2 Kings 17:3 meaning

The narrative surrounding this verse highlights pivotal events leading to the eventual fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. During a tumultuous period marked by disobedience to God, the Israelites engaged in illicit alliances and idolatrous practices, prompting divine discontent. In their pursuit of assistance from surrounding nations, notably Egypt, the Israelites disregarded the warnings from prophets sent by God. Their unfaithfulness culminated in a series of events that drew the wrath of Assyria.

In 2 Kings 17:3, we see King Hoshea of Israel conspiring with Egypt, indicating their reliance on foreign powers rather than the sovereignty of Yahweh. This reliance illustrates a failure to recognize that their true help lay only in divine favor, as previous kings had done.