In this episode of Arise + Abide, Curtis and Sally walk through 2 Kings 17:6–23 and 2 Kings 18:10–12, passages that recount the fall of Samaria and the exile of Israel. Together, they reflect on how years of persistent disobedience, idolatry, and refusal to listen to the Lord ultimately led to Israel being swept away from His presence.

The conversation traces Israel's gradual spiritual decline—following pagan nations, introducing new forms of worship, rejecting God's covenant, ignoring prophetic warnings, and placing trust in lies rather than in the Lord who had rescued them from Egypt. Curtis and Sally highlight two key themes: Israel's choice to follow the ways of the world (or invent their own) instead of God's ways, and their stubborn refusal to believe and trust the Lord despite repeated invitations to rest in Him.

Drawing connections to Isaiah 28 and the broader biblical story, the episode explores what this account reveals about God's heart, His patience, and His faithfulness to remove sin when His people refuse to turn back. Curtis reflects on how these passages point disciples back to the core of God's law—loving God and loving people—while Sally emphasizes the importance of trust and belief in God's promises amid the lies that compete for our allegiance.

This episode invites listeners to examine where they place their trust, to heed the Lord's voice, and to find hope in His grace, forgiveness, and redemptive work—even when the process is difficult.