2 Kings 17:6 Overview

2 Kings 17:6 states, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes."

This verse marks a significant moment in biblical history, highlighting the Assyrian conquest and the subsequent exile of the northern kingdom of Israel. Through a combined interpretation of several public domain commentaries, we can derive deeper insights.

• Historical Context: According to Matthew Henry, the capture of Samaria signifies not just a military defeat but a spiritual failure. The Israelites had turned away from God, leading to divine retribution in the form of conquest.
• Divine Sovereignty: Albert Barnes emphasizes God's control over nations and events. The exile was not merely a political catastrophe but a part of God's plan, affirming the prophetic warnings given through earlier prophets.
• Judgment for Idolatry: As noted by Adam Clarke, the fall of Israel is a culmination of their constant idolatry. This event serves as a warning about the consequences of straying from faithfulness to God.
• Geographical Displacement: The locations mentioned (Halah, Habor, Gozan) illustrate the broad expanse of the Assyrian Empire and symbolize total exile, as discussed in Matthew Henry's commentary on the desolation of the Israelites.
• Link to Prophecies: This event fulfills several prophecies, notably Isaiah’s warnings about the judgment of Israel, showcasing the prophet's accuracy, as reflected in Albert Barnes’ analysis of prophetic texts.
• Inter-Biblical Dialogue: The fall of Samaria creates an inter-textual relationship with later accounts in the New Testament, where themes of exile and redemption are pivotal in the teachings of Jesus.
• Cultural Repercussions: The exiled Israelites faced cultural assimilation, leading to the creation of the Samaritan community, as discussed in Adam Clarke, which had implications for future biblical narratives.

Cross-References:

• 2 Kings 17:20-23: Further discusses God's rejection of Israel due to idolatry.
• Isaiah 10:5-6: Prophecy of Assyria’s role as an instrument of judgment against Israel.
• Jeremiah 50:17: Reflects on God's judgment against Israel and the fate of the northern kingdom.
• Micah 1:6: Prophecy about Samaria’s destruction.
• Hosea 13:16: The consequences of Israel's apostasy.
• Amos 5:27: Referencing exile as a punishment for Israel's sins.
• Matthew 1:12: References the Babylonian exile, linked to the consequences faced by Israel.
• Luke 4:25-27: Jesus mentions the days of Elijah and Elisha in contrast to the unrepentant Israelites.
• John 4:9: Samaritans and their cultural significance following the exile.
• Ezra 4:2: Discussions of the remnant of Israel and the return from exile.

This verse exemplifies the importance of understanding the connections between Bible verses, as the themes of judgment, repentance, and redemption are woven throughout Scripture. By engaging in Bible verse cross-references, such as those identified above, believers can gain a more profound understanding of God’s dealings with His people and their significance across different biblical contexts.

The study of this verse leads to thematic Bible verse connections, illustrating how God’s overarching narrative unfolds through both judgment and grace, reminding readers to maintain fidelity to God to avoid spiritual exile.