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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 15:27 precisely documents the ascension of Pekah, son of Remaliah, to the throne of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in Samaria. This pivotal verse synchronizes Pekah's twenty-year reign with the fifty-second regnal year of Azariah (Uzziah), king of Judah, thereby providing a crucial chronological anchor within the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy. It highlights the pervasive political instability in Israel, characterized by a rapid succession of violent coups, while simultaneously demonstrating the biblical narrative's unwavering commitment to meticulous historical and chronological documentation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a particularly volatile section of 2 Kings, specifically chapter 15, which chronicles a rapid and often violent succession of kings in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Immediately preceding this verse, the narrative details the assassination of Pekahiah, son of Menahem, by Pekah himself (compare 2 Kings 15:25 with 2 Kings 15:26). The account of Pekah's twenty-year reign is then swiftly followed by the record of his own assassination by Hoshea (see 2 Kings 15:30), who would be the last king of Israel before its final collapse and exile. This chapter starkly contrasts the brevity and brutality of Israel's reigns with the comparatively longer, though not always righteous, tenures of Judahite kings like Azariah (Uzziah), whose extended rule provides a stable chronological framework for these turbulent events. The relentless cycle of violence and unfaithfulness underscores the Northern Kingdom's accelerating decline.
Historical & Cultural Context: The mid-8th century BCE was a period of profound geopolitical upheaval across the Ancient Near East, dominated by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Both Israel and Judah found themselves precariously positioned between this formidable power and the shifting alliances of smaller regional states. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, in particular, was plagued by severe internal strife, with a series of kings seizing power through assassination, indicative of a deep-seated breakdown in political and social order. Samaria, as the capital, was not only the epicenter of this political intrigue but also a hub of religious syncretism, having been established as a center for idolatrous calf worship by Jeroboam I (as recounted in 1 Kings 12:28-30). Pekah's reign would culminate in the disastrous Syro-Ephraimite War, a desperate and ill-conceived attempt to resist Assyrian dominance, which ultimately backfired and significantly hastened Israel's demise, leading to further Assyrian incursions and deportations.
Key Themes: This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout 2 Kings. Firstly, it exemplifies the chronological precision inherent in the biblical record, meticulously linking events in the Northern Kingdom to the contemporary reign in Judah. This emphasis on synchronism underscores the historical veracity and grounded nature of the narrative, portraying God's unfolding plan within concrete historical time. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of political instability and divine judgment upon the Northern Kingdom. The rapid, often violent, succession of kings is consistently presented as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and flagrant disobedience to the Mosaic covenant. This stands in stark contrast to the more stable, though not flawless, Davidic line in Judah, highlighting the consequences of covenant infidelity. Finally, despite the apparent human chaos and ambition, the narrative implicitly, yet powerfully, asserts God's sovereign control over history. Even the rise and fall of kings, seemingly driven by human will, ultimately serves His overarching purposes, guiding events towards the eventual judgment and exile of Israel, as prophesied in earlier covenant warnings (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Kings 15:27, and indeed throughout the Books of Kings, is Formulaic Language and a consistent Chronological Framework. The repetitive structure used for introducing each king's reign—including the synchronism with the contemporary monarch of the other kingdom and the precise duration of their rule—establishes a consistent, authoritative, and seemingly reliable historical record. This formulaic approach lends an air of divine oversight and purpose to the narrative, suggesting that even the chaotic and violent succession of kings in Israel is part of a divinely ordered, though often judgmental, historical progression. Furthermore, there is an implicit Contrast woven into the narrative: the relative stability and continuity of Judah's Davidic monarchy (exemplified by Azariah's exceptionally long reign) stands in stark opposition to the violent, unstable, and short-lived reigns of the Northern Kingdom. This contrast powerfully highlights the theological consequences of Israel's persistent rejection of the true covenant and its divinely appointed Davidic dynasty.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly straightforward chronological entry carries profound theological weight, underscoring God's meticulous involvement in human history and His unwavering sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations and rulers. Even in the midst of political chaos, violent coups, and human ambition, the divine hand is demonstrably at work, orchestrating events to fulfill His predetermined purposes and to bring about His righteous judgments. Pekah's reign, like those of his predecessors and successors, serves as a stark testament to the inevitable consequences of a nation's persistent rebellion against God's covenant, leading inexorably to internal instability, external pressures, and eventual downfall. The precise dating reminds us that God's eternal plan unfolds within the tangible realities of time and space, profoundly affecting real people and nations, demonstrating His active governance over all of creation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed historical record in 2 Kings 15:27, though appearing as a simple chronological fact, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but is intimately and actively involved in the affairs of nations and the lives of individuals, even amidst their rebellion. The pervasive instability and violence that characterized Israel's kingship during this period serve as a poignant warning about the inherent dangers of rejecting divine authority, pursuing self-serving power, and abandoning covenant faithfulness. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, moral decay, and the rise and fall of earthly powers, this verse encourages us to look beyond human leaders and systems, recognizing that true stability, lasting peace, and ultimate justice come only from submission to God's righteous and eternal rule. It calls us to cultivate a posture of prayer for our leaders, to discern God's sovereign hand in current events, and to live as faithful citizens of His eternal kingdom, knowing with certainty that His purposes will ultimately prevail, irrespective of human machinations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of Pekah's twenty-year reign in the context of the Northern Kingdom?
Answer: Pekah's twenty-year reign was unusually long for a king of the Northern Kingdom during this period, which was notoriously marked by extreme political instability and a rapid succession of short-lived rulers, often through violent coups. While its length might superficially suggest a period of stability, it was, in fact, a time of intensified conflict and accelerated decline for Israel. Pekah formed a critical, but ultimately disastrous, alliance with Rezin of Aram against Judah, an event known as the Syro-Ephraimite War (recorded in Isaiah 7:1-9). This alliance, intended to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition, instead led King Ahaz of Judah to appeal directly to Assyria for help. This desperate plea resulted in swift Assyrian intervention, the capture of significant northern Israelite territories, and the deportation of many from the northern tribes by Tiglath-Pileser III (as recounted in 2 Kings 15:29). Pekah himself was eventually assassinated by Hoshea (see 2 Kings 15:30), who became the last king of Israel before its final collapse. Thus, Pekah's reign was a pivotal, though tragic, chapter that directly precipitated Israel's destruction and exile.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The turbulent and often violent succession of kings in the Northern Kingdom, as starkly exemplified by Pekah's reign in 2 Kings 15:27, powerfully underscores the inherent brokenness, transience, and ultimate inadequacy of human kingship. These earthly rulers, despite their temporal power and ambition, were fundamentally unable to bring lasting peace, justice, or spiritual flourishing to their people. Their reigns were consistently marked by political intrigue, unfaithfulness to God's covenant, and bloodshed, pointing to humanity's desperate and profound need for a perfect, eternal King. Jesus Christ stands in absolute contrast to these flawed monarchs. He is the true and rightful King, not established by human coup or violence, but by divine appointment, the Son of God and the promised Son of David, whose kingdom is "not of this world" yet ultimately rules over all creation (John 18:36). Unlike Pekah, whose reign led to further judgment, suffering, and ultimately the exile of his people, Christ's reign brings redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life to all who believe and submit to Him (Colossians 1:13-14). The meticulous historical detail of 2 Kings, chronicling the failures and limitations of human rule, ultimately serves a grander redemptive purpose: to highlight the precision and certainty of God's overarching plan, culminating in the advent of the Messiah, whose perfect and righteous reign will never end (Luke 1:32-33).