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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 15:17 serves as a crucial chronological marker within the tumultuous history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, precisely dating the commencement of Menahem's ten-year reign. This verse encapsulates the profound political instability that plagued Israel during this period, starkly contrasting it with the relatively more stable, albeit still flawed, Southern Kingdom of Judah by synchronizing Menahem's ascent to the thirty-ninth year of Judah's King Azariah. It is a concise, factual record that, despite its brevity, speaks volumes about the spiritual apostasy and political decay characterizing Israel's final decades before its ultimate demise.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Chronological Precision, a defining characteristic of the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua-Kings), which meticulously dates events and reigns, often through intricate synchronisms between the two kingdoms. This provides a robust and coherent historical framework for the reader. There is also an implicit Juxtaposition between the relative stability and long reign of Azariah in Judah, a kingdom that maintained the Davidic dynasty, and the tumultuous, short-lived, and often violent reigns in Israel, subtly highlighting the profound consequences of Judah's (albeit imperfect) adherence to the Davidic covenant versus Israel's persistent apostasy and rejection of God's chosen lineage. The Repetitive Formula of the regnal account (king's name, length of reign, capital, synchronism) provides crucial structural coherence throughout the book of Kings, allowing the reader to consistently track the narrative progression and decline of both kingdoms. Finally, the stark Irony of Menahem's name ("Comforter") in light of his brutal and unsparing actions serves as a subtle yet powerful literary commentary on the moral bankruptcy and spiritual decay of the Northern Kingdom's leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly straightforward chronological detail of 2 Kings 15:17 carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's sovereign control over human history, even amidst the most chaotic and unrighteous human endeavors. While Menahem seized power through violence and maintained it through brutality, his reign, like all others, was ultimately permitted, recorded, and providentially overseen by God. The pervasive instability of the Northern Kingdom, marked by a rapid succession of violent coups and illegitimate kings, serves as a stark testament to the dire consequences of national apostasy and the persistent rejection of God's covenant. Unlike Judah, which maintained the divinely appointed Davidic dynasty (however imperfectly), Israel consistently "set up kings, but not by me" (Hosea 8:4), leading inevitably to internal strife, moral decay, and vulnerability to external powers. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical marker but a subtle yet potent theological statement about divine judgment, the consequences of unrighteous leadership, and the enduring importance of covenant faithfulness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief historical note in 2 Kings 15:17, while focusing on a king of ancient Israel, offers timeless and profound insights into the nature of leadership, the dynamics of governance, and the inevitable consequences of moral and spiritual decline. Menahem's violent ascent to power and the subsequent instability of the Northern Kingdom serve as a powerful and sobering reminder that power gained through unrighteous means often leads to further turmoil, both for the individual leader and for the entire nation. This narrative highlights the profound and undeniable impact of a nation's spiritual health on its political stability and overall societal well-being. When leaders and their people turn away from God's revealed principles and covenant, internal strife, rampant corruption, and increased vulnerability to external threats often follow as a natural, and often divinely ordained, consequence. For us today, this verse challenges us to critically consider the character and spiritual integrity of those we entrust with leadership, whether in government, the church, or our local communities. It also reminds us that true and lasting peace, stability, and prosperity come not from human strength, cunning, or political maneuvering, but from humbly seeking God's wisdom and submitting to His righteous and sovereign rule. Even in times of profound chaos and human unrighteousness, God remains utterly sovereign, meticulously recording history for our instruction and demonstrating His unwavering control over all things, working out His ultimate purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Azariah, and why is his reign significant for dating Menahem's?
Answer: Azariah, also widely known as Uzziah, was a long-reigning and generally prosperous king of Judah, whose rule spanned an impressive 52 years, as noted in 2 Kings 15:2. His extended reign provided a period of remarkable stability and even expansion for the Southern Kingdom, standing in stark contrast to the rapid succession of kings and pervasive political turmoil that characterized the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The biblical writers frequently employed the reign of one kingdom's monarch as a crucial chronological anchor to accurately date events occurring in the other kingdom. By stating that Menahem began his reign "in the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah," the text provides an indispensable synchronism, allowing historians and biblical scholars to precisely align the timelines of Israel and Judah, thereby offering a more complete, accurate, and integrated historical picture of the divided monarchy.
What was the political climate like in Israel during Menahem's time?
Answer: The political climate in Israel during Menahem's time was one of extreme instability, profound chaos, and rampant violence. It was a period marked by frequent assassinations and coups, reflecting a deep-seated spiritual and moral decline that had permeated the nation. Menahem himself seized the throne through a violent act, assassinating his predecessor, Shallum, who had reigned for only a single month, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:14. This act was part of a larger, destructive pattern of regicide that characterized the final decades of the Northern Kingdom's existence. Furthermore, the formidable Neo-Assyrian Empire was rapidly expanding its dominion, posing an existential threat to Israel's sovereignty. Menahem's reign is particularly notable for his decision to pay a hefty tribute of a thousand talents of silver to the Assyrian king Pul (Tiglath-Pileser III) in order to secure his own precarious position on the throne and prevent an immediate Assyrian invasion, as detailed in 2 Kings 15:19-20. This act clearly indicates Israel's increasing vulnerability and subservience to foreign powers, a direct consequence of its internal strife and spiritual apostasy.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The turbulent and unrighteous reign of Menahem, marked by violence, instability, and the payment of tribute to a foreign power, stands in profound and illuminating contrast to the eternal, righteous, and sovereign reign of Jesus Christ. Menahem's very name, "Comforter," is ironically misapplied to a brutal king who brought anything but comfort to his people, highlighting the deep human need for a true Comforter, a need ultimately fulfilled not by earthly rulers, but by the promised Messiah. The fleeting, violent, and unrighteous reigns of Israel's kings, so meticulously documented in 2 Kings 15, underscore the futility of human attempts at establishing lasting peace, justice, and security apart from God. In stark contrast, Jesus is the King whose kingdom "shall have no end" (Luke 1:33), whose throne is established "forever and ever" (Hebrews 1:8), and who reigns in perfect righteousness and absolute justice (Isaiah 32:1). Unlike Menahem, who brought fear, oppression, and further national decline, Jesus is the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) who offers a profound and lasting peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27) and a comfort that transcends all earthly suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). The historical chaos and moral bankruptcy of 2 Kings 15:17 serve as a powerful backdrop, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect reign of Christ, who will finally establish His perfect kingdom, where all earthly powers and dominions will yield to His supreme authority and eternal dominion (Revelation 11:15).