And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him, and smote him before the people, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

2 KINGS 15:10KJV
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2 Kings 15:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:10 mean?

2 Kings 15:10 reports that Shallum, the son of Jabesh, plotted against King Zechariah, attacked and killed him publicly, and then took the throne for himself. The verse highlights a violent transfer of power in Israel’s history, showing how Shallum became king by force.

This verse is part of a historical account describing the instability and frequent changes in leadership among the kings of Israel. The writer is narrating to the reader how Shallum’s conspiracy and public assassination of Zechariah marked the end of one king’s reign and the beginning of another’s, emphasizing the turmoil and danger surrounding the throne at that time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:10

  • The word "conspired" (קָשַׁר, qashar) means to plot or form a secret plan, often with the intent to overthrow. This highlights that Shallum’s actions were deliberate and planned, not a sudden outburst.
  • "Smote" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike or hit, often with deadly force. The use of this word shows that Shallum’s attack was violent and decisive.
  • "Before" (קָדָם, qadam) is often understood as "in front of" or "in the presence of." The verse notes that the killing happened publicly, not in secret, which would have sent a strong message to the people.
  • "Reigned" (מָלַךְ, malak) means to become king or rule. The verse makes it clear that Shallum took over as king immediately after the assassination.

Why 2 Kings 15:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Shallum’s rise to power was not through inheritance or peaceful succession, but through conspiracy and murder, which was a common pattern in Israel’s later history.
  • The public nature of the assassination ("before the people") underlines the breakdown of order and respect for the monarchy, showing how unstable and dangerous the political climate had become.
  • This event fulfills earlier warnings in the Bible about the consequences of turning away from God and highlights the rapid turnover of kings during this period, setting the stage for further instability in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Jabesh” Hebrew H3003 · used in 21 verses

  • Judges 21:8 And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabeshgilead to the assembly.
  • 1 Samuel 11:3 And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee.
  • 2 Samuel 2:4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

“Shallum” Hebrew H7967 · used in 26 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah king of Judah; and he reigned a full month in Samaria.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:12 And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat Shallum,
  • Ezra 2:42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.

“conspired” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:16 And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the LORD they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.