Menahem

Menahem, king of Israel, known for his cruelty and for paying tribute to Assyria.

Menahem was the son of Gadi and became king of Israel after assassinating Shallum, who had reigned for only one month (2Ki 15:14). Menahem reigned for ten years in Samaria (2Ki 15:17). During his reign, he was known for his cruelty, particularly for his brutal treatment of the city of Tiphsah, where he ripped open pregnant women (2Ki 15:16). When Pul, the king of Assyria, invaded Israel, Menahem paid him a thousand talents of silver to withdraw and to strengthen his own hold on the kingdom (2Ki 15:19-20). To raise this tribute, Menahem exacted fifty shekels of silver from each wealthy man in Israel (2Ki 15:20). Menahem died and was succeeded by his son Pekahiah (2Ki 15:22).

Conforting, the son of Gadi, and successor of Shallum, king of Israel, whom he slew. After a reign of about ten years (B.C. 771-760) he died, leaving the throne to his son Pekahiah. His reign was one of cruelty and oppression (2 Kings 15:14-22). During his reign, Pul (q.v.), king of Assyria, came with a powerful force against Israel, but was induced to retire by a gift from Menahem of 1,000 talents of silver.