7 Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the king’s son, Azrikam the officer over the house, and Elkanah whowas second to the king.
8 And the children of Israel carried away captive of their abrethren two hundred thousand women, sons, and daughters; and they also took away much1 spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.
Israel Returns the Captives
9 But a aprophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded; and he went out before the army that came to Samaria, and said to them: “Look, bbecause the Lord God of your fathers was angry with Judah, He has delivered them into your hand; but you have killed them in a rage thatcreaches up to heaven.
10 And now you propose to force the children of Judah and Jerusalem to be your amale and female slaves; butare you not also guilty before the Lord your God?
11 Now hear me, therefore, and return the captives, whom you have taken captive from your brethren, afor the fierce wrath of the Lordis upon you.”
12 Then some of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against those who came from the war,
13 and said to them, “You shall not bring the captives here, for we already have offended the Lord. You intend to add to our sins and to our guilt; for our guilt is great, and thereis fierce wrath against Israel.”
14 So the armed men left the captives and the1 spoil before the leaders and all the assembly.
15 Then the men awho were designated by name rose up and took the captives, and from the1 spoil they clothed all who were naked among them, dressed them and gave them sandals, bgave them food and drink, and anointed them; and they let all the feeble ones ride on donkeys. So they brought them to their brethren at Jericho, cthe city of palm trees. Then they returned to Samaria.
Assyria Refuses to Help Judah
16aAt the same time King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria to help him.
17 For again the aEdomites had come, attacked Judah, and carried away captives.
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
Join 137,315+ readers
A Verse and a Thought, Every Morning
Consistent Bible study is hard to start.
The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.
Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.
