Samaria's Fall

In his mercy Jehovah's repeatedly sends prophets to encourage Israel to repent and return to pure worship.  ( 2 Kings 17:13)  Despite this, Israel adds to its sin of calf worship by engaging in divination, immoral Baal worship, and the use of sacred poles and high places.  The Israelites even make "their sons and their daughters pass through the fire" sacrificing the fruit of their own flesh to demon gods.  (2 Kings 17:14-17; Psalm 106:36-39; Amos 2:8)  To bring and end to Israel's wickedness, Jehovah decrees:  "Samaria and her king will certainly be silenced, like a snapped-0ff twig on the surface of waters."  (Hosea 10:1, 7) In 742 B.C.E., Assyrian forces attack Samaria, the capital of Israel.  After a three-year siege, Samaria falls, and in 740 B.C.E., the ten-tribe kingdom ceases to exist.

In our day Jehovah has commissioned a worldwide preaching work to warn "mankind that they should all everywhere repent."  (Acts 17:30;Matthew 24:14)  Those who reject God's means of salvation will become like "a snapped-off twig," destroyed like the apostate nation of Israel.  On the other hand, those hoping in Jehovah "will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it."  (Psalm 37:29)  How wise, then, to avoid the mistakes of the ancient kingdom of Israel!  Let us put out whole confidence in Jehovah for salvation.

Next time: Jehovah's Saving Power

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000