Menahem

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Mĕnaḥēm (מְנַחֵם), “comforter/one who consoles.”
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (Northern Kingdom of Israel), 8th century BC.
• Main References: 2 Kings 15:14–22.
• Key Connections: Ruled from Samaria; interaction with Pul (Tiglath-pileser III) of Assyria.

Who was Menahem?

Menahem was a king of Israel (Northern Kingdom) who seized the throne during a period of instability and frequent assassinations.
He reigned in Samaria for ten years and is portrayed as continuing Jeroboam’s cultic policies.
His rule is marked by harsh suppression of opposition and by paying tribute to Assyria to secure his position.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Killed Shallum and took the kingship in Samaria (2 Kings 15:14).
• Event 2: Crushed resistance at Tiphsah with severe violence after it refused submission (2 Kings 15:16).
• Event 3: Paid a large tribute to Pul king of Assyria, funded by taxing wealthy Israelites, to gain support for his rule (2 Kings 15:19–20).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Menahem’s reign illustrates how political security in Israel could be pursued through coercion and foreign dependence rather than covenant faithfulness.

Key Verse

“Then Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that he might help him to confirm his hold on the royal power.” — 2 Kings 15:19, ESV