2 Kings 14:26
For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.
The affliction was extremely severe foreign oppression that left Israel with no one able to help it. It belongs to the continuing sad story of transgression, war, strife, defeat, captivity and conspiracy of the kingdom of the ten tribes under Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jeroboam II and the kings that followed, when Israel was devastated and laid under tribute to Hazael king of Syria and was subject to Assyria. It is part of Israel's departure from God and idolatry, though following the Lord's commandments would have made the nation strong and stable.
God saw this distress, and because He was gracious and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, He did not intend to blot Israel out. He saved the people through Jeroboam, giving him victories that recovered Israel's territory, while Jonah directed, encouraged and strengthened him in the work. The northern kingdom then expanded and became strong after Assyria's defeat of Syria, which had served as a buffer state. During this era Elisha, Hosea, Jonah and Amos prophesied and God kept a faithful little remnant, most of whom joined with Judah, before Assyria completely subverted the kingdom in B.C. 721-722, leaving only a remnant in the land and bringing in the mixed peoples who formed the Samaritans.