Isaiah 28-29; II Kings 17:5-41
Exile for the Northern Kingdom of Israel!
Having walked through Israel’s sordid history, surely we could see this coming! After two centuries of persistent idolatry, despite warnings from numerous prophets, Israel must face the music. II Kings 17 provides all the explanation, so I need not repeat it here. The Northern Kingdom of Israel is crushed by Assyria and deported into exile, never to be heard from again as a distinct people; hence, the “Ten Lost Tribes of Israel”.
Southern Kingdom of Judah: Be warned!
One more thing…
As II Kings 17 explains, Assyria ships many of the people of Israel out while bringing in other conquered people from foreign lands. The result is a tremendous amount of syncretism, mixing Israel’s already-corrupted version of the worship of the LORD with yet more pagan practices. By New Testament times, the people of Judah (the Jews) want nothing to do with these adulterated Samaritans. Lest we think that is all ancient history, the Samaritans survive to this day.
And another thing…
If in reading the Scripture you stumble on a good thought that is a “stumbling stone and a rock of offense,” blame yourself. For do not despair that this “stumbling stone and rock of offense” have meanings so as to fulfill the saying “And the one who believes will not be put to shame.” Believe first, and you will discover much holy aid beneath the supposed offense.
Origen on Isaiah 28:16 (See also I Peter 2:6.)