king of Assyria. Shalmaneser. See 2 Kings 17:3.
took Samaria. Here, in the days of Hoshea (king of Israel); and in 2 Kings 1. as connected with the days of Hezekiah (king of Judah). Compare 2 Kings 18:9.
carried Israel away. Sargon's own inscription says 27,290. Compare 2 Kings 18:9-12.
Halah. Some codices, with four early printed editions, read "Halath".