Topical Encyclopedia
In the historical narrative of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the period following the division of the united monarchy is marked by political instability and frequent conspiracies. One such conspiracy is that of Menahem against Shallum, an event recorded in the biblical account of 2 Kings.
Background ContextThe Kingdom of Israel, after the reign of Solomon, experienced a series of dynastic changes and internal strife. The northern kingdom, distinct from the southern Kingdom of Judah, was particularly prone to coups and assassinations as various leaders sought to establish their rule. This tumultuous period is characterized by a rapid succession of kings, often coming to power through violent means.
Shallum's ReignShallum, the son of Jabesh, ascended to the throne of Israel by conspiring against and assassinating King Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam II. This act ended the dynasty of Jehu, fulfilling the prophecy that Jehu's descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (
2 Kings 10:30). Shallum's reign, however, was exceedingly brief, lasting only one month. The brevity of his rule underscores the instability and the constant threat of conspiracy that plagued the northern kingdom.
Menahem's ConspiracyMenahem, the son of Gadi, emerged as a key figure in the conspiracy against Shallum. The biblical account in
2 Kings 15:14-16 details Menahem's actions:
"Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria and struck down Shallum son of Jabesh there. He killed him and reigned in his place. As for the rest of the acts of Shallum, along with the conspiracy he led, they 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 from Tirzah, because they did not open their gates to him. So he attacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women."
Menahem's rise to power was marked by violence and brutality, as evidenced by his attack on Tiphsah. His actions reflect the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern politics, where power was often seized through force and maintained through fear.
Menahem's ReignFollowing his successful coup, Menahem established himself as king over Israel. His reign lasted ten years, during which he faced external threats and internal challenges. Menahem's rule is noted for his oppressive measures to secure his position and his willingness to pay tribute to the Assyrian king Pul (Tiglath-Pileser III) to maintain his hold on power (
2 Kings 15:19-20).
Menahem's conspiracy against Shallum and subsequent reign illustrate the broader theme of divine judgment and human agency in the biblical narrative. The frequent conspiracies and violent transfers of power in Israel serve as a backdrop to the prophetic messages calling for repentance and faithfulness to the covenant with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 15:14For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Hosea
... iv.1, 2, vii.1. The court is corrupt, conspiracies are rife ... 734 BC has not yet taken
place (2 Kings 15:29 ... of the combination of Israel and Aram against Judah; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/hosea.htm
Resources
What can we learn from the laws that God gave for the kings of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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