20 And Menahem exacted [1] 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.

Other Translations of 2 Kings 15:20

New International Version

20 Menahem exacted this money from Israel. Every wealthy person had to contribute fifty shekelsThat is, about 1 1/4 pounds or about 575 grams of silver to be given to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and stayed in the land no longer.

English Standard Version

20 Menahem exacted the money from Israel, that is, from all the wealthy men, fifty shekelsA shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams of silver from every man, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back and did not stay there in the land.

The Message

20 He raised the money by making every landowner in Israel pay fifty shekels to the king of Assyria. That satisfied the king of Assyria, and he left the country.

New King James Version

20 And Menahem exacted the money from Israel, from all the very wealthy, from each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and did not stay there in the land.

New Living Translation

20 Menahem extorted the money from the rich of Israel, demanding that each of them pay fifty pieces of silver to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned from attacking Israel and did not stay in the land.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Kings 15:20

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.