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Menahem in Israel
v. 16. Then Menahem, making use of the army to reduce the country to obedience to himself, smote Tiphsah, a fortress on the western hank of the Euphrates, which revolted against his rule, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah, the base from which he went out on his campaign; because they opened not to him, they refused to receive his officers and to do him homage, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up, a most bestial form of cruelty.
v. 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, having established himself on the throne and holding his position by main force.
v. 18. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord; he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
v. 19. And Pul, the king of Assyria, under whom this country assumed the position of a world monarchy, came against the land; and Menahem, not feeling strong enough to repel the invaders, gave Pul a thousand talents of silver (almost two million dollars), that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand, since a party hostile to Menahem had probably taken the opportunity of Pail's approach to gain followers. When the Assyrians withdrew, Menahem was again in undisputed possession of power.
v. 20. And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, by simply levying certain assessments, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver (about $32), to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria, satisfied with this rich tributary gift, turned back and stayed not there in the land.
v. 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?
v. 22. And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah, his son, reigned in his stead. The kingdom of Israel was hastening to its dissolution. When backsliders despise both the goodness and the severity of God, then the Lord will at last withdraw His hand and let them hasten to their own condemnation.