Israel finally and totally is taken into exile by the Assyrian armies after a three-year siege. The reason for this is stated "the poeple of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt...and...did secretly against the LORD their God things that were not right." Although warnings had been given by every prophet sent to them, Israel would not listen and judgment finally came. Only the tribe of Judah and Benjamin remained in the land. Even in this, God demonstrates His faithfulness. He was faithfully keeping the promises made between He and His people; He had promised to bless them for obedience and punish them for disobedience. Even discipline demonstrates love!
Alas, Judah did not keep Gods commands either; but there were kings making attempts to follow God, so He lovingly allowed them leniency. The Assyrians resettled the land of Israel - Samaria particularly - and intermarried with those Hebrews who were still in the land. This was the beginning of the great hatred Jews had for Samaritans, as these Samaritans were not totally Jewish in their lineage. But that is an account for another passage.
In Judah, King Hezekiah is on the throne. He does what pleases the Lord. He removes many of the places of idol worship and worships God whole-heartedly. The Assyrian army attacks the cities of Judah and strips the cities of much of their gold and silver. Threats are made concerning the eventual overthrow of the cities. These negotiations are carried out in Hebrew; the whole populace is aware of the threats and the responses to them. The entire land is worried and afraid of what might happen. Wisely, the king calls for God's prophet, Isaiah, to determine a course of action.
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