Overview
Shalmaneser V ruled the Assyrian Empire during a critical period in Israel's history. King Hoshea of Israel initially paid tribute to Shalmaneser, but later rebelled, prompting a military response that resulted in the siege and fall of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. This conquest marked the fulfillment of God's warnings through His prophets and resulted in the deportation of Israel's people.
Key Scriptures
"Hoshea became vassal to Shalmaneser and paid him tribute" (2 Kings 17:3, ESV). "Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria, and for three years he besieged it" (2 Kings 17:5, ESV). "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried the Israelites away to Assyria" (2 Kings 17:6, ESV).
Application
Shalmaneser's conquest reminds us that God judges persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness, and that His warnings through His Word demand our serious attention and obedience.