The answer is: Hoshea

2 Kings 17:3

Hoshea, the last king of Israel, serves as a fascinating figure in the history of the northern kingdom. As the Assyrian Empire, under Shalmaneser V, expanded its influence, Hoshea is noted for succumbing to defeat and subsequently entering into a vassal relationship with this mighty empire. This wasn't unusual for the time—in fact, experiencing shifts of power and intimidation from neighboring empires was a regular storyline in the ancient Near Eastern saga.

Evident in Hoshea's reign is a theme echoed throughout the scriptures: the pressure to form alliances was often a response to existential threats. When Hoshea stopped paying tribute to Assyria, probably because he felt emboldened by conspiracy or deceit, his gamble cost him dearly. He was swiftly met with aggression, leading to the siege and eventual destruction of Samaria, the capital of Israel. This turning point was not just political but seals the fate of Israel, seeing its eventual exile.

Interesting trivia: The term "vassal" stems from feudal lingo and conveys a servant or subordinate who owes allegiance to a lord. You might see echoes of this in other historical accounts and writings where smaller kingdoms paid tribute to vast empires for protection—a trend seen throughout Biblical text, marked particularly by figures such as David concerning Philistine tributes and later alliances with surrounding nations. Hoshea's decisions illustrate age-old lessons about trust, authority, and the configuration of power—timeless themes that resonate far beyond the pages of history.