2 Kings 15:8-38

Last Kings of Israel. Zechariah, the son of Jeroboam, reigned but six months (2 Kings 15:8), and was killed by Shallum, probably, as LXX (L) reads, in Ibleam, instead of the Heb., which is doubtfully rendered before the people (2 Kings 15:10). After a month 2 Kings 15:8 reign Shallum was killed by Menahem (2 Kings 15:14).

2 Kings 15:19. Pul, the king of Assyria, has been identified with Tiglath-pileser III (58f., 70f.), who ravaged Northern Israel (2 Kings 15:29). This is the first direct mention of an Assyrian king by name in the Bible. Menahem's name occurs in an Assyrian inscription 738 B.C.

2 Kings 15:20. The tribute was exacted from the wealthy men (AV renders mighty men of valour, the last word, both in Heb. and English, having the twofold meaning of bravery and property).

2 Kings 15:23. Menahem's son, Pekahiah, after a short reign was murdered by Pekah, who is also mentioned in Tiglath-pileser's annals under 733 B.C.

2 Kings 15:29. The district ravaged by the Assyrians (p. 29) corresponds with that attacked by Ben-hadad of Syria (1 Kings 15:20). Pekah had made an alliance with Rezin of Syria against Judah (2 Kings 16:5, Isaiah 7 and Isaiah 9:1).