient, not by their own strength, but by the power of His indwelling Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

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

Micah 6:16

For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.

Amos 6:7

Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

Micah 7:13

Notwithstanding the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings.

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.

Amos 3:11

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary [there shall be] even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

Amos 4:3

And ye shall go out at the breaches, every [cow at that which is] before her; and ye shall cast [them] into the palace, saith the LORD.

Amos 9:1

¶ I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.