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
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Scripture Alone
Explains and defends the authority and sufficiency of Scripture over all human traditions.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
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
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon