Midrasch zu Könige I 17:2

(Fol. 88) R. Joshua b. Levi said: "The land of Israel was not destroyed until the seven Judicial courts served idolatry, and these are: Jeroboam, the son of Nebat; Bashah, the son of Achiyah; Achab, the son of Omri; Jehu, the son of Nimshi; Pekach, the son of Remalyahu; Menachem, the son of Gadi, and Hoshea, the son of Elah. As it is said: (Jer. 15, 9) "She that hath born seven languisheth; her spirit droppeth; her sun is gone down while it was yet day, etc." Said R. Ami: "Where is the passage to prove that idolatry would cause destruction? (Deut. 4, 25) When thou begettest children, and children's children." R. Cahana and R. Assi said unto Rab: "It is written concerning Hoshea b. Elah (11 Kings 17, 2) And he did what is evil in the eyes of the Lord but not like the kings of Israel; and immediately thereafter it is written Against him came up Shalmanesser, etc. [It is because he was not as bad as the former kings that he was punished?"] He replied then: This refers to the guards which Jeroboam stationed to watch Israel not to go up to Jerusalem was removed by Elah; and nevertheless the Israelites did not go up unto Jerusalem. The Holy One, praised be He! then said the number of years which Israel neglects to visit Jerusalem the same number should they suffer in captivity. "