In the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria and besieged it,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights the stark reality of Israel's spiritual and political decline: the Northern Kingdom, under King Hoshea, is so weakened that it's being conquered in the seventh year of its king's reign, while Judah, under King Hezekiah, is still in its fourth year. This timing emphasizes that Israel's choices had consequences, leaving them vulnerable and ripe for Assyria's devastating invasion.
In the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria and besieged it,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Assyria, a superpower of the ancient Near East, was systematically conquering the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse highlights a critical moment: the final fall of Samaria, the capital, marking the end of Israel as a distinct nation. It sets the stage for the further Assyrian threat against Judah and its king, Hezekiah, which will dominate the following chapters.
Ever feel like you're caught in the crossfire? This verse pins down a moment where national struggles hit home.
The Bible often grounds its stories in specific times and places. This verse gives us a precise historical snapshot:
Two Kings, One Crisis
This isn't just ancient history; it's about the consequences of choices. Israel, having strayed from God, was ripe for conquest.
What does it mean for a city to be 'besieged'? It's more than just a military blockade.
The word 'besieged' paints a grim picture.
Life Under Siege
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Understand the original words
tsur · Hebrew Verb
To surround a city with military force to prevent supplies from entering or people from leaving, usually as a precursor to conquest.
This verse captures the beginning of the end for the northern kingdom of Israel. The siege of Samaria, initiated by Shalmaneser V, was the direct precursor to the fall of the nation and the widely known 'ten lost tribes,' a devastating event for the people of God.
c. 745 BC
Tiglath-Pileser III becomes Assyrian King
Tiglath-Pileser III initiated major Assyrian reforms and military campaigns, significantly expanding the empire's reach.
c. 734-732 BC
Assyrian campaigns against Israel and Syria
Tiglath-Pileser III conquered significant portions of the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to deportations and the installation of Assyrian governors.
c. 727 BC
Shalmaneser V becomes King of Assyria
Shalmaneser V succeeded Tiglath-Pileser III and continued his predecessor's policies of imperial expansion and control over vassal states.
c. 725 BC
Hoshea of Israel rebels
Hoshea, likely after paying tribute to Shalmaneser V, ceased paying tribute and sought an alliance with Egypt, defying Assyrian authority.
c. 724 BC— this verse
Siege of Samaria begins
Shalmaneser V marched against the northern kingdom of Israel to quell the rebellion, laying siege to its capital, Samaria.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and end of Northern Kingdom
After a prolonged siege, Samaria fell to the Assyrians. The northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed, its people exiled, and the region resettled.
This passage details the initial fall of the northern kingdom of Israel to the Assyrians, directly preceding and setting the stage for the siege of Samaria mentioned in your verse.
Micah 1:1Micah was a prophet during this very period, and this verse shows he was prophesying against Samaria, indicating the spiritual and moral decay that contributed to its downfall.
Isaiah 10:5-6This passage speaks about Assyria as an instrument of God's judgment against sinful nations, providing theological context for why the Assyrians were attacking Israel.
Jeremiah 25:8-11This prophetic passage, looking back at events like the fall of Samaria, declares God's judgment on Judah and other nations through Nebuchadnezzar, showing a pattern of exile and judgment for disobedience.
This verse highlights the stark reality of Israel's spiritual and political decline: the Northern Kingdom, under King Hoshea, is so weakened that it's being conquered in the seventh year of its king's reign, while Judah, under King Hezekiah, is still in its fourth year. This timing emphasizes that Israel's choices had consequences, leaving them vulnerable and ripe for Assyria's devastating invasion.
Assyria, a superpower of the ancient Near East, was systematically conquering the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse highlights a critical moment: the final fall of Samaria, the capital, marking the end of Israel as a distinct nation. It sets the stage for the further Assyrian threat against Judah and its king, Hezekiah, which will dominate the following chapters.
Assyria, a superpower of the ancient Near East, was systematically conquering the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse highlights a critical moment: the final fall of Samaria, the capital, marking the end of Israel as a distinct nation. It sets the stage for the further Assyrian threat against Judah and its king, Hezekiah, which will dominate the following chapters.
"In the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria and besieged it," — This verse highlights the stark reality of Israel's spiritual and political decline: the Northern Kingdom, under King Hoshea, is so weakened that it's being conquered in the seventh year of its kin…
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Last reviewed October 2026