King Hoshea (Israel)

Hoshea became king as a vassal of Assyria but later attempted to rebel by seeking support from Egypt. This was a fatal mistake. Assyria responded by invading and besieging Samaria. After a prolonged siege, the city fell in −722, and the kingdom of Israel was destroyed. The population was exiled and dispersed, leading to the concept of the “Ten Lost Tribes.” Hoshea is described as somewhat less evil than previous kings, but he did not reverse the foundational sins of the kingdom, and the accumulated corruption led to its end.