Overview
Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel in Samaria, reigning for only two years (742-740 BC). Though he did evil in the sight of the Lord, following the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, his reign was cut short when his officer Pekah conspired against him and killed him along with fifty men from Gilead.
Key Scriptures
"Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years" (2 Kings 15:23, NASB).
"And Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him and smote him in Samaria, in the castle of the king's house" (2 Kings 15:25, KJV).
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" (2 Kings 15:24, KJV).
Application
Pekahiah's brief and violent end reminds us that political power gained through evil ultimately proves unstable, and that turning from God's ways invites judgment and ruin.