This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 2 Kings 17:1-5, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, Hoshea became king of Israel. He wasn’t a very good king because he did some things that God did not like. But even though he wasn’t the best, he wasn’t as bad as some of the kings who came before him.
One day, the king of Assyria came to Hoshea’s land and Hoshea had to pay him money, or “tribute,” so that he wouldn’t attack. But Hoshea was sneaky and sent a message to the king of Egypt, hoping to get help from him instead. When the king of Assyria found out about this, he was very angry and put Hoshea in prison.
After a while, the king of Assyria came back and attacked Hoshea’s land. He surrounded the main city of Samaria and wouldn’t let anyone out or in for three whole years!
Biblical Lessons
- We should always be honest and truthful, even when it’s hard.
- We should trust in God to protect us and not try to rely on ourselves or others to solve our problems.
- Deception can lead to serious consequences, both for ourselves and for those around us.
- God’s commands are not suggestions, and it’s important to follow them even if we don’t fully understand why.
- Putting our trust in worldly things, like money or other people, can lead to disappointment and trouble.
- Even in the darkest of times, we can have hope and faith in God’s promises and his protection over our lives.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Institutes of the Christian Religion
A classic work of Reformed theology in an accessible form, laying out Christian doctrine with deep biblical roots.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
A concise, biblical study of Christ's atonement and the application of salvation to believers.
View on Amazon
The Mortification of Sin
A Puritan classic urging believers to put sin to death by the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Gentle and Lowly
Meditates on Christ's heart for sinners and sufferers from key biblical texts.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon