Topical Encyclopedia Shallum, son of Jabesh, is a biblical figure who briefly reigned as king over the northern kingdom of Israel. His account is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Second Book of Kings. Shallum's reign marks a period of political instability and rapid turnover in the leadership of Israel.Background and Ascension to the Throne Shallum's rise to power is set against a backdrop of turmoil and violence. He is described as a conspirator who seized the throne through assassination. The Bible records that Shallum conspired against King Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam II, and killed him in public view. This act of treachery is noted in 2 Kings 15:10: "Then Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down in front of the people, and killed him. And he reigned in his place." Shallum's assassination of Zechariah ended the dynasty of Jehu, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jehu that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation (2 Kings 10:30). This event underscores the fulfillment of divine prophecy and the transient nature of human power. Reign and Downfall Shallum's reign was exceedingly brief, lasting only one month. His short tenure is indicative of the chaotic and unstable political climate in Israel during this period. The brevity of his rule is recorded in 2 Kings 15:13: "In the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah’s reign over Judah, Shallum son of Jabesh became king, and he reigned in Samaria one month." Shallum's downfall came swiftly at the hands of Menahem, son of Gadi, who also sought the throne. Menahem attacked Shallum, killed him, and took over the kingship. This violent transfer of power is detailed in 2 Kings 15:14: "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." Legacy and Historical Context Shallum's brief reign is a reflection of the broader instability that plagued the northern kingdom of Israel during its final years. The rapid succession of kings, often through violent means, highlights the internal strife and weakening of the kingdom, which eventually led to its conquest by the Assyrian Empire. The account of Shallum serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from the covenantal relationship with God, as the northern kingdom had done by engaging in idolatry and abandoning the worship of Yahweh. The political chaos and moral decline during this period are seen as manifestations of divine judgment upon Israel for its unfaithfulness. Shallum's account, though brief, is a part of the larger narrative of the kings of Israel, illustrating the themes of prophecy, divine justice, and the fleeting nature of earthly power. His reign, though short-lived, is a testament to the turbulent history of the northern kingdom and its eventual downfall. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 15:10,13-15And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index Library How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ... The Divided Kingdom. Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Kings The Prophet Hosea. The Antiquities of the Jews The Kingdom of Samaria. Hosea Josiah and the Newly Found Law On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ... Resources Who was King Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Huldah the prophetess in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shallum: A Chief Porter of the Temple Shallum: A Jew Who Repaired a Portion of the Wall of Jerusalem Shallum: A Porter Who Put Away (Divorced) his Wife Shallum: A Son of Bani, Who Put Away (Divorced) his Wife Shallum: Son of Zadok: Called Meshullam Shallum: The Ancestor of a Family of Returned Exiles Shallum: The Husband of Huldah, the Prophetess Related Terms |
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