Who was King Shallum in the Bible? Overview King Shallum appears in the Old Testament as the name of two different figures associated with royal authority—one in the northern kingdom of Israel and one in the southern kingdom of Judah (though the latter is more commonly referred to by another name in some texts). Each instance provides important historical and theological context. Below is a comprehensive overview focusing on their backgrounds, royal reigns, and references in Scripture (Berean Standard Bible). 1. Shallum of Israel (Son of Jabesh) Short Reign and Violent Accession Shallum the son of Jabesh was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His story is recorded in 2 Kings 15. He came to power by assassinating King Zechariah, the last royal descendant of Jehu. • 2 Kings 15:10 – “Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah. He attacked him in front of the people, killed him, and reigned in his place.” • 2 Kings 15:14 clarifies that soon after Shallum took the throne, Menahem came from Tirzah to Samaria, attacked Shallum, killed him, and became king in his place. Duration of Reign Shallum’s time on the throne was remarkably brief. Scripture indicates that he ruled for just one month. • 2 Kings 15:13 – “In the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah’s reign over Judah, Shallum son of Jabesh became king, and he reigned in Samaria one month.” This short reign underscores the political turbulence in the later years of the northern kingdom, right before Israel eventually fell to Assyria in 722 BC. Historical Context and Aftermath The brevity of Shallum’s reign reflects a period of significant instability in Israel. Assassinations and conspiracies became common as factions struggled for power. Although Scripture does not record extensive details about Shallum’s policies, the swift turnover suggests a fragmented leadership and points to the larger judgment that would befall the northern kingdom. 2. Shallum of Judah (Another Name for Jehoahaz) Alternate Name In the southern kingdom of Judah, one of King Josiah’s sons briefly ruled as monarch. Scripture reveals that this son was frequently called Jehoahaz, yet the prophet Jeremiah refers to him as “Shallum.” This indicates that “Shallum” was an alternate or personal name. • Jeremiah 22:11 – “For this is what the LORD says concerning Shallum son of Josiah king of Judah, who succeeded his father Josiah but has gone forth from this place: ‘He will never return.’” Time of Reign Jehoahaz (Shallum) reigned for three months in Jerusalem following his father Josiah’s death in 609 BC. Although 2 Chronicles 36:1 and 2 Kings 23:31 normally use the name Jehoahaz, Jeremiah’s mention of “Shallum” leaves little doubt that they refer to the same individual. • 2 Chronicles 36:1–2 – “Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father… Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months.” Conflict with Pharaoh and Exile During this short reign, Pharaoh Neco of Egypt intervened. He deposed Jehoahaz (Shallum), took him captive, and imposed a heavy tribute on the land of Judah. • 2 Kings 23:33 – “Pharaoh Neco imprisoned him at Riblah in the land of Hamath to prevent him from reigning in Jerusalem…” • Jeremiah 22:11–12 indicates that Shallum would not return to his homeland: “He will never return… He will die in the place to which he was exiled; he will never see this land again.” The forced removal of Shallum (Jehoahaz) set the stage for further instability in Judah, culminating ultimately in Babylonian domination and exile. 3. Summary of Kings Named Shallum 1. Shallum of Israel (Son of Jabesh) – Violently seized power in Samaria. – Ruled for one month (2 Kings 15:10, 13). – Was killed by Menahem, who claimed the throne for himself (2 Kings 15:14). – Part of a larger pattern of rapid leadership changes in the declining years of the northern kingdom. 2. Shallum of Judah (Jehoahaz) – Son of righteous King Josiah (2 Kings 22–23). – Reigned for three months in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36:1–2). – Deposed and exiled by Pharaoh Neco (2 Kings 23:33). – Called “Shallum” by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 22:11), confirming his identity as Jehoahaz. – Served as a symbolic reminder of Judah’s diminishing independence prior to the Babylonian exile. These distinct narratives share the theme of political upheaval—one in the north, one in the south—demonstrating the broader woes that eventually led both kingdoms into captivity (Israel by the hands of Assyria, Judah by the hands of Babylon). 4. Theological and Historical Importance Royal Instability and Covenant Consequences Both stories highlight the covenant warnings issued to Israel and Judah. When the people deviated from their divinely given path—serving false gods and engaging in rampant injustice—leadership turmoil often followed. The abrupt ends of these kings underscore prophetic warnings long given by figures such as Hosea, Amos, and Jeremiah. Lasting Reminders Shallum of Israel and Shallum (Jehoahaz) of Judah stand as markers of transition and decline. Observing these names in the biblical record can help readers understand the sweeping events that contributed to the eventual fall of both kingdoms. Archaeological and Historical Corroboration While direct archaeological evidence for these short-reigning monarchs may be limited, the broader historical framework—Egyptian records of Palestine campaigns under Pharaoh Neco and Assyrian records of Israel’s final days—confirms foreign intervention and shifting political alliances consistent with the biblical narratives. Conclusion King Shallum appears twice in Scripture, representing rulers from separate kingdoms and time frames. Shallum (the son of Jabesh) in the north showcases the turmoil that plagued Israel in its final decades before Assyrian conquest. Shallum (the son of Josiah), also known as Jehoahaz in Judah, experienced a swift deposition by Pharaoh Neco, reflecting the encroaching influence of foreign powers on the kingdom of Judah. These accounts, found primarily in 2 Kings 15 and 23, 2 Chronicles 36, and Jeremiah 22, illuminate God’s sovereign oversight in tumultuous times. Though short-lived, these reigns hold significant lessons about faithfulness, national stewardship, and the unfolding historical path paved by the promises and warnings in Scripture. |
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