2 KINGS 13:1 TO 2 KINGS 17:6. The remainder of the history of Israel to the fall of Samaria, with the contemporary annals of Judah, is of the nature of chronicle rather than history. There are few interesting narratives like those in the earlier parts of the book. The exceptions are: (_a_) the death... [ Continue Reading ]
REIGN OF HOSHEA AND DESTRUCTION OF SAMARIA. Hoshea has been previously mentioned (2 Kings 15:30). According to the inscription of Tiglath-pileser, Hoshea was put on the throne by the Assyrians. Shalmaneser V (pp. 59, 70) reigned from 727 to 722 B.C., and the fall of Samaria was in 722. So, king of E... [ Continue Reading ]
A RECAPITULATION OF THE REASONS FOR ISRAEL'S CAPTIVITY. The language recalls Deuteronomy and Jeremiah. The sins for which Israel is condemned are: (_a_) the building of high places, pillars, and Asherim (2 Kings 17:9 f_.;_ 1 Kings 12*, pp. 98- 100); (_b_) idolatry (2 Kings 17:12; 2 Kings 17:16); (_c... [ Continue Reading ]
THE ORIGIN OF THE SAMARITANS. This is a somewhat mixed account. 2 Kings 17:24 describes the settlement of the land with captives from other parts of the Assyrian empire, and the sending of a priest to teach them the manner of the God of the country. Next, 2 Kings 17:29 relates that the new settlers... [ Continue Reading ]