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5 min readThe Fall of Samaria and the End of the Northern Kingdom
On day 183 of the Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz walks through the moment the ten northern tribes of Israel disappear from history. The reading is 2 Kings 17, which describes the Assyrian conquest of Samaria and the deportation of the northern kingdom. This is not just another military defeat in a long line of them. It is the end of the northern tribes as a distinct people. They will never return.
The chapter makes clear that the exile happened because Israel had sinned against the Lord, "who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt." The text lists their offenses: they feared other gods, walked in the customs of the nations around them, built high places, set up pillars and Asherah poles, burned incense on the high places, served idols, burned their sons and daughters as offerings, and used divination and sorcery. The Lord had warned them "by every prophet and every seer, saying, Turn from your evil ways," but they would not listen. They were stubborn, as their fathers had been. The result is that the Lord "removed them out of his sight. None was left but the tribe of Judah only."
The Assyrian Resettlement and the Origin of the Samaritans
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:03) **Episode Introduction & Halfway Milestone** - Fr. Mike opens day 183, noting the halfway point of the year and previewing today's readings: 2 Kings 17, Micah 5-7, and Psalm 140.
- 2 (02:19) **2 Kings 17: The Fall of Samaria** - The Assyrian king Shalmaneser captures Samaria after a three-year siege and exiles the ten northern tribes.
- 3 (05:52) **Assyria Resettles Samaria & the Origin of the Samaritans** - The king of Assyria brings people from five nations to repopulate the land, creating the mixed-religion Samaritans.
- 4 (08:37) **Micah 5: Prophecy of the Ruler from Bethlehem** - A messianic prophecy foretelling Jesus's birth in Bethlehem, promising a ruler who will restore the scattered remnant.
- 5 (10:44) **Micah 6: What the Lord Requires** - The famous passage asking what God truly desires, rejecting empty sacrifices and child sacrifice.
- 6 (13:02) **Micah 7: Corruption, Repentance, and God's Compassion** - A lament over societal corruption, followed by a declaration of trust in God's mercy and forgiveness.
- 7 (16:19) **Psalm 140: Prayer for Deliverance** - A psalm of David asking for protection from evil and violent men.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Today we read about the critical moment when Assyria destroys the Northern Kingdom, and the ten northern tribes are exiled and assimilated among the nations. Fr. Mike explains how this moment and the foreign possession of Samaria is key in order to understand Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4. We also read about how the prophet Micah beautifully foreshadows the birth of Jesus. Today's readings are 2 Kings 17, Micah 5-7, and Psalm 140.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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