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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
This verse succinctly chronicles the commencement of Pekahiah's brief two-year reign over the northern kingdom of Israel from its capital, Samaria. Chronologically anchored to the fiftieth year of Azariah, king of Judah, it marks another fleeting and unstable period in Israel's tumultuous history, immediately following his father Menahem's rule and preceding Pekahiah's own violent overthrow, highlighting the pervasive political instability and divine judgment characteristic of the Northern Kingdom's final decades.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Deuteronomistic historian employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. Synchronism is prominently featured, as the reign of Pekahiah in Israel is precisely dated by reference to the reign of Azariah in Judah. This is a common and vital technique throughout 1 and 2 Kings to interweave the histories of the two kingdoms, providing a unified chronological framework. This chronological precision also subtly highlights the relative instability and brevity of reigns in Israel compared to Judah's more consistent dynastic succession under the Davidic line. The explicit statement of the brevity of Pekahiah's reign, "two years," serves as a powerful foreshadowing device, hinting at the violent and premature end of his rule, which is dramatically fulfilled just two verses later. Furthermore, the verse utilizes formulaic language, characteristic of the regnal summaries in Kings (e.g., "began to reign," "reigned X years"), which provides a consistent structure for the historical accounts and underscores the Deuteronomistic historian's theological perspective on each king's adherence to the covenant. Finally, there is a subtle but profound irony in Pekahiah's name, meaning "Yahweh has observed," contrasting sharply with his short, ungodly reign that God clearly did not "open" for success or blessing, but rather observed for judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The brief and unstable reign of Pekahiah, as concisely recorded in 2 Kings 15:23, serves as a poignant illustration of the severe consequences of a nation's persistent rebellion against God. In a kingdom characterized by pervasive idolatry, political assassinations, and a flagrant disregard for divine covenant, human ambition and power struggles consistently led to fleeting and violent reigns rather than stable, blessed leadership. This verse, like many others in 2 Kings, underscores the profound theological principle that true authority and lasting peace do not derive from human strength, cunning, or dynastic claims apart from God's will. Instead, the rapid succession of kings and their violent ends vividly demonstrate God's sovereign judgment over a people who had forsaken Him, revealing that even amidst human chaos and political upheaval, the Lord remains the ultimate orchestrator of history, raising up and bringing down rulers according to His divine purposes and righteous standards.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The concise historical record of Pekahiah's two-year reign, ending in violence, offers profound insights into the nature of power, leadership, and divine sovereignty that remain deeply relevant for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that human ambition, political maneuvering, and reliance on worldly strength, when divorced from God's guidance and righteousness, inevitably lead to instability, fleeting success, and ultimately, destruction. The constant cycle of violence and short reigns in the Northern Kingdom stands in stark contrast to the potential for stability, blessing, and enduring peace that comes from obedience to God's will and reliance on His divine authority. For believers today, this account underscores the timeless truth that genuine authority and lasting impact flow from a right relationship with God, not from human cunning or worldly might. It challenges us to examine our own pursuits of power, influence, and success, asking whether they are aligned with God's purposes or merely reflections of fleeting earthly desires. It calls us to trust in the Lord's ultimate control over all earthly rulers and to seek His kingdom and righteousness above all else, knowing that true peace and stability are found only in Him, and that His ways alone lead to enduring fruitfulness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Azariah, and why is his reign mentioned here?
Answer: Azariah was the king of Judah, also widely known as Uzziah, who had a remarkably long and generally prosperous reign of 52 years, beginning in 2 Kings 15:1. His reign is mentioned here to provide a crucial chronological anchor. The biblical writers frequently synchronized the reigns of the kings of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) with those of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) to create a coherent historical timeline. Azariah's long and stable rule in Judah provided a reliable fixed point against which the much more volatile and shorter reigns in Israel could be measured, allowing for a clearer understanding of the parallel histories of the two kingdoms and their alignment with broader ancient Near Eastern events and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
What was the significance of Samaria as Pekahiah's capital?
Answer: Samaria was the strategically important and well-fortified capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri around 870 BC, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:24. While a symbol of Israel's political power and a formidable stronghold, Samaria also became a potent symbol of its spiritual apostasy and rebellion against God, often serving as a central hub for idolatry and pagan worship, particularly Baalism. Its frequent role as the site of political assassinations and coups, including Pekahiah's violent overthrow, underscores the deep instability, moral decay, and divine judgment that plagued the Northern Kingdom, especially in its final decades leading up to the Assyrian exile. The city's prominence in these accounts highlights the spiritual and political sickness at the very heart of Israel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tumultuous and fleeting reign of Pekahiah, characteristic of the Northern Kingdom's profound instability, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unshakable reign of Jesus Christ. The constant cycle of violence, short reigns, and failed human leadership in Israel underscores humanity's desperate need for a perfect, divine King. Pekahiah's two-year rule, marked by the same ungodliness as his predecessors and ending in violent overthrow, serves as a poignant reminder that earthly power, when not submitted to God, is inherently unstable, morally compromised, and ultimately leads to destruction. This historical reality points forward to the coming of the true King, Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) and whose reign is forever. Unlike the kings of Israel who "did evil in the sight of the Lord," Christ perfectly fulfilled God's will, establishing a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and justice that will never end (Isaiah 9:6-7). His throne is eternal (Hebrews 1:8), and He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of an enduring ruler, the true Son of David, bringing an end to the cycle of human failure and ushering in a reign of divine sovereignty that will one day encompass all the kingdoms of the world (Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 11:15).