In the historical narrative of the divided kingdom of Israel, the period following the reign of Jeroboam II was marked by political instability and a series of conspiracies and assassinations. One such conspiracy was orchestrated by Pekah against Menahem, a significant event in the tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom.

Menahem's Reign

Menahem, the son of Gadi, came to power in Israel around 752 BC after assassinating Shallum son of Jabesh, who had himself assassinated King Zechariah, the last of Jehu's dynasty. Menahem's reign is noted for its brutality and his efforts to consolidate power through force. 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 ruled for ten years in Samaria, and his reign was characterized by his oppressive measures and heavy taxation to pay tribute to the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, as recorded 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."

Pekah's Conspiracy

Pekah, the son of Remaliah, was one of Menahem's military officers. His ambition and dissatisfaction with Menahem's rule led him to conspire against the king. The conspiracy against Menahem, however, did not immediately result in his assassination. Instead, Pekah bided his time, waiting for an opportune moment to strike.

After Menahem's death, his son Pekahiah succeeded him. It was during Pekahiah's reign that Pekah executed his conspiracy. As recorded in 2 Kings 15:25 , "Then Pekah son of Remaliah, one of his chief officers, conspired against him. Taking fifty men of Gilead with him, he assassinated Pekahiah, along with Argob and Arieh, in the citadel of the king’s palace at Samaria. So Pekah killed him and reigned in his place."

Significance

The conspiracy of Pekah against Menahem, culminating in the assassination of Pekahiah, highlights the persistent instability and violence that plagued the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This period was marked by a rapid succession of kings, each often coming to power through treachery and murder. The political turmoil weakened the kingdom, making it increasingly vulnerable to external threats, particularly from the rising Assyrian Empire.

Pekah's eventual rise to power did not bring peace or stability to Israel. His reign continued the cycle of violence and political intrigue, ultimately leading to further conflicts and the eventual downfall of the Northern Kingdom. The conspiracies and assassinations during this era serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from the covenantal faithfulness that God required of His people.1 Kings 15:25
And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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