2 Kings Chapter 17 · Verse 5
Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
and went up
H5927
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
and went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 11
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אַשּׁ֖וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֖וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
3 of 11
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאָ֑רֶץ
throughout all the land
H776
הָאָ֑רֶץ
throughout all the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
5 of 11
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
and went up
H5927
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
and went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 11
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וַיָּ֥צַר
and besieged
H6696
וַיָּ֥צַר
and besieged
Strong's:
H6696
Word #:
8 of 11
to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)
עָלֶ֖יהָ
H5921
עָלֶ֖יהָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 17 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Fall of the Northern Kingdom) reflects the historical reality of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings as the northern kingdom fell to Assyria due to persistent covenant unfaithfulness. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 17 regarding covenant judgment and exile?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 17: Covenant judgment and exile. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.