2 Kings 15:19

KJV

[And] Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pul {H6322} the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} came {H935} against the land {H776}: and Menahem {H4505} gave {H5414} Pul {H6322} a thousand {H505} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701}, that his hand {H3027} might be with him to confirm {H2388} the kingdom {H4467} in his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pul the king of Ashur invaded the land. Menachem gave Pul thirty-three tons of silver, so that he would confirm Menachem's hold on the kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom.

American Standard Version

There came against the land Pul the king of Assyria; and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 15:19 chronicles a pivotal and humiliating moment in the rapid decline of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, depicting how King Menahem, a usurper, appeased the formidable Assyrian King Pul (Tiglath-Pileser III) with an exorbitant tribute of a thousand talents of silver. This desperate act was a strategic maneuver by Menahem to secure his precarious reign, seeking Assyrian endorsement and protection against both internal dissent and external threats, thereby starkly illustrating Israel's profound political instability and its tragic reliance on foreign powers rather than divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a grim chapter that chronicles the rapid succession of short, violent, and often ungodly reigns in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, immediately preceding its ultimate collapse. Menahem's reign (2 Kings 15:17-22) is characterized by his violent seizure of power (2 Kings 15:14) and his continued practice of evil in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 15:18). Verse 19 specifically introduces the first direct encounter with the rising Neo-Assyrian Empire, a force that would eventually conquer Israel. The subsequent verse immediately reveals how Menahem extracted this massive tribute from the wealthy citizens of Israel, underscoring the severe economic burden and the people's suffering resulting from his desperate foreign policy, as detailed in [2 Kings 15:20](/2_kings/15-20 "2 Kings 15:20 - Menahem's Taxation for Tribute"). This episode sets a precedent for future interactions with Assyria, foreshadowing the eventual [fall of Samaria and the exile of Israel](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel") described in detail later in the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mid-8th century BCE was a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the Ancient Near East. The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under powerful monarchs like Tiglath-Pileser III (known as Pul in the biblical text), was aggressively expanding its dominion westward, systematically subjugating smaller states in the Levant through military campaigns, forced tribute, and the establishment of vassal kingdoms. For Israel, this meant constant vulnerability. Internally, the Northern Kingdom was plagued by chronic instability, with a succession of kings often gaining power through assassination and coup d'état, reflecting a deep spiritual and political decay. The practice of paying tribute was a common means for smaller nations to avoid immediate military conquest, effectively becoming a vassal state. This arrangement offered a degree of protection from rival neighbors and internal challengers, but at the cost of national sovereignty and immense economic strain.

* **Key Themes:** The verse vividly illustrates several recurring themes within 2 Kings and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **political instability and decline** of the Northern Kingdom, where kings resorted to desperate, ungodly measures to maintain power, signaling a profound loss of national integrity and divine favor. Secondly, it underscores the dangerous theme of **reliance on foreign powers** rather than trust in Yahweh. Menahem's decision to pay tribute to Assyria, rather than seeking divine deliverance or repentance, reflects a broader pattern of Israel's spiritual apostasy. This reliance on human alliances for security is consistently condemned by prophets like Isaiah, who warns against seeking help from [Egypt](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children"), and Hosea, who laments Ephraim's reliance on [Assyria](/hosea/5-13 "Hosea 5:13 - Ephraim's Reliance on Assyria"). Finally, the act demonstrates the **cost of expediency and ungodly leadership**. While Menahem temporarily secured his throne, the immense financial burden imposed on his people and the precedent of vassalage ultimately contributed to Israel's further weakening and eventual destruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pul (Hebrew, _Pûl'_):** This is the biblical name for Tiglath-Pileser III, one of the most formidable and expansionist monarchs of the Neo-Assyrian Empire (reigned 745–727 BCE). As derived from the Hebrew H6322, "Pul" refers to the name of an Assyrian king. His appearance in the biblical narrative marks a significant turning point, initiating a period of direct Assyrian intervention in Israelite affairs that would culminate in the kingdom's downfall. Extra-biblical Assyrian inscriptions confirm his campaigns in the Levant and the receipt of tribute from Menahem, providing strong historical corroboration for this biblical account.

* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkâr'_):** A "talent" was a substantial unit of weight, typically estimated at around 75 pounds (approximately 34 kilograms) in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew word _kikkâr_ (H3603) literally means "a circle" and by implication refers to a "talent" as a large, round coin or unit of weight. Thus, a thousand talents of silver represented an enormous sum—roughly 75,000 pounds or 34,000 kilograms of silver. This staggering amount underscores the immense financial burden placed upon the Israelite populace, as detailed in the subsequent verse, [2 Kings 15:20](/2_kings/15-20 "2 Kings 15:20 - Menahem's Taxation for Tribute"), where Menahem exacted this tribute from the wealthy men of Israel. It signifies the extreme cost of Menahem's desperate political maneuver.

* **Confirm (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** The verb _châzaq_ (H2388) means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, to strengthen, to confirm, to establish." In this context, it conveys Menahem's desire for Assyria to "strengthen" or "establish" his rule. As a usurper, Menahem's hold on the throne was precarious. By becoming a vassal of Assyria, he sought external legitimation and protection against both internal revolts and external threats from neighboring states, hoping to secure his kingdom through foreign endorsement rather than divine blessing or internal stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land":** This phrase signifies the arrival of a major military and political force, the Neo-Assyrian Empire, on Israel's doorstep. "Pul" (Tiglath-Pileser III) represents the overwhelming power and expansionist policy of Assyria. His "coming against the land" implies either a direct military invasion, a show of force, or a demand for submission and tribute, signaling the end of Israel's independent sovereignty and the beginning of its subjugation to a foreign power. The "land" refers specifically to the territory of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

* **"and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver":** Faced with the existential threat posed by Assyria, King Menahem chose to capitulate and pay an exorbitant tribute rather than resist militarily. This was a pragmatic, albeit humiliating, decision to avoid immediate destruction. The "thousand talents of silver" was an immense sum, representing a significant portion of the nation's wealth, and its payment would have had severe economic repercussions for the Israelite people, as confirmed in [the subsequent verse](/2_kings/15-20 "2 Kings 15:20 - Menahem's Taxation for Tribute").

* **"that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand":** Menahem's primary motivation for this massive payment was self-preservation and the consolidation of his power. As a usurper, his legitimacy was weak. By securing the "hand" (support, backing, or power) of the most powerful empire of the day, he hoped to "confirm" (strengthen, establish) his reign. This act demonstrates Menahem's desperate reliance on human power and alliances, rather than on God, to secure his throne, highlighting a tragic pattern of faithlessness that characterized the Northern Kingdom's decline.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 15:19 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. There is a strong element of **Irony** in Menahem's actions: he attempts to "confirm" his kingdom by submitting to a foreign power, an act that paradoxically undermines Israel's sovereignty and ultimately contributes to its downfall. His desperate measure to secure his reign through human means leads to further national humiliation and economic burden. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the inevitable subjugation and eventual exile of the Northern Kingdom by Assyria, which is fully realized in [the eventual fall of Samaria](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel"). The immense "thousand talents of silver" functions as **Hyperbole** or at least a stark emphasis on the monumental cost and the severity of Israel's plight, underscoring the depth of their desperation and the overwhelming power of Assyria.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Menahem's tribute to Pul is a stark theological statement on the consequences of abandoning reliance on God for national security. Throughout Israel's history, divine protection was promised to those who faithfully followed the covenant. However, in their spiritual decline, the kings of Israel repeatedly turned to human alliances and military might, often at great cost, only to find such strategies ultimately futile. Menahem's act epitomizes this tragic pattern, demonstrating a profound lack of faith in Yahweh's ability to protect His people. It illustrates how the pursuit of worldly security through ungodly means leads to national humiliation, economic hardship, and ultimately, destruction, rather than true stability or blessing. This narrative serves as a powerful warning against placing trust in human power, wealth, or political expediency over divine providence and covenant faithfulness.

* [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Rebellious Children")
* [Hosea 5:13](/hosea/5-13 "Hosea 5:13 - Ephraim's Reliance on Assyria")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Menahem's desperate act in 2 Kings 15:19 offers timeless lessons for individuals and communities today. Faced with overwhelming threats or instability, it is a natural human tendency to seek immediate, pragmatic solutions, often relying on financial resources, political maneuvering, or powerful alliances. However, this account challenges us to consider where our ultimate trust lies. Menahem sought to "confirm his kingdom" through a massive payment to a foreign king, an act that temporarily secured his throne but ultimately burdened his people and foreshadowed greater subjugation. This reminds us that human efforts to secure peace, power, or prosperity, when detached from a foundation of trust in God, can lead to greater burdens, compromises, and eventual downfall. True security and lasting stability are found not in worldly systems or material wealth, but in faithful reliance on God's sovereignty and provision. This narrative calls us to examine our own lives: when we face challenges, do we first turn to our own ingenuity, resources, or powerful connections, or do we humbly seek God's guidance and place our confidence in His unfailing hand?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek security or confirmation through worldly means rather than trusting in God's provision?**
* **What "tributes" (time, energy, resources, compromises) might you be paying to worldly systems in an attempt to secure your position or future?**
* **How does Menahem's story challenge your understanding of true power and lasting stability?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God in times of uncertainty or threat?**

### FAQ
**Who was Pul, and why is his appearance in this verse significant?**

Answer: "Pul" is the shortened biblical name for Tiglath-Pileser III, a powerful and expansionist king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire (reigned 745-727 BCE). His appearance in [this verse](/2_kings/15-19 "2 Kings 15:19 - Menahem's Tribute to Pul") is highly significant because it marks the first direct encounter between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and this formidable Assyrian monarch in the biblical narrative. Tiglath-Pileser III's own inscriptions from outside the Bible confirm his campaigns into the Levant and the receipt of tribute from Menahem, providing strong historical corroboration for this biblical account. His arrival signaled the beginning of the end for Israel's independence, leading to increased Assyrian pressure, eventual subjugation, and ultimately the [fall of Samaria and the exile](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel") a few decades later.

**What was the significance of the "thousand talents of silver" Menahem paid?**

Answer: The "thousand talents of silver" was an immense sum, representing an astronomical amount of wealth. A "talent" was a large unit of weight, roughly 75 pounds (34 kg), meaning Menahem paid approximately 75,000 pounds of silver. This staggering tribute highlights the overwhelming power of Assyria and the desperate state of Israel. It was a crippling financial burden that Menahem extracted from the wealthy citizens of Israel, as detailed in [2 Kings 15:20](/2_kings/15-20 "2 Kings 15:20 - Menahem's Taxation for Tribute"). The payment signifies Israel's loss of sovereignty, its economic exploitation by a foreign power, and the severe cost of Menahem's choice to buy temporary peace rather than resisting or trusting in God.

**Why did Menahem pay tribute to Pul instead of fighting?**

Answer: Menahem chose to pay tribute rather than fight due to a combination of factors, primarily his precarious internal position and the overwhelming military might of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. As a usurper who had seized the throne violently ([as recorded in 2 Kings 15:14](/2_kings/15-14 "2 Kings 15:14 - Menahem's Usurpation")), Menahem's rule was unstable and lacked broad support. Facing the most powerful empire of the time, resistance would have been suicidal and likely led to immediate conquest and his overthrow. By paying tribute, Menahem sought to secure Assyria's backing, effectively becoming a vassal king. This arrangement would "confirm" his kingdom in his hand, providing external legitimacy and protection from both internal revolts and external threats from neighboring states. It was a pragmatic, though humiliating, choice aimed at self-preservation and the consolidation of his power, reflecting a profound lack of faith in God's ability to deliver.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Menahem's desperate attempt to secure his earthly kingdom through a massive payment to a foreign power finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human efforts to establish fleeting dominion and God's eternal kingdom established through Christ. Menahem's reliance on "Pul" for "confirmation" of his rule underscores the futility of trusting in worldly powers and wealth for true security. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true King, whose kingdom is "[not of this world](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")", yet it is eternal and unshakable. While Menahem paid a crippling silver tribute to a human king, Christ paid the ultimate price—His own life—not to secure an earthly throne, but to redeem humanity from the slavery of sin and death, establishing a spiritual kingdom of righteousness and peace. He is the one who truly "confirms" and establishes His people, not through political alliances or material wealth, but through His redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection power. Our security and belonging are found not in appeasing earthly powers, but in placing our faith in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one in whom "[all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer of All Things")". Unlike Menahem's temporary and costly "confirmation," Christ offers an eternal and free salvation, calling us to seek first [His kingdom and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God"), knowing that all other things will be added to us.

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 14:5

And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.

2 Kings 18:16

At that time did Hezekiah cut off [the gold from] the doors of the temple of the LORD, and [from] the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.

1 Chronicles 5:25

And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

1 Chronicles 5:26

And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

2 Kings 16:8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the king of Assyria.

Hosea 8:9

For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers.

Hosea 8:10

Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes.