Topical Bible: Conspiracy: Shallum, Against Zachariah

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In the historical narrative of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the conspiracy of Shallum against King Zachariah marks a significant moment of political upheaval and divine judgment. This event is recorded in the Second Book of Kings, which provides a detailed account of the short-lived reign of Zachariah and the subsequent rise of Shallum.

Background and Context

Zachariah, the son of Jeroboam II, ascended to the throne of Israel as the last king of the Jehu dynasty. His reign is noted for its brevity, lasting only six months. The Bible records that Zachariah "did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his fathers had done" (2 Kings 15:9), continuing the idolatrous practices that had plagued Israel. This period was marked by instability and moral decline, setting the stage for internal strife and conspiracies.

The Conspiracy

Shallum, the son of Jabesh, emerged as a key figure in the conspiracy against Zachariah. The biblical account succinctly states, "Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against him, struck him down in front of the people, and killed him. Then he reigned in his place" (2 Kings 15:10). This act of regicide was not merely a political maneuver but also a fulfillment of divine prophecy. The LORD had previously declared through the prophet Jehu that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30), and with Zachariah's death, this prophecy was fulfilled.

Significance and Aftermath

Shallum's conspiracy and subsequent assassination of Zachariah underscore the turbulent nature of Israel's monarchy during this era. The rapid turnover of kings and the frequent conspiracies highlight the nation's departure from covenantal faithfulness and the resulting divine judgment. Shallum's reign, however, was even shorter than that of Zachariah, lasting only one month before he was overthrown by Menahem, who "struck down Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria" (2 Kings 15:14).

The conspiracy against Zachariah serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the instability that ensues when leaders forsake His commandments. It reflects the broader theme of divine sovereignty and judgment throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating how God uses even the actions of rebellious individuals to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His word.

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2 Kings 15:10
And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah And Pekah Took The ... With Caesar When He Fought
Against Egypt ... Citizens [Of Jerusalem] Made A Conspiracy Against Herod, For ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... families, clans, and tribes"The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the
Jordan"The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews ...
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