Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 17:1
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
Ahaz was a king of Judah, son of Jotham and father of Hezekiah, as mentioned in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. His name means 'he has grasped', possibly indicating his efforts to hold onto power or his faith in God. Ahaz's reign was marked by significant events in Judah's history.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.35; son of: Micah (H4318H); brother of: Pithon (H6377), Melech (H4429) and Tarea (H8390); father of: Jehoaddah (H3085) § Ahaz = "he has grasped" 1) king of Judah, son Jotham, father of Hezekiah 2) a Benjamite, son of Micah, and great grandson of Jonathan
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Ahaz. See also: 2 Kings 15:38; 1 Chronicles 8:36; Isaiah 1:1.
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
Hoshea was a common name in the Bible, given to five different Israelites, including the son of Nun and the last king of the northern kingdom of Israel. It means salvation.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness and Israel before the Monarchy, first mentioned at Exo.17.9; son of: Nun (H5126); also called Hoshea (KJV: Oshea) at Num.13.8; Jeshua at Neh.8.17; Another name of ye.ho.shu.a (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ "Joshua" H3091G) § Hosea or Hoshea or Oshea = "salvation" 1) family name of Joshua, the son of Nun 2) the 19th and last king of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Beeri, and the first of the minor prophets; prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel in the reign of Jeroboam II 4) a son of Azaziah, a chief of Ephraim in the time of David 5) an Israelite chief who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Hosea, Hoshea, Oshea. See also: Numbers 13:8; 2 Kings 17:6; Hosea 1:2.
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Elah refers to a place in Palestine or the name of several Israelites and an Edomite, meaning an oak valley. It appears in the Bible as a location and a personal name. In 1 Samuel 17:2, the Valley of Elah is where David fought Goliath.
Definition: Elah = "An oak" Combined with " Valley" (e.meq עֵ֫מֶק H6010I)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Elah. See also: Genesis 36:41; 1 Kings 16:14; 1 Chronicles 9:8.
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
This Hebrew word means the number nine, used for counting or describing quantities. It can also mean ninth when describing order or sequence.
Definition: 1) nine, nonad 1a) nine (as cardinal number) 1b) ninth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: nine ([phrase] -teen, [phrase] -teenth, -th). See also: Genesis 5:5; Judges 4:13; Jeremiah 39:2.
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
Context — Hoshea the Last King of Israel
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
2 Kings 15:30 |
Then Hoshea son of Elah led a conspiracy against Pekah son of Remaliah. In the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah, Hoshea attacked Pekah, killed him, and reigned in his place. |
2 Kings 17:1 Summary
This verse tells us about a man named Hoshea who became the king of Israel, and he ruled for nine years. It's interesting to note that he did evil in the sight of the Lord, but not as much as the previous kings, which shows that God is always working, even in difficult situations, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. We can learn from Hoshea's example that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to follow God's will, as encouraged in Psalm 37:1-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have hope, even in uncertain times, as described in Romans 8:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the spiritual state of the kingdom of Israel during Hoshea's reign?
According to 2 Kings 17:2, Hoshea did evil in the sight of the Lord, but not as much as the previous kings of Israel, indicating a complex spiritual situation, similar to what is described in Isaiah 1:1-31, where the Lord calls His people to repentance.
How did Hoshea become king of Israel?
The Bible does not provide detailed information on how Hoshea became king, but it is clear that he took the throne in the twelfth year of Ahaz's reign over Judah, as stated in 2 Kings 17:1, which may be related to the tumultuous period described in 2 Kings 15:8-31.
What can we learn from the transition of power in Israel during this time?
The transition of power, as seen in 2 Kings 17:1, highlights the importance of godly leadership, as emphasized in Proverbs 29:2, where it is written that when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger story of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as described in 1 Kings 12:1-33 and 2 Kings 17:1-23, which ultimately points to the need for a Savior, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as seen in the New Testament, such as in Luke 1:26-38.
Reflection Questions
- What does the fact that Hoshea became king in the twelfth year of Ahaz's reign reveal about God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of Israel and Judah?
- How can we, like Hoshea, be aware of our own spiritual state and the evil that we may be tolerating in our lives, as warned against in Matthew 5:27-30?
- What are some ways that we can apply the principle of godly leadership, as seen in the contrast between righteous and wicked rulers, to our own lives and communities, as encouraged in Titus 2:1-10?
- In what ways can we trust in God's providence, even in times of uncertainty and transition, as described in Romans 8:28-30 and Psalm 37:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 17:1
In the tenth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 17:1
In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years. In the twelfth year of Ahaz ... began Hoshea ... to reign.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:1
2 KINGS CHAPTER 17 Hoshea king of Israel, his wicked reign: being subdued by Shalmaneser king of Assyria, he conspireth against him with So king of Egypt: he is besieged; taken prisoner; and with all the people carried captive to Assyria for their sins, . The strange nations transplanted into Samaria are plagued with lions: an Israelitish priest is sent to them; whence followeth a mixture of religious, . Quest. How can this be true, seeing it is said that he reigned, or began to reign, in Israel in the twentieth year of Jotham, , which was the fourth year of Ahaz, as was there noted? Answ. He usurped the kingdom in Ahaz’ s fourth year; but either was not owned as king by the generality of the people, or was not accepted and established in his kingdom by the Assyrian, till Ahaz’ s twelfth year; or in his eight first years he was only a tributary prince, and the king of Assyria’ s viceroy; and after that time he set up for himself, which drew the Assyrian upon him. Nine years, to wit, after his confirmation and peaceable possession of his kingdom; for in all he reigned seventeen or eighteen years, to wit, twelve with Ahaz, who reigned sixteen years, and six with Hezekiah, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:1
2 Kings 17:1 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel nine years.Ver. 1. Began Hoshea the son of Elah to reign.] Heb., He reigned, sc., as an absolute king, and no longer a vassal or tributary to the king of Assyria as before. Over Israel nine years,] viz., Four in the days of Ahaz, and five of Hezekiah. Vatab.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:1
XVII. THE REIGN OF HOSHEA, THE LAST KING OF SAMARIA. THE FALL OF SAMARIA. OF ISRAEL, AND RE- OF THE LAND BY .(1) In the twelfth year of Ahaz.—If Pekah reigned thirty years (see Note on 2 Kings 15:27), and Ahaz succeeded in Pekah’s seventeenth year (2 Kings 16:1), Ahaz must have reigned thirteen years concurrently with Pekah. Hoshea, therefore, succeeded Pekah in the fourteenth year of Ahaz. Began Hoshea.—See the inscription of Tiglath Pileser, quoted at 2 Kings 15:30, according to which, Hoshea (A-u-si-ha) only mounted the throne as a vassal of Assyria. On the news of the death of Tiglath, he probably refused further tribute.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:1
CHAPTER XVII Hoshea's wicked reign, 1, 2. Shalmaneser comes up against him, makes him tributary, and then casts him into prison, 3, 4. He besieges Samaria three years; and at last takes it, and carries Israel captive into Assyria, and places them in different cities of the Assyrians and Medes, 5, 6. The reason why Israel was thus afflicted; their idolatry, obstinacy, divination, c., 7-18. Judah copies the misconduct of Israel, 19. The Lord rejects all the seed of Israel, 20-23. The king of Assyria brings different nations and places them in Samaria, and the cities from which the Israelites had been led away into captivity, 24. Many of these strange people are destroyed by lions, 25. The king of Assyria sends back some of the Israelitish priests to teach these nations the worship of Jehovah which worship they incorporate with their own idolatry, 26-33. The state of the Israelites, and strange nations in the land of Israel, 34-41.
NOTES ON CHAP. XVII
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 17:1
Ch. 2 Kings 17:1-6. Reign of Hoshea king of Israel. Shalmaneser invades Israel, imprisons Hoshea and carries the people captive (Not in Chronicles) 1. In the twelfth year of Ahaz … began Hoshea … to reign] This is one more evidence that there is error in the chronological statements. In 2 Kings 15:30 Hoshea is said to have begun to reign in the twentieth year of Jotham. As in 2 Kings 15:33 Jotham’s reign is stated to have been only sixteen years, the two statements are contradictory. Moreover we find that Pekah was not slain in Jotham’s reign, but was an active monarch in the days of Ahaz. The reconciliation of the various statements is full of difficulty. See chronological notice.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 17:1
In the twelfth year - Compare 2 Kings 15:30 note. The history of the kingdom of Israel is in this chapter brought to a close.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 17:1
REIGN OF HOSEA AND FALL OF THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL, 2 Kings 17:1-23. 1. In the twelfth year of Ahaz — In our note on 2 Kings 15:30, following Usher we understand that Hoshea slew Pekah in the fourth year of Ahaz.