MPV Commentary

Zechariah's Reign over Israel.

In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah king of Judah, Zechariah son of Jeroboam began his reign over Israel. There was a period of unknown duration between Jeroboam's rule and Zechariah's accession, which some historians estimate lasted ten to twelve years, while others believe it was as long as twenty-two years or more. During his brief time in power, Zechariah continued the practice of calf worship that had been introduced by his father. His reign came to a sudden end due to violence.

Zechariah's fate fulfilled a prophecy made against Jehu (2 Kings 10:30; also Hosea 1:4), which stated that his family would hold the throne of Israel for four generations. Jehoahaz, Joash, Jehoram, and Zechariah were indeed his successors, but their dynasty came to an end with him. It's possible that public knowledge of this prophecy motivated Shallum to plot against Zechariah.

Shallum seized power and reigned for a full month before being opposed and killed by Menahem. According to Josephus, Menahem was the commander of the forces besieging Tirzah, a town located twelve miles east of Samaria that had previously served as the seat of Israel's kings. Upon hearing news of Shallum's murder, Menahem lifted the siege and marched against the usurper, killing him and taking his place on the throne.

Menahem then turned his attention to Tiphsah, a border city in Solomon's kingdom (1 Kings 4:24) located near the Euphrates River. When its inhabitants refused to open their gates to him, Menahem stormed the city and took it by force. He plundered the city and committed brutal atrocities against its people, showing no regard for age or sex.