Topical Encyclopedia Menahem, son of Gadi, was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel who reigned during the 8th century BC. His rule is chronicled in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 15:14-22. Menahem's ascent to the throne was marked by violence and political upheaval, characteristic of the turbulent period in which he lived.Accession to the Throne Menahem came to power following the assassination of King Shallum, who had himself seized the throne by killing King Zechariah, the last of Jehu's dynasty. According to 2 Kings 15:14, "Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria and attacked Shallum son of Jabesh. He killed him and reigned in his place." This act of regicide was not uncommon in the history of Israel's monarchy, reflecting the instability and frequent power struggles of the time. Reign and Policies Menahem's reign lasted for ten years, from approximately 752 to 742 BC. His rule is noted for its brutality and oppressive measures. The biblical account in 2 Kings 15:16 describes his violent suppression of a rebellion in the city of Tiphsah: "At that time Menahem attacked Tiphsah and everyone in the city and its vicinity, because they refused to open their gates. He sacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women." Menahem's reign was also marked by his dealings with the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power in the region. To secure his position and maintain peace, Menahem paid a substantial tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria. As recorded in 2 Kings 15:19-20, "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom. Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel—fifty shekels of silver from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land." Religious Context Menahem's reign, like those of many of his predecessors, was characterized by a continuation of the idolatrous practices that plagued the northern kingdom. The biblical narrative does not record any significant religious reforms or efforts to return to the worship of Yahweh. Instead, Menahem is included in the list of kings who "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 15:18). Legacy Menahem's legacy is largely defined by his violent rise to power and his oppressive rule. His son, Pekahiah, succeeded him, but the instability that marked Menahem's reign continued, eventually leading to the fall of the northern kingdom to Assyria in 722 BC. Menahem's account serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of political ambition and the failure to adhere to the covenantal faithfulness expected of Israel's leaders. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 15:13-22Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 4505. Menachem -- "comforter," king of Northern Israel... 4504, 4505. Menachem. 4506 . "comforter," king of Northern Israel. Transliteration: Menachem Phonetic Spelling: (men-akh-ame') Short Definition: Menahem. ... /hebrew/4505.htm - 6k Library The Assyrian Captivity How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ... The Divided Kingdom. The Prophet Hosea. The Old Testament and Archeology The Antiquities of the Jews Book 9 Footnotes The Kingdom of Samaria. Hosea Appendices Resources Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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