◄ 2 Kings 15:20 ►
Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel--fifty shekels of silver from each man--to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 15:20? 2. How does 2 Kings 15:20 illustrate consequences of disobedience to God's commands? 3. What role does leadership play in the events of 2 Kings 15:20? 4. How does 2 Kings 15:20 connect with God's justice in Deuteronomy 28? 5. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from 2 Kings 15:20? 6. How can we apply the lessons of 2 Kings 15:20 in our lives today? 7. Why did Menahem impose a tax on Israel in 2 Kings 15:20? 8. How does 2 Kings 15:20 reflect the political climate of ancient Israel? 9. What does 2 Kings 15:20 reveal about the relationship between Israel and Assyria? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 15? 11. 2 Kings 15:19 speaks of Menahem paying tribute to Pul, king of Assyria--do extrabiblical sources confirm this tribute or Pul's identity? 12. In what year of King Asa's reign did Baasha, King of Israel die? Twenty-sixth year (I Kings 15:33 - 16:8) Still alive in the thirty-sixth year (2 Chronicles 16:1) 13. Does 2 Samuel 20:14-15 align with archaeological findings on the siege at Abel Beth Maakah, or is there little historical support? 14. Who was King Shallum in the Bible? Discussion Questions 1. What does Menahem's decision to pay tribute to Assyria reveal about his leadership and priorities? How can this inform our understanding of godly leadership today? 2. How does the burden placed on the wealthy men of Israel challenge us to think about the responsibilities that come with wealth? What biblical principles should guide our use of resources? 3. In what ways do we sometimes rely on "Assyrias" in our lives instead of trusting God? How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision and protection? 4. How does the temporary peace achieved through tribute payment compare to the lasting peace offered by God? What scriptures can you find that speak to God's peace? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision that involved compromise. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome? How can you apply lessons from 2 Kings 15:20 to future decisions? 2 Kings 15 Bible Study Questions 1. Compare and contrast the reigns of the kings in Judah and Israel. What were the key differences in their leadership styles and outcomes? 2. How does the constant change in leadership impact Israel and Judah, both politically and spiritually? 3. What can we learn from the failure of many kings to remove high places in their lands? 4. Discuss the role of divine judgment in the political turmoil experienced by Israel and Judah. 5. How does 2 Kings 15 relate to today's political and spiritual landscape? 6. How does the cycle of violence, demonstrated by the assassination of kings, reflect the state of Israel's society during this period? 7. How could different outcomes have been achieved by the various kings mentioned if they remained faithful to God’s commandments? 8. Discuss the significance of Menahem's tribute to the Assyrian king. What does this indicate about Israel's relationship with Assyria and its political standing at the time? 9. How would you handle a leadership transition in your life or community, informed by the examples in 2 Kings 15? 10. How does this chapter inform our understanding of God's sovereignty amidst political instability? 11. What can we learn about God’s character from His responses to idolatry in Israel and Judah? 12. How can the principles from 2 Kings 15 guide your response to today's societal sins? 13. How does the prophecy fulfilled through Jehu’s dynasty (2 Kings 10:30) relate to God's faithfulness and sovereignty? 14. What lessons can modern leaders learn from the kings' frequently failing to uphold righteousness? 15. How might the reign of these kings have been different if they had sought counsel from God? 16. What are some ways you can promote faithfulness and obedience to God within your sphere of influence? 17. How does the political turmoil and violence in 2 Kings 15 inform your perspective on current global conflicts? 18. What can the church today learn from the ongoing idolatry and disobedience in ancient Israel and Judah? 19. In what ways does the punishment of God in these kingdoms encourage you to evaluate your personal faithfulness to God? 20. Given the repetitious cycle of sin seen in the kings, how can we break similar cycles in our lives and societies today? Links 2 Kings 15:20 NIV 2 Kings 15:20 NLT 2 Kings 15:20 ESV 2 Kings 15:20 NASB 2 Kings 15:20 KJV 2 Kings 15:20 Commentaries Bible Hub