For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.

2 KINGS 15:14KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 15:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:14 mean?

2 Kings 15:14 describes how Menahem, the son of Gadi, traveled from Tirzah to Samaria, attacked Shallum (the son of Jabesh), killed him, and then took over as king in his place. This verse records a violent change in leadership over the kingdom of Israel.

The verse is part of a historical account, not a speech or prophecy. It describes a time of political instability in Israel, where kings were often overthrown by force. Menahem’s actions ended Shallum’s short reign and began his own, showing how power shifted quickly and sometimes brutally during this era.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:14

  • The word "smote" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike or attack, often with deadly force. Here, it makes clear that Menahem’s takeover involved direct violence, not just a political maneuver.
  • "Slew" (מוּת, muth) means to kill or put to death. This word confirms that Shallum was not just defeated but actually killed by Menahem, underlining the lethal nature of the power struggle.
  • "Reigned" (מָלַךְ, malak) means to become king or rule. This signals the official transfer of power, showing that Menahem established himself as the new ruler after the assassination.

Why 2 Kings 15:14 matters

  • This verse highlights the instability and frequent violence in Israel’s monarchy during this period, helping readers understand the turbulent context of these chapters.
  • The specific mention of places (Tirzah and Samaria) and names (Menahem, Shallum, Gadi, Jabesh) grounds the event in real history, showing these were actual political figures and locations.
  • By describing the manner of succession, the verse sets up the tone for the rest of Menahem’s reign and the ongoing pattern of unrest in Israel’s leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Gadi” Hebrew H1424 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:17 In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria.

“Menahem” Hebrew H4505 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:16 Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.
  • 2 Kings 15:19 And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land: and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
  • 2 Kings 15:21 And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

“Tirzah” Hebrew H8656 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 26:33 And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
  • 1 Kings 14:17 And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died;
  • 1 Kings 16:9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.

“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.