2 Kings 18:9

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the fourth {H7243} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Hezekiah {H2396}, which was the seventh {H7637} year {H8141} of Hoshea {H1954} son {H1121} of Elah {H425} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, that Shalmaneser {H8022} king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} came up {H5927} against Samaria {H8111}, and besieged {H6696} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the fourth year of King Hizkiyahu, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Isra'el, that Shalman'eser king of Ashur advanced against Shomron and laid siege to it.

Berean Standard Bible

In the fourth year of Hezekiah’s reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and besieged it.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 18:9 marks a grim historical turning point, precisely dating the commencement of the final siege of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This pivotal event occurred in the fourth regnal year of King Hezekiah of Judah and the seventh year of Hoshea, the last king of Israel. It details the aggressive campaign of Shalmaneser V, the formidable king of Assyria, who initiated the military encirclement of Samaria, setting the stage for the Northern Kingdom's ultimate downfall and exile, a direct consequence of its persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a critical chronological marker and narrative pivot within the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign and the Fall of Samaria"). Immediately preceding it, [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel and Its Reasons") meticulously details the reasons for Israel's impending judgment, attributing their demise to a long history of spiritual apostasy, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and rejection of God's prophets. Chapter 17 concludes with the exile of Israel and the resettlement of Samaria with foreign peoples, establishing the mixed Samaritan population. [2 Kings 18:1-8](/2_kings/18-1 "2 Kings 18:1-8 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign") introduces King Hezekiah of Judah, whose reign begins with significant religious reforms and a renewed commitment to the Lord, standing in stark contrast to the spiritual decline of the Northern Kingdom. Verse 9 then abruptly shifts the focus back to Israel, initiating the account of Samaria's final collapse, which directly leads into the subsequent narrative of Judah's own struggles with Assyria under Sennacherib in [2 Kings 18:13ff](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13ff - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a military superpower that systematically conquered and absorbed smaller nations through brutal campaigns, forced deportations, and heavy tribute. Kings like Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II were instruments of this imperial ambition. Israel, under King Hoshea, had attempted to resist Assyrian dominance, notably by forming alliances with Egypt, which was seen as an act of rebellion by Assyria. Samaria, built by King Omri and fortified by Ahab, was strategically located on a defensible hill, making it a formidable target. Culturally, the Northern Kingdom had long deviated from the Mosaic covenant, embracing Baal worship and other Canaanite religious practices, building high places, and ignoring the warnings of prophets like Hosea and Amos. This religious syncretism and political maneuvering against God's will set the stage for Assyria to become the divine instrument of judgment, as detailed in [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Reasons for Israel's Exile").
* **Key Themes:** The siege of Samaria in this verse encapsulates several profound themes. Primarily, it underscores **Divine Judgment** for persistent covenant unfaithfulness. Despite God's immense patience and repeated warnings through His prophets, Israel's stubborn idolatry and rejection of His commands ultimately led to the severe consequences foretold in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). Secondly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God** over human history and geopolitical powers. Even a pagan empire like Assyria, driven by its own ambitions, unknowingly served as God's instrument to execute His righteous judgment upon His rebellious people ([Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger")). Thirdly, this event marks a definitive **Historical Turning Point**, signifying the tragic and permanent end of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had existed for over two centuries since the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign ([1 Kings 12:19](/1_kings/12-19 "1 Kings 12:19 - Division of the Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shalmaneser (Hebrew, _Shalman'eser'_):** This refers to Shalmaneser V, the king of Assyria (reigned c. 727–722 BCE). His name, likely meaning "Shalman is preeminent" or "Shalman is chief," identifies the powerful monarch who initiated the final campaign against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Assyrian annals corroborate his military activities, reinforcing the historical veracity of the biblical account, though the actual capture of Samaria is often attributed to his successor, Sargon II, who completed the siege after Shalmaneser's death.
* **Samaria (Hebrew, _Shomron'_):** The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, located on a strategic hill. Founded by King Omri ([1 Kings 16:24](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24 - Omri Founds Samaria")), it became the political and religious center of Israel's apostasy, frequently denounced by prophets for its idolatry and injustice. Its fall symbolized the complete collapse of the ten northern tribes as a distinct political entity.
* **Besieged (Hebrew, _vayyatzar'_):** Derived from the root _tzur_ (to bind, to confine, to be narrow), this verb signifies a military encirclement or blockade. It indicates a prolonged and deliberate act of war aimed at cutting off a city's supplies and communications, forcing its inhabitants into submission through starvation or direct assault. The term conveys the grim reality of ancient warfare and the desperate situation Samaria faced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This precise chronological statement anchors the event firmly in history, providing a dual dating system that corroborates the timing from both the Judahite and Israelite perspectives. Hezekiah's fourth year (c. 723/722 BCE) aligns with Hoshea's seventh year, indicating the final moments of Israel's independent existence. This meticulous dating underscores the historical reliability of the biblical narrative.
* **"[that] Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria":** This clause identifies the aggressor and the target. Shalmaneser V, the Assyrian monarch, initiated the military action. "Came up against" suggests an invasion, an ascent to the fortified city, and the commencement of a hostile campaign, signifying the overwhelming power of the Assyrian Empire directed against the vulnerable Northern Kingdom.
* **"and besieged it.":** This final clause describes the immediate action taken by Shalmaneser's forces. The act of besieging Samaria indicates the beginning of a sustained military operation designed to conquer the city by surrounding it, cutting off its resources, and preparing for its eventual capture. It sets the stage for the three-year siege that would culminate in Samaria's fall and the exile of Israel, as recounted in [2 Kings 18:10-12](/2_kings/18-10 "2 Kings 18:10-12 - The Fall of Samaria and Israel's Exile").

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Chronological Precision** by providing a dual dating system, anchoring the narrative in verifiable historical time. This meticulous detail lends credibility and authority to the biblical account, demonstrating its concern for historical accuracy. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as the act of "besieging" Samaria immediately signals the impending doom and ultimate fall of the Northern Kingdom, which is fully elaborated in the subsequent verses. This brief, factual statement carries immense narrative weight, hinting at the devastating consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness that are about to unfold. The direct, unadorned declaration of the siege also creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader, having just read [2 Kings 17](/2_kings/17 "2 Kings 17 - The Fall of Israel"), knows the tragic outcome of this siege before the narrative explicitly states it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The siege of Samaria, initiated in [2 Kings 18:9](/2_kings/18-9 "2 Kings 18:9 - Shalmaneser Besieges Samaria"), is a profound demonstration of God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over the nations. It serves as a stark historical testament to the consequences of persistent covenant unfaithfulness, illustrating that divine patience has limits and that judgment, though delayed, is inevitable when warnings are ignored. The Assyrian Empire, though acting out of its own geopolitical ambitions, becomes an unwitting instrument in God's hands to execute His righteous decree against a people who had repeatedly turned away from Him, embracing idolatry and injustice. This event underscores that God is not merely a deity of a particular people but the sovereign Lord of all history, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires to fulfill His purposes and maintain His moral order in the world.

* [2 Kings 17:7-18](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-18 - Reasons for Israel's Exile") - Details the specific sins of Israel that led to their downfall, emphasizing idolatry and rejection of God's covenant.
* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience") - Prophetic warnings of foreign invasion and servitude as a consequence of disobedience, fulfilled in the Assyrian conquest.
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod") - God declares Assyria to be the "rod of my anger," demonstrating His use of pagan nations to accomplish His will.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of Samaria's siege and fall, initiated in [2 Kings 18:9](/2_kings/18-9 "2 Kings 18:9 - Shalmaneser Besieges Samaria"), serves as a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today. It reminds us that while God is infinitely patient and merciful, His justice is also an intrinsic part of His character. The persistent warnings given to Israel through numerous prophets, culminating in this devastating judgment, underscore the seriousness of spiritual rebellion and the consequences of ignoring God's call to repentance. This narrative calls us to a deep self-examination, prompting us to consider areas in our own lives where we might be compromising our faith, embracing "idols" of comfort or self-reliance, or neglecting the clear commands of Scripture. It challenges us to cultivate genuine faithfulness, not merely outward conformity, and to trust in God's sovereignty even amidst global turmoil, recognizing that He remains in control, working through all circumstances to accomplish His ultimate purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or forms of spiritual compromise might I be tolerating in my own life, similar to Israel's apostasy?**
* **How does the account of God's patience and eventual judgment in this passage shape my understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways can I better trust in God's sovereignty when facing personal challenges or observing global events that seem chaotic?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a deeper, more consistent faithfulness to God's Word in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow a pagan king like Shalmaneser to conquer His chosen people?**

Answer: The biblical narrative consistently presents God as sovereign over all nations, using even pagan rulers as instruments of His divine will. In the case of Israel, the conquest by Shalmaneser and the Assyrians was not a sign of God's weakness or abandonment, but rather a direct act of divine judgment. As extensively detailed in [2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - Reasons for Israel's Exile and God's Justice"), the Northern Kingdom of Israel had persistently defied God's covenant, engaging in widespread idolatry, child sacrifice, and injustice, despite repeated warnings from prophets. Therefore, Shalmaneser and the Assyrian army were, in God's sovereign plan, the "rod of His anger" ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")), used to bring about the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness, demonstrating that God's justice is unwavering and that His covenant demands obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fall of Samaria, initiated by the siege in [2 Kings 18:9](/2_kings/18-9 "2 Kings 18:9 - Shalmaneser Besieges Samaria"), profoundly foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin and the establishment of God's true, eternal kingdom in Christ. Israel's failure to maintain the covenant, leading to their exile, points to humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's law and the desperate need for a perfect mediator. Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the law and endured the ultimate judgment for humanity's rebellion on the cross ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3-4 - Christ Fulfills the Law")). Where the earthly kingdom of Israel failed and fell, Christ establishes a spiritual kingdom, the Church, built not on ethnic lineage or geographic boundaries, but on faith in Him ([John 3:3-5](/john/3-3 "John 3:3-5 - Born Again to Enter God's Kingdom")). His sacrifice and resurrection offer a new covenant, a new exodus from the bondage of sin, promising not an earthly land but eternal life and citizenship in a heavenly kingdom ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the judgment on Samaria serves as a sobering reminder of sin's consequence, while simultaneously magnifying the grace and redemptive power found in Christ, who provides the ultimate and lasting solution to humanity's spiritual rebellion.

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 18:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, [that] Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

2 Kings 17:3

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

2 Kings 17:23

Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.