Manahem: The Bitter Fruit of Power Without God
The reign of King Manahem is a dark chapter in Israel's history, a stark illustration of the destructive nature of power wielded without God's guidance. His rule, marked by cruelty, corruption, and a complete disregard for divine principles, serves as a sobering warning to us all.
1. The Beginning of a Bloody Reign (2 Kings 15:14):
"Then Manahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and struck down Shallum the son of Jabesh, and killed him, and reigned in his stead." Manahem's ascent to the throne was a violent coup, a testament to his ruthless ambition. When leadership is achieved by force, instability is inevitable. We must remember that true authority comes from God, not from human aggression.
2. Manahem's Cruelty to Opponents (2 Kings 15:16):
"Because they had not opened it for her, he struck her, and tore open all the pregnant women in two." Manahem's brutality towards his enemies was shocking and inhumane. Abuse of power and violence against the innocent bring God's judgment. We are called to be instruments of peace and justice, not violence and oppression.
3. The Permanence of Jeroboam's Sin (2 Kings 15:18):
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord: all his days he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin." Manahem perpetuated the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, leading Israel further astray. The sin of spiritual and political leaders influences an entire nation. We must be mindful of the legacy we leave.
4. The Alliance with Assyria and Dependence on Foreign Powers (2 Kings 15:19):
"Pul king of Assyria came against the land; and Manahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him, to establish the kingdom in his hand." Instead of trusting in God, Manahem sought the support of a foreign king. Alliance with the world may seem beneficial, but it always comes at a high price. We must place our trust in God, not in the shifting alliances of the world.
5. Bribery as a Political Strategy (2 Kings 15:20):
"And Manahem took this money from Israel, from all the mighty men and the rich men, and gave it to the king of Assyria." Manahem burdened his people with exorbitant taxes to maintain his power. Corruption and exploitation of the weak are signs of unjust leadership. We are called to serve, not to exploit.
6. Manahem's Reign Was Long, But Not Just (2 Kings 15:17):
"And he reigned ten years in Samaria." Despite a decade on the throne, Manahem left no positive legacy. The time of government is no guarantee of blessing, if there is no justice and fear of God. Longevity of power does not equate to righteous rule.
7. Lack of a Relationship With God (2 Kings 15:18):
"And he did evil in the sight of the Lord." Manahem never sought God's guidance. Rulers who ignore God lead their nations to decline. We must seek God's wisdom in all our endeavors.
8. The Price of Dependence on Men Instead of God (2 Kings 15:20):
"So the king of Assyria withdrew from the land." The Assyrian king demanded a high price for his support. When we trust human solutions more than God, we end up enslaved by them. We must remember that true freedom comes from God alone.
9. The Reward for an Oppressive Government (2 Kings 15:20):
"And the mighty men of Israel gave the money to the king of Assyria." The wealthy were forced to pay for their leader's mistakes. When rulers are unjust, suffering falls on the people. We are called to advocate for the oppressed.
10. Warning for the Present Day (Proverbs 16:18):
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Manahem's pride and reliance on force led to his downfall. Leaders who rely on force and corruption will not remain forever. True government is based on justice and the fear of the Lord. We must seek humility and righteousness in all our endeavors.
- Preaching on King Shallum – The Ephemeral Rule of a Usurper
- Preaching on King Joash: The Fading Glory of Unfaithful Leadership
- Preaching on King Joram – A Divine Name, a Life of Contradiction
Conclusion
Manahem's reign serves as a stark warning against the pursuit of power without God. Let us learn from his mistakes and strive to live lives of righteousness, humility, and unwavering devotion to our Lord. May we seek His guidance in all things, and may our lives reflect His glory. Amen.
