Overview

Brief Overview of the History of the Destruction of Israel

Hoshea the king of Israel saw a prime opportunity to revolt against Assyria once the mighty Tiglath Pileser died in 727 BC. Hoshea thought Assyria might not be strong enough to maintain control of his empire and also destroy the northern kingdom of Israel. He made a foolish decision to rely on the "weak reed" (Egypt) for protection, and he decided not to pay tribute to Assyria in the year 724 BC. The new Assyrian king, Shalmaneser V (ruled 726-722 BC) wasted no time in attacking Samaria, but he died during the attack and a new king Sargon II (722-705) came and finished the job. At the end of 722 BC after three years siege, Samaria fell. According to the annals of Sargon II he deported 27,290 Israelites over to the territory of Persia (II Kings 17:6) and placed other people from around his empire into the area of Samaria to populate the area. The prophet Amos wrote some powerful words in his lamentation over Israel:

"Fallen is the Virgin of Israel"

Amos 5:1-2 - 1 - Hear ye this word which I take up against you, [even] a lamentation, O house of Israel. 2 - The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; [there is] none to raise her up.