19 Pul king of Asshur hath come against the land, and Menahem giveth to Pul a thousand talents of silver, for his hand being with him to strengthen the kingdom in his hand. 20 And Menahem bringeth out the silver 'from' Israel, 'from' all the mighty men of wealth, to give to the king of Asshur, fifty shekels of silver for each one, and the king of Asshur turneth back and hath not stayed there in the land. 21 And the rest of the matters of Menahem, and all that he did, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? 22 And Menahem lieth with his fathers, and reign doth Pekahiah his son in his stead.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 15:19-22
Commentary on 2 Kings 15:8-31
(Read 2 Kings 15:8-31)
This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be thankful for restraints, for being kept out of temptation, and should beg of God to renew a right spirit within us.