Menahem, son of Gadi, is a figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for his violent and oppressive reign. His account is primarily recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 15:14-22. Menahem's rise to power and subsequent actions are marked by brutality and a departure from the ways of the Lord, reflecting the turbulent period of Israel's monarchy.

Rise to Power

Menahem came to power during a time of political instability in Israel. He seized the throne by force, assassinating Shallum son of Jabesh, who had himself assassinated King Zechariah, the last of Jehu's dynasty. This act of regicide set the tone for Menahem's reign, characterized by violence and a lack of regard for the sanctity of life. The Berean Standard Bible records, "Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah to Samaria and struck down Shallum son of Jabesh there. He killed him and reigned in his place" (2 Kings 15:14).

Brutality in Tiphsah

One of the most notorious acts of Menahem's reign was his brutal assault on the city of Tiphsah. When the city refused to open its gates to him, Menahem responded with extreme violence. The Bible recounts, "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" (2 Kings 15:16). This act of savagery highlights the extent of Menahem's cruelty and his willingness to employ terror to consolidate his power.

Tribute to Assyria

Menahem's reign also involved subjugation to foreign powers, notably the Assyrian Empire. To secure his throne and maintain peace, Menahem paid a substantial tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria. The Bible notes, "Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom" (2 Kings 15:19). This tribute was financed by imposing a heavy tax on the wealthy men of Israel, further burdening the people and demonstrating Menahem's oppressive rule.

Religious Apostasy

Menahem's reign is also marked by a continuation of the religious apostasy that plagued the Northern Kingdom. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had led Israel into idolatry. The Bible states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD. During his reign, he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit" (2 Kings 15:18). Menahem's failure to lead the nation back to the worship of Yahweh contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel.

Legacy

Menahem reigned for ten years in Samaria, and his legacy is one of violence, oppression, and spiritual neglect. His actions exemplify the moral and political decay that characterized the later years of the Northern Kingdom, leading ultimately to its downfall. Menahem's son, Pekahiah, succeeded him, continuing the troubled lineage of Israel's kings. The account of Menahem serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the destructive nature of unchecked power.