Menahem

Menahem was the son of Gadi and became king of Israel after assassinating Shallum, who had reigned for only one month (2 Kings 15:14). Menahem reigned for ten years in Samaria (2 Kings 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 (2 Kings 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 (2 Kings 15:19-20). To raise this tribute, Menahem exacted fifty shekels of silver from each wealthy man in Israel (2 Kings 15:20). Menahem died and was succeeded by his son Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:22).