מלכים ב, פרק ט״ו, פסוק י״ד

The political instability within the Kingdom of Israel continues with a rapid and violent change of power, as a forceful figure takes the place of an illegitimate ruler. Menahem son of Gadi travels from Tirzah, a city located in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, directly to the capital city of Samaria. There, he strikes down Shallum son of Yavesh.

The background to this assassination lies in Shallum's complete lack of a legal claim or proper right to the throne. Furthermore, he had never proven his leadership skills or personal strength in the past. This inherent weakness made him highly vulnerable, allowing a much more aggressive and powerful man to murder him and seize control of the government in his place [ביאור שטיינזלץ].