Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 15 - Verse 20

Menahem, a king of Israel, demanded a hefty sum of money from the wealthy men of Israel to pay off the king of Assyria. Each man was required to give fifty shekels of silver to fund the tribute. This action was taken to appease the powerful Assyrian king, who had invaded the land of Israel. By collecting this tribute, Menahem hoped to avoid further conflict and to persuade the Assyrian king to withdraw his forces. The payment was successful, as the king of Assyria accepted the silver and decided to turn back, choosing not to stay in the land of Israel any longer. This verse highlights the political and military dynamics of the ancient Near East, showing how smaller kingdoms like Israel had to pay tribute to larger empires to maintain peace and security. It also reveals the harsh reality of living under the threat of invasion and oppression by foreign powers.

In this verse, we see Menahem, the king of Israel, collecting money from the wealthy men of the land to give to the king of Assyria. This action is significant from a theological perspective as it highlights the consequences of turning away from God and relying on worldly power. Menahem's decision to pay off the king of Assyria instead of trusting in God's protection ultimately led to the subjugation of Israel to a foreign ruler. The word "exact" in this context emphasizes the forceful nature of Menahem's actions, showing his desperation to appease the Assyrian king. The imagery of the "mighty men of wealth" being required to pay a specific amount of silver highlights the disparity between the privileged class and the common people in society. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of putting faith in material wealth and political alliances instead of relying on God's guidance and provision.