Menahem

Menahem was the sixteenth king of the northern Kingdom of Israel. He was the son of Gadi, and the founder of the dynasty known as the House of Gadi or House of Menahem. Menahem was a ruthless and ambitious man. He came to power by assassinating his predecessor, Shallum. Menahem then proceeded to consolidate his power by crushing all opposition. He is said to have killed 20,000 people in the city of Tiphsah alone. Menahem was also a great military leader. He led the Israelites to victory in several battles against their enemies. He even managed to conquer the city of Ashdod, which had been a thorn in Israel's side for many years. Menahem's reign was a time of great prosperity for Israel. He rebuilt the city of Samaria and made it the capital of his kingdom. He also established a strong military and expanded Israel's borders. Menahem died in 752 BC. He was succeeded by his son, Pekahiah.