Your life reflects what you worship

Hoshea was the last of Israel's 20 kings, not one of whom was righteous-including Hoshea, who had assassinated his predecessor, Pekah. By the time Assyrian King he controlled most of the Near East and Hoshea paid heavy tribute to the Assyrians during his reign.

The king of Assyria of 2 Kings 17:6-16 was Shalmaneser V, the successor of Tiglath-Pileser. After Hoshea tried to enter into an alliance with the king of Egypt, Shalmaneser captured and imprisoned Hoshea for withholding tribute. He was released, possibly because of a ransom paid to Shalmaneser. But Hoshea revolted, prompting Shalmaneser to lead his army into Israel. During the three-year siege of Samaria, Hoshea attempted to resume tribute payments to end the siege. But Hoshea could no longer be trusted. Samaria fell to Sargon II, Shalmaneser's successor.

Then the Assyrians took Israel captive, scattering them throughout the land. It was God's judgment for Israel's idolatry, ritual prostitution, burning incense to false gods, and sacrificing children.

Sin brings bondage. Worship the Lord and be free.