Introduction:
Menahem, son of Gadi, was a king of Israel who reigned during the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy. His reign is recorded in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 15:14-22. Menahem's rule is marked by violence, political maneuvering, and subjugation to foreign powers, reflecting the instability and moral decline of the Northern Kingdom during this era.

Historical Context:
Menahem ascended to the throne of Israel around 752 BC, following the assassination of King Shallum. His rise to power was characterized by brutality, as he seized the throne through force. The period of Menahem's reign was one of significant political instability, with frequent changes in leadership and external threats from powerful empires such as Assyria.

Biblical Account:
The biblical account of Menahem's reign is brief but impactful. In 2 Kings 15:14-16, Menahem is described as having come from Tirzah to Samaria, where he struck down Shallum and took the throne. His violent ascent to power is further illustrated by his attack on the city of Tiphsah and its surrounding territory, where he "ripped open all the pregnant women" (2 Kings 15:16), demonstrating the ruthless nature of his rule.

Tribute to Assyria:
One of the most significant events during Menahem's reign was his submission to the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III. To secure his position and maintain his rule, Menahem paid a substantial tribute to Assyria, amounting to a thousand talents of silver. This payment was extracted from the wealthier citizens of Israel, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:19-20: "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. 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" .

Religious and Moral Climate:
Menahem's reign is noted for its continuation of the idolatrous practices that plagued the Northern Kingdom. The biblical narrative does not record any significant religious reforms or attempts to return to the worship of Yahweh. Instead, Menahem is described as doing "evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 15:18), following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who led Israel into idolatry.

Legacy:
Menahem's reign lasted for ten years, and he was succeeded by his son Pekahiah. His rule is often viewed as a period of decline for Israel, marked by internal strife and external subjugation. The tribute paid to Assyria set a precedent for future kings, further entrenching Israel's vassal status and contributing to the eventual downfall of the Northern Kingdom.

Conclusion:
The reign of Menahem serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and relying on human strength and alliances. His legacy is one of violence and compromise, reflecting the broader spiritual and political challenges faced by the Northern Kingdom during this period.