Men'ahem, whose name means "comforter," was a king of Israel who reigned during the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy. His account is primarily recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 15:14-22. Men'ahem was the son of Gadi and became king after assassinating Shallum, the son of Jabesh, who had reigned for only one month in Samaria. This act of violence marked the beginning of Men'ahem's ten-year reign over the northern kingdom of Israel.

Historical Context

Men'ahem's reign is set against the backdrop of political instability and moral decline in Israel. The kingdom was plagued by internal strife and external threats, particularly from the Assyrian Empire, which was expanding its influence in the region. Men'ahem's ascent to the throne through assassination was indicative of the chaotic and often violent nature of Israelite politics during this era.

Reign and Policies

Men'ahem's rule is characterized by his efforts to consolidate power and maintain control over Israel. According to 2 Kings 15:16, Men'ahem's campaign to secure his kingship included a brutal attack on the city of Tiphsah and its surrounding territories, where he "ripped open all the pregnant women." This act of cruelty underscores the harsh measures he employed to suppress dissent and establish his authority.

In terms of foreign policy, Men'ahem is noted for his dealings with the Assyrian Empire. When faced with the threat of Assyrian invasion, Men'ahem chose to pay tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, in order to secure his kingdom's safety. As recorded in 2 Kings 15:19-20, Men'ahem extracted a substantial tribute from the wealthy men of Israel, amounting to fifty shekels of silver each, to present to the Assyrian king. This payment allowed him to retain his throne but also signified Israel's subjugation to Assyrian dominance.

Religious and Moral Evaluation

From a religious perspective, Men'ahem's reign is viewed negatively in the biblical narrative. Like many of his predecessors, he continued the idolatrous practices that had become entrenched in the northern kingdom. The Bible does not record any significant religious reforms or efforts to return to the worship of Yahweh during his reign. Instead, Men'ahem is remembered for perpetuating the sins of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom, who led Israel into idolatry.

Legacy

Men'ahem's legacy is largely defined by his violent rise to power and his submission to Assyrian overlordship. His reign did not bring about any lasting peace or prosperity for Israel, and his policies set a precedent for future kings who would also struggle with the pressures of foreign domination. Men'ahem was succeeded by his son, Pekahiah, who continued to face the challenges of ruling a divided and troubled nation.

In summary, Men'ahem's reign is a reflection of the broader themes of political instability and spiritual decline that characterized the history of the northern kingdom of Israel. His account serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of forsaking God's commandments and relying on human schemes for security and power.Men'ahem (8 Occurrences)

2 Kings 15:14
And Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
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2 Kings 15:16
Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the borders thereof, from Tirzah; because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.
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2 Kings 15:17
In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria.
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2 Kings 15:19
There came against the land Pul the king of Assyria; and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
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2 Kings 15:20
And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land.
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2 Kings 15:21
Now the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
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2 Kings 15:22
And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.
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2 Kings 15:23
In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.
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Men'ahem (8 Occurrences)
Men'ahem. Menahem, Men'ahem. Menahem's . Multi-Version Concordance
Men'ahem (8 Occurrences). 2 Kings 15:14 And Menahem the son of ...
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Menahem (8 Occurrences)

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Menahem's (1 Occurrence)

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