What does 2 Kings 15:22 mean?
"And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead." - 2 Kings 15:22
2 Kings 15:22 - "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead."
The Bible verse 2 Kings 15:22 in the King James Version reads, "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead." On the surface, this verse appears to be a simple statement of the passing of power from one ruler to another within the context of the historical narrative of the Kings of Israel. However, when we delve deeper into the themes, context, and symbolism within this verse, we can uncover a rich and complex spiritual meaning.
The historical context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. Menahem was a king of Israel who came to power through a coup, and his reign was marked by violence, oppression, and a lack of faithfulness to God. In 2 Kings 15:16-17, we read that Menahem attacked the city of Tiphsah and "ripped open all the pregnant women." This act of brutality reflects the depths of depravity to which the Israelite kings had sunk. Menahem reigned for ten years, and in 2 Kings 15:22, it is stated that he "slept with his fathers," meaning that he died and was buried with his ancestors.
The passing of the kingship from Menahem to his son Pekahiah is a continuation of the cycle of power and corruption that plagued the Israelite monarchy. Pekahiah's reign was also characterized by evil in the sight of God, as we learn in 2 Kings 15:23-26. His reign came to an abrupt end when he was assassinated by one of his chief officers, Pekah, who then took the throne.
The themes present in this verse are reflective of the broader narrative of the Israelite monarchy as described in the Books of Kings. The cycle of sin, rebellion, and judgment is evident throughout the accounts of the various kings of Israel and Judah. The passing of power from one king to another often resulted in continued disobedience to God's laws and moral decay within the nation. The reigns of Menahem and Pekahiah serve as sobering examples of the consequences of turning away from God and the destructive nature of sinful leadership.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse, particularly in the phrase "slept with his fathers." This idiom is commonly used in the Bible to refer to the death of a king or leader and their burial alongside their ancestors. It serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human power and the inevitability of mortality. This symbolism underscores the transient and ultimately unfulfilling nature of earthly kingdoms and power, in contrast to the eternal and unchanging nature of God's kingdom.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 15:22 may seem like a simple statement of the passing of power from one king to another, but when examined in the broader context of the historical narrative of the Kings of Israel, it reveals profound themes and symbolism. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sinful leadership and the fleeting nature of earthly power. It also points to the need for true repentance and faithfulness to God in order to break the cycle of sin and judgment. As we reflect on this verse, we are challenged to seek the kingdom of God above all earthly powers and to live in obedience to His will.
2 Kings 15:22 Artwork
2 Kings 15:22 - "And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 22:15 - "¶ And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,"
2 Kings 15:15 - "And the rest of the acts of Shallum, and his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 15:11 - "And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 23:22 - "Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;"
2 Kings 15:6 - "And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 9:22 - "And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom."
2 Kings 13:22 - "¶ But Hazael king of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz."
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 15:21 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 15:36 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 15:26 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Kings 14:22 - "He built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the king slept with his fathers."
2 Kings 2:22 - "So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake."
2 Kings 21:22 - "And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD."
1 Kings 22:2 - "And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel."
2 Samuel 22:15 - "And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them."
2 Kings 22:6 - "Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the house."
2 Kings 22:7 - "Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 18:15 - "And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house."
2 Kings 12:15 - "Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 17:22 - "For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;"
2 Kings 22:11 - "And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes."
1 Kings 15:2 - "Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom."
2 Kings 15:1 - "In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign."
Jeremiah 25:22 - "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"
2 Kings 22:2 - "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left."
2 Kings 25:15 - "And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away."
2 Kings 14:15 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which he did, and his might, and how he fought with Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
Joshua 15:22 - "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,"