Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 15:20 together. It’s a really important part of understanding a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Menahem is the King: This verse tells us about King Menahem of Judah. He was a powerful ruler and had to collect money for the Israelites. A Huge Amount of Money: He demanded all the money from the people – not just the wealthy, but everyone who had wealth. It was a massive amount! Each Person Paid 50 Shekels: Each person had to give him 50 silver coins (which were a common form of currency in ancient times). That’s a lot of money for one person! The King Turned Back: This is the key part. Instead of staying in the land, the King of Assyria turned back and left. What's the Significance? This verse is about a really serious warning to the Israelites. It’s saying: Don’t be complacent! Don’t trust anyone who seems powerful or wealthy. Here’s what it suggests: The Assyrians were a Threat: The Assyrian Empire was a huge, powerful force at the time. They were known for their brutality and expansion. They Were Watching: This verse shows that the Assyrians weren't just interested in collecting money; they were observing the Israelites and seeing them as a potential threat to their power. A Sign of Trouble: Menahem’s demanding this huge amount of money, combined with his decision to leave, is seen as a sign of trouble for Israel. It suggests that the Israelites needed to be vigilant and protect themselves from potential dangers. In short, it's a story about a king who was trying to collect too much money, and the Assyrians responded by turning back, warning the Israelites to stay safe. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of this event in biblical history?