King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 15:20 Mean?

2 Kings 15:20 in the King James Version says “And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to g... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land. exacted: Heb. caused to come forth

2 Kings 15:20 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

20

And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land. exacted: Heb. caused to come forth

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?

22

And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 15 regarding political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיֹּצֵא֩1 of 25

exacted

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מְנַחֵ֨ם2 of 25

And Menahem

H4505

menachem, an israelite

אֶת3 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כֶּ֖סֶף4 of 25

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

עַל5 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל6 of 25

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַ֚ל7 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל8 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גִּבּוֹרֵ֣י9 of 25

even of all the mighty men

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

הַחַ֔יִל10 of 25

of wealth

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

לָתֵת֙11 of 25

to give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מֶ֣לֶךְ12 of 25

So the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר13 of 25

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

חֲמִשִּׁ֧ים14 of 25

fifty

H2572

fifty

שְׁקָלִ֛ים15 of 25

shekels

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

כֶּ֖סֶף16 of 25

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

לְאִ֣ישׁ17 of 25

man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶחָ֑ד18 of 25

of each

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיָּ֙שָׁב֙19 of 25

turned back

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֶ֣לֶךְ20 of 25

So the king

H4428

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר21 of 25

of Assyria

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

וְלֹא22 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָ֥מַד23 of 25

and stayed

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

שָׁ֖ם24 of 25
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃25 of 25

not there in the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 15:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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