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 15:19KJV
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2 Kings 15:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 15:19 mean?

2 Kings 15:19 describes how Pul, the king of Assyria, invaded Israel’s land, and Menahem, Israel’s king, paid him a large sum of silver to secure Pul’s support and keep his own rule secure. Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver so that Pul would help him “confirm the kingdom in his hand,” meaning to keep Menahem in power.

This verse takes place during a time of political instability in Israel. Menahem, having recently seized the throne, faces a threat from the powerful Assyrian empire under King Pul. Instead of fighting, Menahem chooses to pay a huge tribute to Assyria, essentially buying their protection and recognition of his kingship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 15:19

  • פּוּל (Pul, transliterated "Pul"): This is the Hebrew name for the Assyrian king, likely referring to Tiglath-Pileser III, a major figure in Assyrian history. The use of his name signals the growing influence of Assyria over Israel.
  • כֶּסֶף (keseph, transliterated "silver"): The word for “silver” here refers to wealth or tribute. The amount—one thousand talents—is enormous, showing the heavy burden placed on Israel to secure political safety.
  • חָזַק (chazaq, transliterated "confirm"): This verb means “to strengthen” or “make firm.” Menahem wants Pul to help him keep a strong grip on his kingdom, not just to avoid invasion but to legitimize his rule.

Why 2 Kings 15:19 matters

  • This verse highlights how Israel’s kings were becoming dependent on foreign powers, especially Assyria, to maintain their rule, rather than relying on their own strength or on God.
  • The payment of such a large tribute shows the economic and political cost of this dependence, foreshadowing further troubles for Israel as Assyria’s influence grows.
  • In the wider story, this moment marks a turning point where Israel moves from independence to becoming a vassal state, which will have major consequences in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Pul” Hebrew H6322 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 5:26 And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.
  • Isaiah 66:19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

“Menahem” Hebrew H4505 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Kings 15:14 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 15:17 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.
  • 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?

“talents” Hebrew H3603 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
  • 2 Samuel 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:

“kingdom” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;