2 Kings 18:34

Of Hamath. The cities here listed are all places that had recently fallen before Assyrian might. Hamath was on the Orontes, 118 mi. (189 km.) north of Damascus. Sargon frequently mentions the city as having been subdued by him and tells of the deportation of its people. Colonists from Hamath were placed in Samaria (2 Kings 17:24), and Hebrew exiles seem to have been placed in Hamath (Isa. 11:11).

Arpad. An important city in northern Syria, northwest of Aleppo. In 754, 742, 741, and 740 the Assyrian campaign of the year was against Arpad. In 743 the city seems to have been the headquarters of Tiglath-pileser, for in that year the Assyrian armies were “in Arpad.” In 720 Arpad was again smitten by Sargon. Arpad is now known as Tell Erfad.

Sepharvaim. One of the cities whose inhabitants were placed by Sargon in Samaria (see on ch. 17:24).

Hena. The location of this town is not positively known. Some have identified it with Anah on the Euphrates, but others believe it to be in northern Syria, as are the other cities here mentioned in this same passage.

Ivah. Probably the same as Ava, from which settlers were brought to Samaria (see on ch. 17:24).

Have they delivered Samaria? This seems to have been the crowning argument, for the people of Samaria had also been Hebrews, and claimed to an extent, at least, to worship the same God.