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Examine the intersection of biblical history and archaeology in the story of King Hoshea of Israel. This article aligns Assyrian inscriptions with the Bible, illuminating the reign of Hoshea and the Assyrian influence in the ancient Near East. Discover the historical and biblical journey of King Hoshea, Israel’s final monarch. It offers insights into his reign, the political climate of the era, and the factors leading to Israel’s collapse, providing a comprehensive view of this pivotal period.

Introduction

Hoshea, son of Elah, emerged as the final monarch of the northern kingdom of Israel, marking the end of an era. His reign is chronicled in the Hebrew Scriptures, specifically in 2 Kings 15 and 17, shedding light on a tumultuous period in Israel’s history.

The Rise of Hoshea

Hoshea’s ascension to power was marked by political turmoil. In the days of King Pekah of Israel, King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria began a campaign of conquest and deportation, capturing territories in Israel (2 Kings 15:29). Seizing this moment of weakness, Hoshea conspired against Pekah, assassinating him to take the throne around 732 B.C.E. This act of regicide (killing a king) was not ordained or anointed by God, as was customary for legitimate kings in the Hebrew tradition.

The Reign of Hoshea

Hoshea’s reign, which officially began in the 12th year of King Ahaz of Judah (around 732 B.C.E.), lasted for about nine years. Initially, his rule was not fully recognized, and it took time for him to establish control from Samaria. The Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser III claims to have placed Hoshea on the throne, suggesting Assyrian influence or even direct intervention in his ascent.

Religious and Political Actions

In a stark contrast to many of his predecessors, Hoshea’s reign was noted for being less evil in the sight of Jehovah (2 Kings 17:2). While he did not completely depart from the idolatrous practices of previous rulers, his reign did not reach the same levels of religious corruption.

Relations with Assyria

Hoshea’s reign was largely overshadowed by Assyrian dominance. Initially a vassal to Assyria, Hoshea paid tribute to Shalmaneser V, successor to Tiglath-pileser III. However, Hoshea sought to free Israel from Assyrian control by aligning with Egypt. This led to him withholding tribute from Assyria, a decision that precipitated Israel’s downfall.

The Fall of Samaria and the End of Hoshea’s Reign

Shalmaneser V responded to Hoshea’s rebellion by imprisoning him and laying siege to Samaria. The siege, lasting three years, ended in 722 B.C.E. with the capture of Samaria. This event marked the exile of the Israelite inhabitants and the conclusion of the northern kingdom’s existence.

Historical and Archaeological Context

The biblical account of Hoshea’s reign is corroborated by Assyrian records and archaeological findings. These external sources provide additional insight into the political and military dynamics of the period, particularly the Assyrian empire’s influence over the region.

Hoshea’s Legacy

Hoshea’s reign, albeit short and turbulent, is significant for several reasons. It represents the end of the northern kingdom of Israel, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. It also illustrates the complex interplay of political intrigue, religious corruption, and foreign domination that characterized the period.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Hoshea’s reign and the fall of Samaria are often seen as a divine judgment against the idolatry and disobedience of the Israelite kings and people. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale in the Hebrew Scriptures, emphasizing the consequences of straying from the covenant with God.

Hoshea’s time as the last king of Israel was marked by political maneuvering, religious deviation, and, ultimately, the nation’s downfall. His story is a critical chapter in Israel’s history, offering insights into the political, religious, and moral challenges of the time. The end of his reign and the fall of Samaria stand as significant events in the narrative of the Hebrew people, symbolizing the culmination of a period of decline and the transition to a new era in their history.

Here is an image depicting the Assyrian inscription known as Summary Inscription 4, set in the ancient city of Nimrud, which reflects the historical and archaeological significance of this artifact.

Hoshea, King of Israel: Corroborating Biblical Accounts with Assyrian Inscriptions

Introduction to Assyrian Inscriptions and Their Importance

The study of ancient Near Eastern history, particularly the period concerning the Israelite kingdoms, often relies on a combination of biblical narratives and external archaeological evidence. One such crucial piece of evidence is the Assyrian document known as Summary Inscription 4. This inscription, discovered on a pavement slab in Nimrud, an ancient Assyrian city, provides valuable insight into the events surrounding the reign of Hoshea, the last king of Israel.

The Content of Summary Inscription 4

Though fragmentary, Summary Inscription 4 offers a compelling account of Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser’s military campaign into the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Pekah. This inscription is particularly significant as it mentions the transition of power from Pekah to Hoshea, aligning closely with the biblical narrative. The text implies Tiglath-pileser’s direct involvement in this political change, claiming that he installed Hoshea as king. The inscription reads:

“I carried off [to] Assyria the land of Bīt-Ḫumria (Israel), [… its] ‘auxiliary [army],’ […] all of its people, […] [I/they killed] Pekah, their king, and I installed Hoshea [as king] over them. I received from them 10 talents of gold” (COS 2:288).

The Assyrian Assault on Israel: A Biblical and Historical Account

Tiglath-Pileser’s First Invasion of Israel

The Bible details the initial Assyrian incursion into Israel led by King Pul, also known as Tiglath-Pileser. This initial confrontation occurred prior to the complete conquest of Israel in 752-742 B.C.E. During this invasion, Menahem, the then-king of Israel, was forced to pay a significant tribute to the Assyrian king to avert a full-scale assault. The biblical record states: “Pul the king of Assyria came into the land. Consequently, Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver…At that the king of Assyria turned back, and he did not stay there in the land” (2 Kings 15:19, 20).

This period marks the Assyrian Empire’s expansion under Tiglath-Pileser III and aligns with the events described in 2 Kings 15:19-20. In these verses, King Menahem of Israel pays tribute to Assyria’s King Pul (Tiglath-Pileser III) to prevent an Assyrian invasion. This event is generally considered to have occurred towards the beginning of Tiglath-Pileser III’s reign, which started in 745 B.C.E. Therefore, the initial confrontation between Assyria and Israel under Menahem would likely have occurred sometime between 745 and 742 B.C.E.

In 732 BCE, a significant event in the history of the ancient Near East occurred: the Assyrian conquest of the northern regions of the Kingdom of Israel. This event is documented in the Hebrew Bible and corresponds with the historical records of the Assyrian Empire.

Here’s a summary of what happened:

Assyrian Campaign in Israel: Under the rule of Tiglath-Pileser III, the Assyrian Empire expanded aggressively into the territories of neighboring kingdoms, including the northern kingdom of Israel.
Conquest of Israelite Territories: The Assyrians captured the regions of Galilee and Gilead, which were part of the northern kingdom. This conquest led to the deportation of a significant number of Israelites to Assyria. These actions are detailed in 2 Kings 15:29, which states, “In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and he carried the people captive to Assyria.”
Political Changes in Israel: This period was also marked by political upheaval in the kingdom of Israel. Hoshea, who led a conspiracy against King Pekah of Israel, killed him and became the new king. This change in leadership is documented in 2 Kings 15:30.
Beginning of the End for the Northern Kingdom: The events of 732 BCE set the stage for the eventual fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The Assyrian conquests weakened the kingdom significantly, and these events were part of the series of conflicts and political changes that eventually led to the destruction of the kingdom in 722 BCE, with the fall of the capital, Samaria.

In summary, 732 BCE was marked by the Assyrian conquest of key regions of Israel, the deportation of Israelites, and a significant change in the kingdom’s leadership, all of which contributed to the weakening and eventual downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel. The subsequent events leading to the complete conquest of Israel, including the reign of Pekah and his overthrow by Hoshea, unfolded in the years following this initial incursion, culminating in the fall of Samaria and the end of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C.E.

The Second Assyrian Invasion and Political Upheaval

In the ensuing years, Pekah assassinated Menahem’s son, succeeding him as the king of Israel. The Bible narrates a subsequent Assyrian invasion during King Pekah’s reign: “Tiglath-pileser the king of Assyria came in and proceeded to take Ijon and Abel-beth-maacah and Janoah and Kedesh and Hazor and Gilead and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and to carry them into exile in Assyria. Finally, Hoshea the son of Elah formed a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah and struck him and put him to death; and he began to reign in place of him” (2 Kings 15:29, 30).

Corroboration from Assyrian Records

Interestingly, Assyrian king Tiglath-pileser’s own records, uncovered through archaeological efforts, corroborate these biblical events. In one document, Tiglath-pileser mentions receiving tribute from several regional leaders, including “Menahem of Samaria.” Another document reveals his direct involvement in the political shifts in Israel, stating: “They overthrew their king Pekah and I placed Hoshea as king over them.” These records offer a unique historical perspective that aligns with the biblical account, providing a multifaceted view of this critical period in Israel’s history.

Historical Context and Interpretation

This Assyrian record provides a perspective that complements the biblical account found in 2 Kings 15:29–30. It confirms the Assyrian conquest of Israelite territories and the subsequent deportation of its people – a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. While the Bible describes Hoshea’s ascent to power following Pekah’s assassination, the Assyrian inscription adds the claim that it was Tiglath-pileser who appointed Hoshea as king.

The ambiguity in the inscription about who exactly killed Pekah opens up possibilities for different interpretations of the events. Whether it was an internal conspiracy led by Hoshea or an external intervention by Tiglath-pileser remains a topic of scholarly debate.

Archaeological Significance

The discovery of Summary Inscription 4 in Nimrud is a testament to the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern kingdoms. It not only corroborates the historical existence of King Hoshea and the broad details of his rise to power but also provides a glimpse into the Assyrian perspective on their interactions with the kingdom of Israel.

Such inscriptions are invaluable for historians and biblical scholars, as they offer an external validation of the events described in the Scriptures. They also shed light on the complex political and military dynamics of the time, particularly the Assyrian empire’s influence over the region.

Conclusion

The Assyrian Summary Inscription 4 stands as a significant piece of evidence in the study of the ancient Near East and biblical history. By affirming the historicity of King Hoshea and the circumstances of his rise to power, it provides a fascinating link between the biblical narrative and the broader historical context of the period. These inscriptions not only validate historical accounts but also enrich our understanding of the intricate political, military, and cultural interactions of ancient civilizations.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).