Overview
Pul was a powerful Assyrian monarch who invaded the northern kingdom of Israel around 745 BC. King Menahem of Israel paid him a heavy tribute of silver to avoid complete conquest, though this arrangement ultimately failed to secure Israel's independence. Pul symbolizes God's use of pagan nations as instruments of judgment against His covenant people.
Key Scriptures
"In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria" (2 Kings 15:29, ESV).
"The God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, even the spirit of Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, and he carried the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh away into exile" (1 Chronicles 5:26, NASB).
Application
Reflect on how God disciplines His people for unfaithfulness and uses worldly powers to accomplish His purposes, calling believers to repentance and obedience.