2 Kings 15:13

KJV

Shallum 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shallum {H7967} the son {H1121} of Jabesh {H3003} began to reign {H4427} in the nine {H8672} and thirtieth {H7970} year {H8141} of Uzziah {H5818} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}; and he reigned {H4427} a full {H3117} month {H3391} in Samaria {H8111}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalum the son of Yavesh began his reign in the thirty-ninth year of 'Uziyah king of Y'hudah; he ruled in Shomron for only a month.

Berean Standard Bible

In the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah’s reign over Judah, Shallum son of Jabesh became king, and he reigned in Samaria one full month.

American Standard Version

Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned the space of a month in Samaria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:13 introduces Shallum, son of Jabesh, marking the beginning of his exceedingly brief reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse precisely dates his ascension to power in Samaria, noting it occurred in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah, king of Judah, thereby anchoring Israel's volatile history within the more stable chronology of its southern counterpart. Shallum's one-month rule serves as a stark illustration of the profound political instability and rapid dynastic changes that plagued Israel in the decades leading up to its eventual collapse and exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a particularly tumultuous chapter of Israelite history, chronicling a rapid succession of kings, most of whom met violent ends. Immediately preceding 2 Kings 15:13, the narrative details the assassination of King Zechariah by Shallum, fulfilling the prophecy against Jehu's house (as mentioned in [2 Kings 10:30](/2_kings/10-30 "2 Kings 10:30 - Prophecy to Jehu")). Shallum's own brief reign is then abruptly terminated in the very next verse, [2 Kings 15:14](/2_kings/15-14 "2 Kings 15:14 - Menahem Kills Shallum"), where Menahem rises to power by assassinating Shallum. This rapid cycle of regicide underscores the deep moral and political decay that had gripped the Northern Kingdom, contrasting sharply with the more stable, albeit not perfect, Davidic dynasty in Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 2 Kings 15, roughly the mid-8th century BCE, was one of severe political fragmentation and moral decline for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Unlike the relatively stable Judah, which enjoyed the long reign of King Uzziah (also known as Azariah, as detailed in [2 Kings 15:1-7](/2_kings/15-1 "2 Kings 15:1-7 - Uzziah's Reign in Judah")), Israel was caught in a cycle of coups and assassinations. This instability was exacerbated by the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire, which was steadily expanding its influence westward, putting immense pressure on smaller states like Israel. The capital city, Samaria, mentioned in the verse, had become a center of idolatry and social injustice, reflecting the nation's spiritual apostasy and its departure from the Mosaic covenant, leading to divine judgment in the form of internal strife and external threats.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **political instability** and chaos that characterized the Northern Kingdom, a direct consequence of its persistent idolatry and rejection of God's covenant. The brevity of Shallum's reign, "a full month," serves as a potent symbol of the **fleeting nature of worldly power** and human ambition when it operates outside of God's sovereign will. This contrasts sharply with the divinely ordained, though often flawed, Davidic line in Judah, emphasizing the **contrast between the two kingdoms** and the consequences of their respective fidelities (or lack thereof) to the Lord. The rapid succession of kings also underscores the theme of **divine judgment**, as the Lord allows the nation to reap the bitter fruit of its rebellion, leading inexorably toward its eventual exile by Assyria.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reign (מָלַךְ, _malak_):** This Hebrew verb means "to rule," "to be king," or "to exercise royal power." In the context of 2 Kings, its frequent use highlights the succession of monarchs, but in Shallum's case, it tragically emphasizes the ephemeral nature of his grasp on this power. The act of "beginning to reign" is immediately undermined by the subsequent brevity of that reign, making the very concept of kingship hollow for him.
* **full month (יֶרַח יָמִים, _yerach yamim_):** This precise Hebrew phrase literally translates to "a month of days." It is not an approximation but a definitive statement of the exact, yet incredibly short, duration of Shallum's time on the throne. The inclusion of "full" or "of days" emphasizes the completeness of this short period, underscoring that his reign was not cut short mid-month, but lasted the entire, meager span of thirty days, highlighting its insignificance in the grand scheme of history and divine providence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign":** This clause introduces the new monarch, Shallum, identifying him by his patronymic, "son of Jabesh." The phrase "began to reign" marks his violent usurpation of the throne from Zechariah, as described in the preceding verses. It signifies a new, albeit short-lived, chapter in the chaotic history of the Northern Kingdom.
* **"in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah;":** This provides a crucial chronological anchor, linking the volatile history of Israel to the more stable, long-term reign of Uzziah (also known as Azariah) in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This synchronism allows the biblical historian to place Shallum's brief moment in power within the broader timeline of the divided monarchy, highlighting the stark contrast in stability between the two kingdoms.
* **"and he reigned a full month in Samaria.":** This concluding phrase delivers the shocking brevity of Shallum's rule. The specific duration, "a full month," is emphasized, underscoring the utter futility of his violent ascent to power. Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom, serves as the setting for this rapid rise and fall, a city that had become a symbol of Israel's spiritual and political decay.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as Shallum's violent seizure of the throne, an act typically associated with the establishment of power, leads only to an incredibly brief and ultimately meaningless reign. The very act of "beginning to reign" is immediately undercut by the stated duration. **Contrast** is also a key device, implicitly drawn between Shallum's "full month" and the "nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah." This juxtaposition highlights the profound difference in stability between the Northern Kingdom, plagued by internal strife and divine judgment, and the Southern Kingdom, which, despite its flaws, maintained the Davidic dynasty. Furthermore, the brevity of Shallum's reign serves as a **microcosm** or **foreshadowing** of the larger narrative arc of the Northern Kingdom itself, which, despite its initial promise, would soon be swept away into exile due to its persistent apostasy and political instability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The fleeting reign of Shallum, encapsulated in 2 Kings 15:13, serves as a powerful theological commentary on the nature of earthly power and the consequences of rebellion against divine order. In a kingdom that had consistently rejected God's covenant and embraced idolatry, human ambition and political maneuvering proved utterly unstable and ultimately futile. Shallum's rapid rise and fall demonstrate that true authority and lasting security do not reside in human strength, cunning, or even the temporary seizure of a throne, but in the sovereign will of God. This narrative underscores the Deuteronomistic theme that faithfulness to God brings blessing and stability, while disobedience leads to chaos and judgment, a pattern tragically evident in Israel's history.

* [2 Kings 15:14](/2_kings/15-14 "2 Kings 15:14 - Shallum's Assassination by Menahem")
* [Psalm 39:5](/psalms/39-5 "Psalm 39:5 - The Brevity of Life")
* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous Rule vs. Wicked Rule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Shallum, though brief, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly power, ambition, and even life itself. In a culture that often idolizes success, influence, and material gain, Shallum's "full month" reign powerfully illustrates the futility of pursuing these things apart from God's will and purpose. His story challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. Do we chase fleeting earthly accolades, or do we invest in what is eternal? Even amidst political turmoil, societal instability, or personal setbacks, God's sovereignty remains unshaken. His plans unfold regardless of human machinations, and His kingdom is everlasting. This verse encourages us to seek lasting purpose, to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of God's truth, and to recognize that true significance is found not in temporary earthly positions, but in faithful obedience to the One who reigns forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the brevity of Shallum's reign challenge our own pursuit of power, recognition, or worldly success?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to place our security in temporary earthly structures rather than in God's enduring sovereignty?**
* **What does Shallum's story teach us about the consequences of political and spiritual instability in a nation?**
* **How can we, in our own lives, cultivate a perspective that values eternal purpose over fleeting earthly gains?**

### FAQ
**Why is Uzziah king of Judah mentioned in the context of Shallum's reign in Israel?**

Answer: The mention of Uzziah, king of Judah, serves a crucial chronological and thematic purpose. Chronologically, it provides a precise historical anchor, allowing the biblical historian to synchronize the events of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) with the more stable and continuous timeline of the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Uzziah had a remarkably long reign of 52 years ([2 Kings 15:2](/2_kings/15-2 "2 Kings 15:2 - Uzziah's Reign")), making him a reliable reference point. Thematically, this synchronism highlights the stark contrast between the two kingdoms. While Judah, despite its flaws, maintained the divinely ordained Davidic dynasty and experienced relative stability under kings like Uzziah, Israel was plagued by constant coups, assassinations, and rapid successions, like Shallum's one-month rule. This contrast underscores Israel's deep spiritual apostasy and the resulting divine judgment, which manifested in political chaos, leading ultimately to its downfall ([2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - Israel's Exile")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The fleeting and violent reign of Shallum in 2 Kings 15:13, emblematic of the chaos and instability that plagued the Northern Kingdom, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and righteous reign of Jesus Christ. Shallum's brief grasp on an earthly throne, achieved through violence and ending in further bloodshed, underscores the futility of human ambition and power when divorced from divine anointing. This narrative foreshadows the desperate need for a King whose authority is not derived from human schemes but from God Himself. Jesus, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), enters history not through regicide but through humble birth, and His kingdom is established not by force but by self-sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Unlike Shallum, whose reign lasted a mere "full month," Christ's dominion is everlasting; He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"), whose throne is forever and ever ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne")). The instability of Israel's monarchy points forward to the perfect, unshakable government of the Messiah, under whom there will be no end to peace and justice ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). Shallum's story, therefore, serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious, eternal, and peaceful reign of our Lord Jesus Christ shines all the more brightly.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 15:1

¶ In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.

Job 20:15

He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

1 Kings 16:24

And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.

Proverbs 28:2

¶ For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.

1 Kings 16:15

¶ In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. And the people [were] encamped against Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Proverbs 28:17

¶ A man that doeth violence to the blood of [any] person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.