Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Menahem

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Menahem ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Menahem, son of Gadi, is a figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for his violent rise to power and subsequent reign. His account is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 15:14-22. Menahem's ascent to the throne is marked by an act of felonious homicide, as he assassinated Shallum son of Jabesh, who had himself seized the throne by killing King Zechariah, the last of Jehu's dynasty.

The biblical account in 2 Kings 15:14-16 states: "Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria and attacked Shallum son of Jabesh. He killed him and reigned in his place. The rest of the acts of Shallum, along with the conspiracy he led, are indeed written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. At that time Menahem attacked Tiphsah, all who were in the city, and its territory. Because they did not open their gates to him, he sacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women."

Menahem's actions are characterized by extreme brutality, as evidenced by his treatment of the city of Tiphsah. His willingness to commit such atrocities highlights the lawlessness and moral decline prevalent in Israel during this period. Menahem's reign lasted ten years, during which he continued to engage in oppressive and violent practices.

The Bible further notes that Menahem's rule was marked by idolatry and a failure to turn the people back to the worship of Yahweh. In 2 Kings 15:18 , it is written: "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."

Menahem's reign also involved political maneuvering to secure his position. He paid tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, to gain his support and maintain his rule over Israel. This act of paying tribute is recorded in 2 Kings 15:19-20 : "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave him 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."

Menahem's legacy is one of violence and idolatry, reflecting the broader spiritual and moral decay of the Northern Kingdom during this era. His actions serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and power.

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2 Kings 15:16
Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.
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