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.
Menahem forced the wealthy and powerful men of Israel to pay money - fifty pieces of silver from each person - to give to the king of Assyria. So the Assyrian king took the money and left, not staying in their land.
King Menahem collected a heavy tax from Israel's wealthy citizens to pay off the Assyrian king and make him leave their country alone.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred around 738 BC when the Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III was expanding westward and demanding tribute from smaller nations. Menahem ruled the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of political instability and external threats. Paying tribute to Assyria was a common practice for vassal states to avoid military conquest and maintain some degree of independence.
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