Topical Encyclopedia
Shallum, son of Jabesh, is a relatively obscure figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, yet his brief reign marks a significant moment of political upheaval. His account is recorded in the biblical narrative found in
2 Kings 15:10-15. Shallum's rise to power and subsequent fall illustrate the turbulent period of Israel's monarchy during the 8th century BC.
Background and Ascension to the ThroneShallum's ascent to the throne was marked by violence and conspiracy. He was not of royal lineage, but rather the son of Jabesh, about whom little is known. Shallum seized the throne by assassinating King Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam II, thus ending the dynasty of Jehu. This act of regicide occurred in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah, king of Judah, as recorded in
2 Kings 15:10 : "Then Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down and killed him, and reigned in his place."
Reign and Political ContextShallum's reign was exceedingly brief, lasting only one month. His short tenure as king is indicative of the instability and frequent power struggles that characterized the Northern Kingdom during this period. The rapid turnover of kings and the prevalence of conspiracies reflect the internal strife and weakening of Israel's political structure.
The brevity of Shallum's rule is noted in
2 Kings 15:13 : "In the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah’s reign over Judah, Shallum son of Jabesh became king, and he reigned in Samaria one month." This short reign suggests that Shallum's hold on power was tenuous and lacked the support necessary to establish a stable government.
Downfall and LegacyShallum's reign came to an abrupt end when he was overthrown by Menahem, son of Gadi. Menahem's coup is described in
2 Kings 15:14 : "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." This violent transfer of power underscores the chaotic nature of Israel's monarchy during this era.
Shallum's legacy is largely defined by his role in the continuation of political instability in Israel. His assassination of Zechariah and subsequent assassination by Menahem highlight the cycle of violence and the lack of a divinely sanctioned dynasty, which contributed to the eventual downfall of the Northern Kingdom.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, Shallum's brief and tumultuous reign can be seen as part of the divine judgment upon Israel for its persistent idolatry and departure from the covenant with Yahweh. The instability and moral decline of Israel's leadership were often interpreted by the biblical prophets as consequences of the nation's unfaithfulness to God.
Shallum's account serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the dangers of political ambition divorced from divine guidance. His reign, though short-lived, is a testament to the broader narrative of Israel's struggle to maintain fidelity to God amidst the allure of power and the pressures of surrounding nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 15:13-15Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Divided Kingdom.
... Reigned IS years and died ... During this time the kings of Judah cherished the hope
that they would regain ... (1) Jehovah rules not only in Israel but over all peoples ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm
The Antiquities of the Jews
... Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had ... Pekahiah And Pekah Took The Government
Over The Israelites ... How Jotham, The Son Of Uzziah Reigned Over The Tribe ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/
The Prophet Hosea.
... Menahem reigned ten years at Samaria. ... years (ver.27), and, by his alliance with the
kings of Syria ... gave a survey of what he had prophesied over Judah during ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm
Appendices
... the last king but one of the Kassite dynasty, and not rather one of the unknown
kings of the ... 2. My father reigned over Moab thirty years, and I reigned. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm
Jeremiah
... by the weak and vacillating Zedekiah, who reigned from 597 to ... Then follow two sections,
one dealing with kings, xxi.11 ... who supposes that it will be over in two ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/jeremiah.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the labours of the attacking force were not yet over. ... The petty kings who shared
with Assyria the possession ... Barzur, son of Panammu I., had reigned there since ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... A perpetual terror reigned wherever they were accustomed to ... bezek said, Threescore
and ten kings, having their ... very spot where they had triumphed over the sons ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the most unruly among them with consternation, and peace reigned supreme from ... Wherever
Jahveh possessed altars, He kept guard over His people, but ... 2 Kings 21:16 ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
Against Jovinianus.
... And to pass over endless details (for it is not my purpose now to ... all the mysteries
of the Old Testament), [4376] five kings who previously reigned in the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
