Old Testament
2 Kings 15:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Menahem, the king of Israel, needed to secure his position and protect his kingdom from the threat of the Assyrians.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Menahem raised this money by forcing every wealthy man in Israel to pay 50 shekels of silver each, which he handed over to the king of Assyria. With that, the Assyrian king withdrew and didn't stay in the land.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Menahem, the king of Israel, needed to secure his position and protect his kingdom from the threat of the Assyrians. To do this, he demanded a hefty payment from the wealthy men in Israel, forcing each to pay 50 shekels of silver. This money was then given to the king of Assyria, which successfully persuaded him to withdraw his forces. Menahem's actions highlight the lengths to which leaders will go to maintain power and stability, even if it means exploiting their own people. This moment reflects the complex relationship between rulers and their subjects, where fear and financial pressure can dictate decisions. Menahem's choice may have brought temporary relief, but it also raises questions about the moral implications of such actions. Ultimately, this story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by leaders and the sacrifices made by those they govern, often in the name of security and survival. It illustrates the tension between authority and the well-being of the people. Explore related leadership.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 15:20 to your life
Consider how leaders in your life make decisions that affect you. Reflect on the balance between authority and the well-being of those they lead. Think about how you can advocate for fairness and integrity in your own community, ensuring that everyone is treated justly and with respect. Remember, true leadership involves serving others, not just wielding power for personal gain.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 15:20 mean?
2 Kings 15:20 describes how King Menahem of Israel raised money by forcing wealthy citizens to pay 50 shekels of silver each. This money was given to the king of Assyria to persuade him to withdraw his forces from Israel, highlighting the lengths leaders will go to secure their power.
What is the significance of Menahem's actions in 2 Kings 15:20?
Menahem's actions in 2 Kings 15:20 illustrate the desperate measures leaders may take to protect their kingdoms. By exploiting the wealthy for funds, he temporarily secured his position but raised ethical concerns about the treatment of his own people.
What does the phrase 'exacted the money' in 2 Kings 15:20 mean?
The phrase 'exacted the money' in 2 Kings 15:20 means that Menahem forcibly collected payments from the wealthy men of Israel. This indicates a coercive approach to gathering funds necessary for political negotiations.
How does 2 Kings 15:20 relate to themes of leadership?
2 Kings 15:20 relates to themes of leadership by showing how Menahem prioritized his authority and security over the welfare of his people. It raises questions about the moral implications of leadership decisions made under pressure.

The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.