Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria, struck down and killed Shallum son of Jabesh, and reigned in his place. Then Menahem son of GadiThe name "Menahem" means "comforter" in Hebrew, which is somewhat ironic given his violent actions. Menahem's rise to power is a reminder of the turbulent and often brutal nature of Israel's monarchy during this period. The mention of his father, "Gadi," situates Menahem within a specific lineage, though little is known about Gadi himself. This highlights the often obscure backgrounds of many who rose to power in Israel, suggesting that God can use even the most unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. went up from Tirzah
Tirzah was an ancient city in the northern kingdom of Israel, known for its beauty and strategic location. It served as a royal city before Samaria became the capital. Menahem's movement from Tirzah to Samaria signifies a strategic and purposeful journey, indicating his ambition and determination to seize power. This movement also reflects the political instability of the time, as leaders frequently moved between cities to consolidate their rule. to Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri. It was a city of significant political and religious importance. Menahem's journey to Samaria underscores his intent to claim the throne and control the central seat of power. The city's history of idolatry and rebellion against God serves as a backdrop to the events, reminding readers of the spiritual decline that often accompanied political upheaval. and struck down Shallum son of Jabesh there
The phrase "struck down" indicates a violent overthrow, a common occurrence in the history of Israel's kings. Shallum's brief reign, lasting only a month, is a testament to the volatility and danger of leadership during this era. The mention of "Jabesh" as Shallum's father provides a familial context, though little is known about him. This act of violence reflects the broader theme of judgment and the consequences of turning away from God, as prophesied by the prophets. He killed him and reigned in his place
Menahem's act of killing Shallum to take the throne illustrates the ruthless nature of political power struggles in ancient Israel. This cycle of violence and usurpation is a recurring theme in the narrative of the kings, highlighting the human tendency towards sin and the rejection of God's authority. Despite the chaos, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold, reminding believers of His ultimate control over history. Menahem's reign, though achieved through bloodshed, serves as a reminder of the need for righteous leadership and the consequences of deviating from God's commandments. Persons / Places / Events 1. Menahem son of GadiMenahem is the central figure in this verse, who becomes king by force. His actions are a reflection of the turbulent times in Israel's history. 2. Shallum son of JabeshShallum was the king of Israel for a very short period, having himself seized the throne through violence. His reign ended when Menahem killed him. 3. TirzahThis was a city in the northern kingdom of Israel. It was an earlier capital before Samaria and is significant as Menahem's starting point. 4. SamariaThe capital of the northern kingdom of Israel at this time, where Menahem killed Shallum and took the throne. 5. Event of RegicideThe act of Menahem killing Shallum to take the throne is a significant event, highlighting the instability and violence in the leadership of Israel during this period. Teaching Points The Consequences of Violence and UnrighteousnessThe cycle of violence in Israel's leadership serves as a warning against the use of force and unrighteous means to achieve power. It leads to instability and further violence. The Importance of Godly LeadershipLeadership should be established and maintained through righteousness and God's guidance, not through human ambition and violence. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the chaos and human failings, God remains sovereign. Believers are encouraged to trust in His ultimate plan and justice. The Dangers of Power without AccountabilityThe account of Menahem and Shallum illustrates the dangers of unchecked power and the need for accountability in leadership. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the cycle of violence in Israel's leadership during this period reflect the consequences of turning away from God? 2. In what ways can we apply the lessons of godly leadership from this passage to our own lives and communities today? 3. How does the account of Menahem and Shallum illustrate the principle found in Hosea 8:4 about the illegitimacy of leaders not chosen by God? 4. What are some modern examples of leadership that reflect the unrighteousness seen in this passage, and how can Christians respond to such situations? 5. How can we, as believers, ensure that our pursuit of goals and ambitions aligns with God's will and righteousness, avoiding the pitfalls seen in 2 Kings 15:14? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 15:10This verse describes Shallum's own violent rise to power, providing context for the cycle of violence and instability in Israel's leadership. Hosea 8:4This verse speaks to the illegitimacy of kings who rise without God's approval, reflecting the chaotic and ungodly nature of Israel's leadership transitions. Proverbs 16:12This verse emphasizes the importance of righteousness in leadership, contrasting with the unrighteous actions of Menahem and Shallum. People Abel, Ahaz, Amaziah, Amram, Aram, Argob, Arieh, Azaliah, Azariah, David, Elah, Gadi, Gileadites, Hoshea, Jabesh, Jecholiah, Jecoliah, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jerusha, Jotham, Maacah, Menahem, Naphtali, Nebat, Pekah, Pekahiah, Pul, Remaliah, Rezin, Shallum, Tappuah, Tiglathpileser, Tirzah, Uzziah, Zachariah, Zadok, ZechariahPlaces Abel-beth-maacah, Assyria, Damascus, Galilee, Gilead, Hazor, Ibleam, Ijon, Janoah, Jerusalem, Kedesh, Samaria, Syria, TirzahTopics Assassinated, Attacked, Attacking, Death, Gadi, Jabesh, Killed, Menahem, Men'ahem, Putteth, Reigned, Reigneth, Samaria, Sama'ria, Shallum, Slew, Smiteth, Smote, Stead, Struck, Succeeded, TirzahDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 15:1-38 5366 king Library The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleMeditations Before Dinner and Supper.
Meditate that hunger is like the sickness called a wolf; which, if thou dost not feed, will devour thee, and eat thee up; and that meat and drink are but as physic, or means which God hath ordained, to relieve and cure this natural infirmity and necessity of man. Use, therefore, to eat and to drink, rather to sustain and refresh the weakness of nature, than to satisfy the sensuality and delights of the flesh. Eat, therefore, to live, but live not to eat. There is no service so base, as for a man …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
"If any one wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south." Such was the saying, by which Rabbinical pride distinguished between the material wealth of Galilee and the supremacy in traditional lore claimed for the academies of Judaea proper. Alas, it was not long before Judaea lost even this doubtful distinction, and its colleges wandered northwards, ending at last by the Lake of Gennesaret, and in that very city of Tiberias which at one time had been reputed unclean! …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 15:14 NIV2 Kings 15:14 NLT2 Kings 15:14 ESV2 Kings 15:14 NASB2 Kings 15:14 KJV
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