Back and forth the scriptures record the succession of kings in Judah and then Israel. There were no good kings in the north and an occasional good king in the south. Meanwhile, God's chosen people languished spiritually in an environment of false worship, including at times sacrificing their own children (16:3) to appease a mythical god. After defeating Syria, King Ahaz of Judah even tried to outdo the worship of the LORD in the Temple by building his own altar and re-purposing the furnishings dedicated to God. We read of one assassination after another for political gain.
What was God doing in response?
1. He sent prophets to preach and warn the people of their sin and the impending invasion. But they did not listen. (17:7-18)
2. He sent Jonah (mentioned in 14:25) to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, to deliver His message. Everyone there repented! (Jonah 3) With this change in the Assyrians, God could use them to discipline His people in the north. (17:21-23)
3. He was preparing the Assyrian empire to conquer Israel and assimilate the people. He would also use them to control Judah as a tributary of their empire. (17:24)
4. He had the king of Assyria send some of the captured priests back to Israel to teach the inhabitants of the land how to live according to the word of God. Amazing! (17:25-28)
The land remained in a mix of spiritual truth and myth. But this did not change God, His Word, His covenant promises, or His expectations of their lives.
5. He continued His faithful call to them to respond so He could show His power on their behalf.
"But you shall fear the LORD your God, and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." (17:39)
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