So
Who was So in the Bible?
An Egyptian king during the late 8th century BC who entered into a failed diplomatic alliance with Hoshea, the last king of Israel.
So is a king of Egypt mentioned briefly during the twilight of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His appearance in the biblical record is limited to the account of the downfall of Samaria, occurring during the reign of King Hoshea (c. 732–722 BC). He is presented as a potential political savior for Israel against the encroaching power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
While his role is minor in terms of verse count, his presence signifies the complex international landscape of the Divided Monarchy. The interaction between Israel and Egypt during this period reflects the shift from Israel's reliance on God to its dependence on foreign military alliances, a move that ultimately led to the Assyrian captivity.
Background and Family
The biblical text provides no genealogical information or family background for King So. He is identified simply as the "King of Egypt" (2 Kings 17:4). In the historical context of the late 8th century BC, Egypt was experiencing the Third Intermediate Period, characterized by divided rule and the rise of the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th Dynasties. Because the name "So" does not clearly match a specific Pharaoh's throne name, scholars have debated whether the name refers to Pharaoh Osorkon IV, or if it is a transliteration of the city Sais, indicating the king who resided there (such as Tefnakht).
Major Life Events
So’s only recorded action in the Bible is receiving envoys from Hoshea, the final king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Hoshea had been a vassal to Shalmaneser V of Assyria, paying a heavy annual tribute. In an attempt to secure independence, Hoshea stopped these payments and sent messengers to King So, seeking an alliance and military support to repel the Assyrians.
However, the alliance proved ineffective. The king of Assyria discovered the conspiracy, leading to the immediate arrest of Hoshea. There is no record of So providing any military assistance to Israel during the subsequent three-year siege of Samaria. The failure of this diplomatic maneuver resulted in the total destruction of the Northern Kingdom and the deportation of its people to Assyria.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
The biblical record connects So only to King Hoshea of Israel and, by extension, to the unnamed "king of Assyria" (historically identified as Shalmaneser V or Sargon II). Hoshea’s decision to turn to So rather than to the God of Israel is presented as the final political error in a long history of spiritual infidelity.
Spiritual Significance
The mention of So serves as a poignant illustration of the prophetic warnings issued by Isaiah and Hosea regarding the futility of trusting in Egypt. The biblical narrative uses So to demonstrate that human alliances are insufficient when a nation has abandoned its covenant with God. Egypt, often referred to as a "broken reed" in prophetic literature, failed to act, leaving Israel to face the consequences of its rebellion against both Assyria and the Lord.
Theologically, the interaction with So represents the final stage of Israel's spiritual decay. By seeking aid from Egypt—the very land from which God had originally delivered them—the Northern Kingdom demonstrated a complete lack of faith in divine protection. This act of 'conspiring' with a foreign power instead of repenting triggered the final judgment of the Assyrian exile.
Historically, So provides a chronological anchor for the fall of Samaria. His presence confirms the geopolitical reality of the 8th century BC, where small Levant states were caught in a power struggle between the declining power of Egypt and the rising juggernaut of Assyria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was King So in the Bible?
King So was a ruler of Egypt whom King Hoshea of Israel contacted to form an alliance against the Assyrian Empire.
Did King So help Israel defeat Assyria?
No. The Bible does not record any military aid provided by So; instead, the king of Assyria discovered the plot and imprisoned King Hoshea.
Which book of the Bible mentions So?
King So is mentioned exclusively in 2 Kings 17:4.
What happened to Israel after Hoshea contacted So?
After the alliance was discovered, the king of Assyria invaded Israel, besieged Samaria for three years, and eventually carried the Israelites away into captivity.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Kings1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
2 Kings · 1
- 2 Kings 17:4
But the king of Assyria discovered that Hoshea had conspired to send envoys to King So of Egypt, and that he had not paid tribute to the king of Assyria as in previous years. Therefore the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea and put him in prison.