What is the meaning of 2 Kings 15:19? Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land Pul (also called Tiglath-Pileser III in 2 Kings 15:29) presses into Israel’s territory, showing God’s warning in Leviticus 26:17 that foreign powers would “rule over” a disobedient nation. Earlier prophets had sounded the alarm—Amos 5:27 foretold exile “beyond Damascus,” and Hosea 10:10 predicted foreign chastisement. The invasion proves those words true. Notice: • Israel’s kings had drifted from covenant faithfulness since Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:28–30). • God allows Assyria’s advance as discipline (Deuteronomy 28:25). Instead of turning back to the LORD, the king looks for a political fix. and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver A thousand talents—about thirty-seven tons—came from squeezing the people (2 Kings 15:20). Compare: • Asa paid Ben-hadad with temple treasures (1 Kings 15:18–19). • Ahaz stripped the temple for Tiglath-Pileser (2 Kings 16:8). • Hezekiah later repeats the pattern with Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:14–16). When leaders raid sacred or personal wealth to pacify enemies, they reveal misplaced trust. in order to gain his support Menahem buys an ally rather than seek the LORD, contradicting Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots… but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Isaiah 30:1–3 warns that such alliances become “a shame and a disgrace.” Hosea 5:13 notes Israel running to Assyria for help and finding only a “king who cannot heal you.” The silver may purchase a moment of peace, yet it mortgages national freedom. and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom Menahem’s motive is self-preservation, not covenant reformation. Proverbs 21:30 reminds us, “No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can prevail against the LORD.” His ten-year reign (2 Kings 15:17) is remembered chiefly for brutality (15:16) and tribute—hardly lasting strength. By contrast, 2 Chronicles 17:3–5 shows how Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was “established” because “he sought the God of his father.” summary 2 Kings 15:19 pictures a king who, facing divine discipline through Assyria, chooses money and political maneuvering over repentance and faith. The verse warns that earthly power and wealth cannot secure a throne when the heart is far from God; only humble reliance on Him brings true stability. |
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