What is the meaning of 2 Kings 15:22? And Menahem rested with his fathers • The phrase “rested with his fathers” is the biblical way of saying that Menahem died and was buried among his ancestors, as seen with David in 1 Kings 2:10 and Jehu in 2 Kings 10:35. • Scripture’s consistent wording underscores the literal historical record of each king’s death while quietly reminding us that earthly power is temporary (Psalm 103:15-16). • Though Menahem’s reign was marked by cruelty and heavy tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 15:16-20), God’s Word records his end without embellishment, demonstrating the impartiality of the divine narrative (Romans 2:11). • The statement hints at accountability: every king ends in the same place—awaiting God’s judgment—regardless of their earthly exploits (Hebrews 9:27). and his son Pekahiah reigned in his place • Royal succession in Israel normally passed from father to son, following the pattern seen earlier with Baasha and Elah (1 Kings 16:6-8) or Omri and Ahab (1 Kings 16:28-29). Yet, unlike Judah’s Davidic line, Israel’s dynasties were often short-lived; Pekahiah’s reign would last only two years before assassination (2 Kings 15:23-26). • God had promised longevity to a dynasty only if the king walked in His ways (1 Kings 9:4-6). Menahem’s brutal conduct left no spiritual legacy, and Pekahiah “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 15:24), so the family line quickly collapsed, illustrating Galatians 6:7: “Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • This transition sets the stage for increased instability in the northern kingdom, ultimately hastening Israel’s fall to Assyria (2 Kings 17:6). The verse therefore serves as a hinge point, showing how personal sin breeds national consequences (Proverbs 14:34). summary 2 Kings 15:22 records a simple yet weighty fact: the brutal king Menahem died, and his son Pekahiah took the throne. The wording testifies to the historical reliability of Scripture, reflects the brevity of worldly power, and signals that God’s moral order governs every generation. |
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