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Commentary on 2 Kings 15 verses 8–31
The best days of the kingdom of Israel were while the government was in Jehu's family. In his reign, and the next three reigns, though there were many abominable corruptions and miserable grievances in Israel, yet the crown went in succession, the kings died in their beds, and some care was taken of public affairs; but, now that those days are at an end, the history which we have in these verses of about thirty-three years represents the affairs of that kingdom in the utmost confusion imaginable. Woe to those that were with child (Kg2 15:16) and to those that gave suck in those days, for then must needs be great tribulations, when, for the transgression of the land, many were the princes thereof.
I. Let us observe something, in general, concerning these unhappy revolutions and the calamities which must needs attend them - these bad times, as they may truly be called. 1. God had tried the people of Israel both with judgments and mercies, explained and enforced by his servants the prophets, and yet they continued impenitent and unreformed, and therefore God justly brought these miseries upon them, as Moses had warned them. If you will yet walk contrary to me, I will punish you yet seven times more, Lev 26:21, etc. 2. God made good his promise to Jehu, that his sons to the fourth generation after him should sit upon the throne of Israel, which was a greater favour than was shown to any of the royal families either before or after his. God had said it should be so (Kg2 10:30) and we are told in this chapter (Kg2 15:12) that so it came to pass. See how punctual God is to his promises. These calamities God long designed for Israel, and they deserved them, yet they were not inflicted till that word had taken effect to the full. Thus God rewarded Jehu for his zeal in destroying the worship of Baal and the house of Ahab; and yet, when the measure of the sins of the house of Jehu was full, God avenged upon it the blood then shed, called the blood of Jezreel, Hos 1:4. 3. All these kings did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, for they walked in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Though at variance with one another, yet in this they agreed, to keep up idolatry, and the people loved to have it so; though they were emptied from vessel to vessel, that taste remained in them, and that scent was not changed. It was sad indeed when their government was so often altered, yet never for the better - that among all those contending interests none of them should think it as much their interest to destroy the calves as others had done to support them. 4. Each of these (except one) conspired against his predecessor, and slew him - Shallum, Menahem, Pekah, and Hoshea, all traitors and murderers, and yet all kings awhile, one of them ten, another twenty, and another nine years; for God may suffer wickedness to prosper and to carry away the wealth and honours awhile, but, sooner or later, blood shall have blood, and he that dealt treacherously shalt be dealt treacherously with. One wicked man is often made a scourge to another, and every wicked man, at length, a ruin to himself. 5. The ambition of the great men made the nation miserable. Here is Tiphsah, a city of Israel, barbarously destroyed, with all the coasts thereof, by one of these pretenders (Kg2 15:16), and no doubt it was through blood that each of them waded to the throne, nor could any of these kings perish alone. No land can have greater pests, nor Israel worse troubles, than such men as care not how much the welfare and repose of their country are sacrificed to their revenge and affectation of dominion. 6. While the nation was thus shattered by divisions at home the kings of Assyria, first one (Kg2 15:19) and then another (Kg2 15:29), came against it and did what they pleased. Nothing does more towards the making of a nation an easy prey to a common enemy than intestine broils and contests for the sovereignty. Happy the land where that is settled. 7. This was the condition of Israel just before they were quite ruined and carried away captive, for that was in the ninth year of Hoshea, the last of these usurpers. If they had, in these days of confusion and perplexity, humbled themselves before God and sought his face, that final destruction might have been prevented; but when God judgeth he will overcome. These factions, the fruit of an evil spirit sent among them, hastened that captivity, for a kingdom thus divided against itself will soon come to desolation.
II. Let us take a short view of the particular reigns.
1.Zachariah, the son of Jeroboam, began to reign in the thirty-eighth year of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah, Kg2 15:8. Some of the most critical chronologers reckon that between Jeroboam and his son Zachariah the throne was vacant twenty-two years, others eleven years, through the disturbances and dissensions that were in the kingdom; and then it was not strange that Zachariah was deposed before he was well seated on the throne: he reigned but six months, and then Shallum slew him before the people, perhaps as Caesar was slain in the senate, or he put him to death publicly as a criminal, with the approbation of the people, to whom he had, some way or other, made himself odious; so ended the line of Jehu.
2.But had Shallum peace, who slew his master? No, he had not (Kg2 15:13), one month of days measured his reign and then he was cut off; perhaps to this the prophet, who then lived, refers (Hos 5:7), Now shall a month devour them with their portions. That dominion seldom lasts long which is founded in blood and falsehood. Menahem, either provoked by his crime or animated by his example, soon served him as he had served his master - slew him and reigned in his stead, Kg2 15:14. Probably he was general in the army, which then lay encamped at Tirzah, and, hearing of Shallum's treason and usurpation, hastened to punish it, as Omri did that of Zimri in a like case, Kg1 16:17.
3.Menahem held the kingdom ten years, Kg2 15:17. But, whereas we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel were merciful kings (Kg1 20:31), this Menahem (the scandal of his country) was so prodigiously cruel to those of his own nation who hesitated a little at submitting to him that he not only ruined a city, and the coasts thereof, but, forgetting that he himself was born of a woman, ripped up all the women with child, Kg2 15:16. We may well wonder that ever it should enter into the heart of any man to be so barbarous, and to be so perfectly lost to humanity itself. By these cruel methods he hoped to strengthen himself and to frighten all others into his interests; but it seems he did not gain his point, for when the king of Assyria came against him, (1.) So little confidence had he in his people that he durst not meet him as an enemy, but was obliged, at a vast expense, to purchase a peace with him. (2.) Such need had he of help to confirm the kingdom in his hand that he made it part of his bargain with him (a bargain which, no doubt, the king of Assyria knew how to make a good hand of another time) that he should assist him against his own subjects that were disaffected to him. The money wherewith he purchased his friendship was a vast sum, no less than 1000 talents of silver (Kg2 15:19), which Menahem exacted, it is probable, by military execution, of all the mighty men of wealth, very considerately sparing the poor, and laying the burden (as was fit) on those that were best able to bear it; being raised, it was given to the king of Assyria, as pay for his army, fifty shekels of silver for each man in it. Thus he got clear of the king of Assyria for this time; he staid not to quarter in the land (Kg2 15:20), but his army now got so rich a booty with so little trouble that it encouraged them to come again, not long after, when they laid all waste. Thus was he the betrayer of his country that should have been the protector of it.
4.Pekahiah, the son of Menahem, succeeded his father, but reigned only two years, and then was treacherously slain by Pekah, falling under the load both of his own and of his father's wickedness. It is repeated concerning him as before that he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam. Still this is mentioned, to show that God was righteous in bringing that destruction upon them which came not long after, because they hated to be reformed, Kg2 15:24. Pekah, it seems, had some persons of figure in his interest, two of whom are here named (Kg2 15:25), and with their help he compassed his design.
5.Pekah, though he got the kingdom by treason, kept it twenty years (Kg2 15:27), so long it was before his violent dealing returned upon his own head, but it returned at last. This Pekah, son of Remaliah, (1.) Made himself more considerable abroad than any of these usurpers, for he was, even in the latter end of his time (in the reign of Ahaz, which began in his seventeenth year), a great terror to the kingdom of Judah, as we find, Isa 7:1, etc. (2.) He lost a great part of his kingdom to the king of Assyria. Several cities are here named (Kg2 15:29) which were taken from him, all the land of Gilead on the other side Jordan, and Galilee in the north containing the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulon, were seized, and the inhabitants carried captive into Assyria. By this judgment God punished him for his attempt upon Judah and Jerusalem. It was then foretold that within two or three years after he made that attempt, before a child, then born, should be able to cry My father and my mother, the riches of Samaria should be taken away before the king of Assyria (Isa 8:4), and here we have the accomplishment of that prediction. (3.) Soon after this he forfeited his life to the resentments of his countrymen, who, it is probable, were disgusted at him for leaving them exposed to a foreign enemy, while he was invading Judah, of which Hoshea took advantage and, to gain his crown, seized his life, slew him, and reigned in his stead. Surely he was fond of a crown indeed who, at this time, would run such a hazard as a traitor did; for the crown of Israel, now that it had lost the choicest of its flowers and jewels, was lined more than ever with thorns, had of late been fatal to all the heads that had worn it, was forfeited to divine justice, and now ready to be laid in the dust - a crown which a wise man would not have taken up in the street, yet Hoshea not only ventured upon it but ventured for it, and it cost him dear.
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SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:15 serves as the concluding summary of Shallum's exceptionally brief and violent reign in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Characteristic of the Deuteronomistic History, this verse employs a standard regnal formula, directing the reader to a larger, external historical record—"the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel"—for a more exhaustive account of Shallum's actions, particularly his "conspiracy" and other deeds not fully detailed within the biblical narrative. It underscores the biblical author's reliance on verifiable historical sources while simultaneously highlighting the brevity and tragic end of a king who seized power through assassination.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse appears at a point of extreme political volatility in the book of 2 Kings. The immediate preceding verses recount Shallum's usurpation of the throne by assassinating King Zechariah, the last descendant of Jehu, thereby ending a dynasty that had reigned for over a century, as detailed in 2 Kings 15:10. Shallum's own reign is then dramatically cut short, lasting only a single month before he is overthrown and killed by Menahem, a rapid turn of events described in 2 Kings 15:13-14. Verse 15, therefore, functions as the standard concluding formula for Shallum's account, typical of the book of Kings, signaling the end of one king's narrative and preparing for the next. The rapid succession of kings and violent coups from 2 Kings 15:8 through 15:31 vividly illustrates a period of profound internal decay and instability in Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period covered in 2 Kings 15 represents the final, tumultuous decades of the Northern Kingdom of Israel before its eventual fall to Assyria. Internally, the nation was plagued by endemic political assassinations, coups, and a succession of weak and unrighteous kings. This internal instability was severely exacerbated by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was increasingly asserting its dominance over the Syro-Palestinian region. Kings like Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah navigated a treacherous geopolitical landscape, often resorting to desperate measures to secure their thrones or appease foreign powers. The "conspiracy" mentioned in the verse was a common feature of this era, reflecting a culture where power was frequently seized through violence rather than legitimate succession or divine appointment, leading to a relentless cycle of bloodshed and short-lived reigns.
Key Themes: Shallum's fleeting reign and violent end powerfully illustrate several key themes within 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the fleeting nature of unrighteous power. Power gained through violence and rebellion against God's established order, as seen in Shallum's assassination of Zechariah, is inherently unstable and short-lived. His one-month reign serves as a stark warning against ambition pursued through ungodly means, contrasting sharply with the enduring reign promised to David's lineage in 2 Samuel 7:16. Secondly, the explicit mention of Shallum's "conspiracy" underscores the destructive cycle of betrayal and violence that plagued the later Israelite monarchy, leading to internal fragmentation and weakening the nation from within. Finally, the consistent reference to external historical records, such as "the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel," emphasizes divine judgment and the meticulous nature of historical record-keeping. While not directly stated as judgment in this verse, the rapid and violent turnover of kings in the Northern Kingdom was understood as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. The biblical narrative's grounding in verifiable historical records affirms God's meticulous oversight and documentation of history, even the briefest and most inglorious reigns.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs the Regnal Formula, a recurring literary convention throughout the books of Kings. This formula typically includes an introduction (accession, age, length of reign, mother's name), a theological assessment (did he do good or evil?), and a concluding summary that points to external historical sources for further details. In 2 Kings 15:15, the formula is abbreviated, focusing on the "rest of the acts" and the explicit reference to the "book of the chronicles." This formula provides structural coherence to the narrative of successive kings, authenticates the biblical account by referencing external records, and implicitly suggests that the biblical narrative is selective, focusing on the spiritual and theological significance of each reign. There is also an element of Irony in the brevity of Shallum's reign being recorded in a "book of chronicles," suggesting that even the most insignificant and violent reigns are part of God's overarching historical plan and judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Shallum, though brief, is rich in theological implications. His violent seizure of power and rapid demise powerfully illustrate the principle that power gained through unrighteous means is inherently unstable and ultimately subject to divine judgment. This narrative underscores God's sovereignty over human history, even over the chaotic and seemingly random acts of wicked kings. The reference to the "book of the chronicles" not only authenticates the historical account but also subtly reinforces the idea that all human actions, whether good or evil, are meticulously recorded and will ultimately be brought to account before a sovereign God. God is the ultimate historian, overseeing and documenting the rise and fall of nations and rulers, ensuring that His eternal purposes prevail despite human rebellion and chaos.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shallum's story, though a mere blip in the grand sweep of biblical history, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and ambition, especially when pursued through ungodly means. Shallum's one-month reign, marked by conspiracy and violence, highlights the futility of seeking lasting significance in worldly status or influence. For us, this narrative encourages a reorientation of our desires: rather than striving for fleeting power or recognition, we are called to seek enduring significance in faithfulness to God and His eternal kingdom. It reinforces the truth that all actions, whether public or private, are noted and have consequences, urging us to live with integrity, accountability, and a deep awareness that ultimately, all of history unfolds under the watchful eye of a sovereign God who judges justly. Our ultimate chronicle is not in human records, but in the book of life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: The "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" was not the biblical book of 1 Chronicles or 2 Chronicles, but rather a collection of official state annals or court records maintained by the Israelite monarchy. These were secular historical documents that served as primary sources for the biblical authors of Kings. The biblical narrative, while drawing upon these records, selectively presents information to highlight theological truths and God's interaction with His people, rather than providing a comprehensive historical account. Similar "chronicles" were also kept for the kings of Judah, as seen in references like 1 Kings 14:29.
Why is Shallum's reign so brief, and what is its significance?
Answer: Shallum's reign lasted only one month, making it one of the shortest in Israelite history, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:13. Its brevity is highly significant, symbolizing the extreme political instability and moral decay that plagued the Northern Kingdom in its final decades. Shallum gained power through a violent conspiracy, assassinating King Zechariah, as detailed in 2 Kings 15:10, but was swiftly overthrown by Menahem. This rapid succession of violent coups illustrates the consequences of rejecting God's covenant and seeking power through human ambition rather than divine appointment, foreshadowing the ultimate downfall of the Northern Kingdom.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brief, violent, and ultimately futile reign of Shallum stands in stark contrast to the eternal, righteous, and sovereign reign of Jesus Christ. Shallum's "conspiracy" to seize a temporal throne through bloodshed highlights the brokenness of human kingship and the desperate measures taken by those who seek power apart from God. In direct opposition, Christ's kingship is not gained through human conspiracy or violence, but through divine appointment and self-sacrificial love, culminating in His atoning death and glorious resurrection, as beautifully articulated in Philippians 2:8-11. While Shallum's "acts" are recorded in earthly chronicles, pointing to a fleeting legacy, the "acts" of Christ establish an eternal kingdom, written not in human books but in the hearts of those He redeems through the new covenant, as promised in Jeremiah 31:33. Shallum's reign ended in death and obscurity, but Christ's reign is everlasting, offering true stability, peace, and justice to all who bow the knee to Him, for His throne is forever and ever, as declared in Hebrews 1:8. He is the true King, whose "conspiracy" was not against man, but against sin and death, ultimately leading to the liberation of His people and the establishment of an unshakable kingdom, triumphing over all hostile powers, as celebrated in Colossians 2:15.