When Israel was taken into captivity by Assyria, because they had stiffened their necks against the Lord, the Assyrians brought in exiles from other nations to occupy Samaria. The Lord didn't forget Israel, but He also expected that these foreigners in their land would respect and fear Him. They initially acted like they did, but continued to worship their own gods. The Lord warns us against this duplicity, and challenges us to examine our lives to see if we are wavering spiritually instead of living completely for Him.