Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 17 - Verse 3

In this verse, Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, is described as coming up against Hoshea, the king of Israel. Hoshea, in a desperate attempt to maintain his power and protect his kingdom, decides to become a vassal of Shalmaneser and submits himself by giving him presents. This act of submission and the payment of tributes was a common practice in ancient times when a weaker nation sought protection or mercy from a more powerful empire. By offering gifts to Shalmaneser, Hoshea hoped to secure his position and possibly prevent an attack on his kingdom. However, as the historical records show, this alliance and submission to the Assyrians did not provide the protection Hoshea sought, leading to the eventual downfall of the kingdom of Israel at the hands of the Assyrian empire.

In this verse, we see the mention of Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, who came up against Hoshea, the king of Israel. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God and seeking alliances with foreign powers. Hoshea, in an attempt to secure his position, became a vassal to the king of Assyria, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's protection and provision. The act of giving presents to Shalmaneser can be seen as an act of submission and dependence on a human ruler rather than trusting in the sovereignty of God. This verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of relying on worldly powers instead of putting our faith in God. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the cultural and historical context of the actions described in this verse, providing a richer understanding of the implications of Hoshea's decision to serve the king of Assyria.