Menahem, son of Gadi, was a king of Israel who reigned during the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy. His rule is recorded in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 15:14-22. Menahem's ascent to the throne was marked by violence and political upheaval, as he seized power by assassinating Shallum son of Jabesh, who had himself assassinated King Zechariah, the last of Jehu's dynasty. Menahem's reign lasted for ten years, approximately from 752 to 742 BC.

Menahem's rule is characterized by his brutal suppression of opposition and his efforts to consolidate power. The biblical account highlights his violent actions against the city of Tiphsah and its inhabitants, as he sought to establish his authority over the kingdom. 2 Kings 15:16 states, "At that time Menahem attacked Tiphsah and everyone in the city and its vicinity, because they had not opened their gates to him. He sacked Tiphsah and ripped open all the pregnant women."

During Menahem's reign, the kingdom of Israel faced external threats, particularly from the Assyrian Empire. To secure his position and the stability of his kingdom, Menahem paid a substantial tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria. This tribute is detailed in 2 Kings 15:19-20 : "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom. 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."

Menahem's reliance on Assyria set a precedent for future Israelite kings, who would also seek alliances with foreign powers, often at great cost to the nation's sovereignty and spiritual integrity. His actions contributed to the increasing influence of Assyria over Israel, which would eventually lead to the kingdom's downfall.

The biblical narrative does not provide extensive details about Menahem's death, but it is recorded in 2 Kings 15:22 : "And Menahem rested with his fathers, and his son Pekahiah became king in his place." This brief mention indicates that Menahem died a natural death and was succeeded by his son Pekahiah, continuing the dynastic line he had established.

Menahem's reign is often viewed through the lens of his violent rise to power and his political maneuvering to maintain control. His legacy is one of a king who, despite securing his throne through force, ultimately contributed to the weakening of Israel's independence by entangling the nation with the Assyrian Empire.