Meaning of the Name Menahem
Menahem comes from the Hebrew form Menahem. It is commonly explained as "comforter," "consoler," or "one who brings relief," based on the naham root. The etymology is generally considered secure.
Origin
The name Menahem is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Menahem in the Bible?
Menahem was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He is remembered for harsh rule and for paying tribute to Pul king of Assyria, showing Israel under growing foreign pressure. His short narrative appears in 2 Kings 15.
The story of Menahem in the Bible
Menahem was one of the kings who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel during its turbulent final century. According to 2 Kings 15:14, Menahem son of Gadi came up from Tirzah to Samaria, struck down Shallum, who had seized the throne by coup only a month earlier, and became king in his place. His reign is remembered for its harshness; the narrative tells how he punished without mercy a town that refused to open its gates to him. He ruled ten years in Samaria and, according to the account, did evil in the sight of God, continuing in the sins of Jeroboam. The defining event of his reign was the advance of Pul, king of Assyria. As 2 Kings 15:19 relates, Menahem paid him a thousand talents of silver to secure his hold on the kingdom, money he exacted from the wealthy men of Israel. The Assyrian king then withdrew, but the episode shows Israel now living under imperial pressure. According to 2 Kings 15:22 Menahem died and his son Pekahiah became king after him.
Is Menahem mentioned in the Quran?
The name Menahem does not appear in the Quran; in the Old Testament, in 2 Kings, he is the king of Israel who paid tribute to the king of Assyria.
Verses where Menahem appears
- 2 Kings 15:14 —
Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and struck Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and killed him, and reigned in his place.
- 2 Kings 15:19 —
There came against the land Pul the king of Assyria; and Menahem gave Pul one thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand.
- 2 Kings 15:22 —
Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his place.