What role did Pul king of Assyria play in Israel's history here? Scene in Samaria: A Fragile Throne Under Threat • Northern Israel is ruled by Menahem, a brutal usurper who “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 15:18). • National stability is thin; idolatry and violence dominate. Meet Pul—Also Called Tiglath-pileser III • “Pul” is the throne name first used in Western campaigns; the same monarch is later identified as Tiglath-pileser III (1 Chronicles 5:26). • He is the rising powerhouse of Assyria (reigned 745–727 BC), famed for military innovation and ruthless expansion. What Exactly Happened in 2 Kings 15:19? “Pul king of Assyria invaded the land; and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver so that his hand might be with him to strengthen his grip on the kingdom.” • Pul crosses Israel’s northern border—no battle details recorded, only the threat of overwhelming force. • Menahem pays an enormous bribe—about 37 tons of silver. • Purpose: buy Assyrian backing “to strengthen his grip on the kingdom,” securing his shaky throne through foreign support rather than repentance and reform. Immediate Consequences for Menahem and Israel • Crushing taxation: “Menahem exacted this money from Israel—from every wealthy man, fifty shekels of silver” (2 Kings 15:20). • Social fracture deepens as elites are bled to fund a pagan empire. • Assyria withdraws temporarily, but Israel is now on the map as a vassal—tribute and obedience expected. Why Did God Allow Pul to Invade? • Covenant warnings (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28) promised foreign oppression when Israel persisted in idolatry. • 1 Chronicles 5:26 ties the invasion directly to divine judgment: “the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria.” • The incursion is not random politics; it is God’s righteous discipline on a nation ignoring His Word. Long-Term Ripple Effects of Pul’s Arrival 1. Assyrian entanglement becomes permanent – Tiglath-pileser returns under King Pekah, seizing Galilee and Gilead (2 Kings 15:29). 2. Judah is soon pressured – Ahaz asks the same Assyrian king for help (2 Kings 16:7-9), importing further compromise. 3. Final exile is set in motion – Successors Shalmaneser and Sargon finish the job, deporting the northern tribes in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:6, 23). 4. Tribal disintegration – Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh are removed early (1 Chronicles 5:26), showing how Pul’s campaigns peel away Israel piece by piece. Key Cross-References That Fill in the Picture • 2 Kings 15:29 – Later Assyrian seizures. • 2 Kings 17:3-6 – Collapse of Samaria. • Hosea 10:5-8 – Prophetic lament over Assyrian bondage. • Isaiah 10:5-6 – God calls Assyria “the rod of My anger,” reinforcing His sovereign use of Pul and his successors. Lessons for God’s People Today • Trusting human power over covenant faithfulness invites bondage. • God’s warnings are not empty; history records their literal fulfillment. • Early compromise (paying tribute) often snowballs into total captivity. |
    |