Hoshea and Two Parties

Hoshea, Elah’s son, became king in Samaria in the twelfth year of Judah’s king Ahaz. He ruled over Israel for nine years.  He did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes, but he wasn’t as bad as the Israelite kings who preceded him. 2 Kings 17:1-2

The Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible says “Hoshea was one of those who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah and was the last king of Israel. The chronological data of our text are not entirely accordant (2 K 15:30, 17:1), but we know that he came to the throne not far from B.C. 732. Taking into view the Assyrian annals along with the Biblical accounts, we gather that there were two parties in Samaria:

One advocating submission to Assyria

The other hoping for independence

Pekah was placed on the throne by the latter; Hoshea was the candidate of the Assyrians, and was perhaps actively supported by them in his revolt against Pekah, whom he supplanted.”

From these words about the political climate of Israel about 700 years before Christ, we can believe differences in political parties is nothing new. There was support coming from different factions for each party.

When we hear of disagreements in the political parties of today, we can pray for God to give wisdom to our elected officials.

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, we don’t have all the information available to our government officials, but you know exactly what the truth is in all things and which decisions will benefit the people of our nation. Please guide our leaders to work together in a way that is not evil in your sight, but beneficial to the people. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck