20 Then Menahem exacted the money from Israel , even from all the mighty men of wealth , from each man fifty shekels of silver to pay the king of Assyria . So the king of Assyria returned and did not remain there 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.