10.19.2025 | The Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed
2 Kings 17
We’ve all done something wrong or disobeyed because we thought it was the better option. Time and time again, the Israelites chose to disobey God. And even though God loved them like a father, the Israelites forgot about God.
Sin separated them from God. But God created people to know and love Him, and God was working out a plan to bring His children back to Himself. God had been very patient with the Israelites. He had helped them in times of trouble and delayed their punishment because He is gracious and compassionate. But God knew His people would not love Him with all their hearts.
Finally, God had had enough. Evil King Hoshea ruled over Israel, and God allowed Israel’s enemies to send the people into exile. The king of Assyria attacked Israel and laid siege to Samaria. Assyria captured Samaria and forced the people to leave the city and walk hundreds of miles to Assyria. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed, and the people were scattered, just as God had said would happen.
Israel’s exile was God’s judgment on their sin, but God was not finished working among His people. God was still working out His plan to keep His covenant promises. When the Israelites disobeyed God again and again, God punished them by removing them from their land. We disobey God, but Jesus took the punishment for our sin upon Himself. Jesus brings us into God’s presence and keeps us there.
The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of their sin. We all sin against God and deserve death, but God sent Jesus to die in our place. Because of Jesus, those who trust in Him will never be removed from God’s presence.
