Background and Ascension to the Throne:

Menahem, son of Gadi, became king of Israel during a tumultuous period marked by political instability and frequent changes in leadership. His rise to power is recorded in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 15:14-22. Menahem's ascension followed the assassination of King Shallum, who had reigned for only a month. Menahem, coming from Tirzah, marched to Samaria and struck down Shallum, thus securing the throne for himself.

Reign and Political Actions:

Menahem's reign lasted for ten years, approximately from 752 to 742 BC. His rule is characterized by a mixture of brutality and political maneuvering. One of the most notable acts of his reign was the violent suppression of a rebellion in the city of Tiphsah. According to 2 Kings 15:16 , "At that time Menahem attacked Tiphsah, all who were in the city, and its territory, because they did not open their gates to him. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women."

Menahem's reign was also marked by his dealings with the Assyrian Empire, a rising power in the region. To secure his position and maintain peace, Menahem paid a substantial tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria. This tribute is detailed in 2 Kings 15:19-20 : "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul 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 many of the kings of Israel, was marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices that had plagued the northern kingdom. The biblical account does not record any significant religious reforms or efforts to return to the worship of Yahweh. Instead, Menahem is noted for perpetuating the sins of Jeroboam, son of Nebat, who led Israel into idolatry. This is summarized in 2 Kings 15:18 : "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD. During his reign, he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit."

Legacy and Succession:

Menahem's reign ended with his death, and he was succeeded by his son Pekahiah. The biblical narrative does not provide extensive details about Menahem's legacy, but his reign is often viewed through the lens of his violent actions and political subservience to Assyria. His son Pekahiah continued to rule in a similar manner, maintaining the status quo of idolatry and political alliances with foreign powers.

Menahem's account serves as a reflection of the broader themes of disobedience and the consequences of turning away from God, which are prevalent throughout the history of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is a reminder of the complex interplay between political power, religious fidelity, and the influence of foreign empires in the ancient Near East.