Menahem

Menahem was the son of Gadi and became king of Israel after assassinating Shallum, who had reigned for only one month (2Ki.15.14). Menahem reigned for ten years in Samaria (2Ki.15.17). During his reign, he was known for his cruelty, particularly for his brutal treatment of the city of Tiphsah, where he ripped open pregnant women (2Ki.15.16). When Pul, the king of Assyria, invaded Israel, Menahem paid him a thousand talents of silver to withdraw and to strengthen his own hold on the kingdom (2Ki.15.19-20). To raise this tribute, Menahem exacted fifty shekels of silver from each wealthy man in Israel (2Ki.15.20). Menahem died and was succeeded by his son Pekahiah (2Ki.15.22).