2 Kings 15:19-20

19 Then Pul^[a] king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave him a thousand talents^[b] of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on the kingdom.

20 Menahem exacted this money from Israel. Every wealthy person had to contribute fifty shekels^[c] of silver to be given to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and stayed in the land no longer.

2 Kings 15:19-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS 15

This chapter begins with the reign of Azariah king of Judah, 2Ki 15:1-7, and then gives a short account of the several kings of Israel, to the last of them; of Zachariah, 2Ki 15:8-12, of Shallum, 2Ki 15:13,14,15 of Menahem, 2Ki 15:16-22 of Pekahiah, 2Ki 15:23-26, of Pekah, succeeded by Hoshea, the last of them, 2Ki 15:27-31, and is included with the reign of Jotham king of Judah, 2Ki 15:32-38.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Chronicles 5:6,26
• 2. S 2 Kings 12:18

Footnotes

• [a]. Also called "Tiglath-Pileser"
• [b]. That is, about 38 tons or about 34 metric tons
• [c]. That is, about 1 1/4 pounds or about 575 grams