The Fall of Samaria

MEMORY VERSE: “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but transgressors shall fall therein.” —Hosea 14:9

II KINGS 17:9-18

SAMARIA was the capital of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, and the fall of Samaria meant the fall of the kingdom. Both Hosea (chapter 13) and Amos (chapter 8) had given warning of the impending catastrophe upon the kingdom and its people, but there was none who would give heed—none, at least, in a position sufficiently powerful to change the attitude of the Israelites in general.

Assyria was the powerful kingdom which overthrew Israel, and although Israel “bought a little time” by paying tribute to Assyria, when Hoshea, Israel’s last king, failed to send the tribute, Shalmaneser V laid siege to Samaria. It was captured by Sargon II, Shalmaneser’s successor. Many thousands of the Israelites were carried into captivity in Assyria. The remainder were allowed to stay in the land, although they were reduced to the status of serfs.

When we note the fact that God punished the Israelites because of their idolatry, we should remember that they were a people who were in covenant relationship with the Lord. Under the leadership of Moses, who served as mediator, they had agreed to keep God’s Law. One of the commandments specifically stated that they should not bow down before graven images, nor worship any other God. Because they were God’s professed people he held them responsible.

God’s viewpoint of the world in general is different. In heathen countries idolatry has been practiced throughout the ages without interference by God. Paul explains that God had “winked” at this situation because he had appointed a day when he would judge the people through Jesus, and had given assurance to all in that he had raised Jesus from the dead.—Acts 17:2 4

Paul further explained that while God had “winked” at the sins of the world in the past, he now “commands all men everywhere to repent.” (Acts 17:30) This repentance is upon an individual basis, and is effective to the extent that the message of repentance reaches into the hearts of the people. Those in this age who repent are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus; to lay down their lives as he did, with the promise that if they are faithful in doing this they will live and reign with Christ.

During the Millennial Age the message of repentance will effectively reach all mankind, even those who have died, for they will be awakened from the sleep of death. Then the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea; and eventually it will not be necessary for anyone to say to his neighbor, “Know the Lord,” for all shall know him from the least unto the greatest.—Isa. 11:9; Jer. 31:31-34

The Apostle John wrote, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (I John 5:21) It is possible that the widespread use of images in church worship which later developed was beginning to manifest itself even in the Early Church. We think, however, that John’s reference to “idols” was symbolic; symbolic, that is, of the various interests a follower of the Master might permit to replace the Lord in his affections.

There is almost an unlimited number of such “idols” which it would be possible to set up in our hearts. Love of money, of pleasure, of self, could become idols. Many of these, of themselves, would not be wrong unless idols are made of them. For example, every Christian should love his family. God wants us to love and care for our families, but a Christian should not set his family up as an idol to worship, and thus replace the Lord in his affection and loyalty.

Jesus set forth this principle when he said that unless we love him more than we do father, or mother, or sister, or brother, we are not worthy of him. (Matt. 10:37) The followers of Jesus are partakers of a very high calling; a calling to “glory, honor, and immortality,” and a calling also to live and reign with Christ a thousand years. Those who make their calling and election sure to this exalted position must be thoroughly tested as to their complete obedience and devotion to the Lord. (Rom. 2:7; II Tim. 2:11,12; I Pet. 1:2) As our memory verse states, “The ways of the Lord are wise.”

QUESTIONS

What brought about the fall of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel?

When will God deal with the whole world of mankind?

What kinds of idols might we be tempted to worship?

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