Shebek the First bore sway in Memphis in lieu of the blind Bocchoris; and Hoshea, seeing in this bold and enterprising king the natural foe of the Assyrians, and therefore his own natural ally and friend, "sent messengers" with proposals, which appear to have been accepted; for on their return Hoshea revolted openly, withheld his tribute, and declared himself independent.

Shalmaneser, upon this, came up against Samaria for the second time, determined now to punish his vassal's perfidy with due severity.

Apparently, he was unresisted; at any rate, Hoshea fell into his power, and was seized, bound, and shut up in prison.

A year or two later Shalmaneser made his third and last expedition into Syria.

What was the provocation given him, we are not told; but this time, he came up _throughout all the land_ and being met with resistance, he laid formal siege to the capital.