Who was Pul?

Pul (Hebrew: פּוּל, Pul) was a foreign monarch mentioned briefly in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 15:19. He is identified with Tiglath-Pileser III, the powerful king of Assyria who reigned from approximately 745 to 727 BC. The name “Pul” is likely a shortened or alternate name used in the biblical text. His involvement with Israel marks a significant moment in the unfolding judgment of God upon the northern kingdom for its persistent disobedience.

Pul’s historical significance lies in his role as a foreign instrument of God‘s discipline. He appears during the reign of Menahem, king of Israel, who paid him tribute to secure his reign (2 Kings 15:19-20). This interaction inaugurated a period of Assyrian dominance and foreshadowed the eventual exile of Israel.

Biblical References

• 2 Kings 15:19-20 – “Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave him a thousand talents of silver to gain his support and strengthen his own hold on the kingdom.”

• 1 Chronicles 5:26 – Pul is again identified along with Tiglath-Pileser, used by God to deport the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh.

Cross References

• 2 Kings 16:7-10 – Further dealings with Tiglath-Pileser III.

• Isaiah 7:17-20 – A prophecy about the Assyrian threat.

• Hosea 10:6 – Reference to the king of Assyria receiving tribute.

• Amos 5:27 – A forewarning of exile “beyond Damascus,” a likely reference to Assyria.

Explanation of Events

During the unstable reign of Menahem in Israel, Pul invaded the land. Instead of resisting or turning to the Lord, Menahem sought to appease the Assyrian king with an enormous tribute—a thousand talents of silver—which he extracted from wealthy citizens. This payment was intended to ensure Pul’s support and to legitimize Menahem’s control of Israel.

This event reveals the political and spiritual decay of Israel. Rather than seeking God‘s protection, Menahem relied on foreign alliances. Pul’s acceptance of the tribute signaled the beginning of Assyria’s influence over Israel. It was a temporary solution that delayed but did not prevent the northern kingdom’s fall. Within a few decades, Assyria would return under other kings to carry out God‘s judgment by conquering and deporting Israel.

Historical Context

Pul is widely identified with Tiglath-Pileser III, one of Assyria‘s most influential rulers. His reign marked a revival of Assyrian power, with military conquests and administrative reforms that expanded the empire’s reach.

From archaeological records (including inscriptions and annals), Tiglath-Pileser campaigned in the Levant during the time of Menahem. He reorganized conquered territories into provinces and demanded tributes from local kings. The Bible’s record aligns with Assyrian accounts, showing its historical accuracy.

Pul’s mention under a different name may reflect how Israelites referred to foreign kings in their own terminology or may point to a name he used early in his reign.

Theological Implications

Pul’s appearance in the biblical narrative is a sober reminder of God’s sovereignty over all nations. Though a pagan king, Pul was used by God to execute judgment and bring discipline upon His covenant people. This aligns with a frequent biblical pattern where God uses foreign powers as instruments of chastening (cf. Habakkuk 1:6).

The Israelites had entered into covenant with God, but persistent rebellion and idolatry brought consequences. Pul did not come by mere chance—he was a divine instrument. The failure of Menahem to trust in the Lord and his reliance on worldly power deepened Israel’s spiritual decline.

Literary Analysis

The brief but pointed mention of Pul in 2 Kings 15 is part of a larger literary pattern in the book of Kings: each king’s reign is assessed primarily by their faithfulness to the Lord. Menahem is evaluated not only politically but spiritually. His dealings with Pul underscore Israel‘s increasing compromise and dependence on political maneuvering rather than covenant faithfulness.

The name “Pul” is used in a stark, almost abrupt manner, highlighting the foreign intrusion into the land. The narrative does not offer Pul’s perspective but focuses on Israel’s reaction to external threats—showing how far the nation had strayed from the Davidic ideal.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Pul serves as a reminder that God rules over the nations and can use even unbelieving rulers to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 21:1). The story of Pul and Menahem challenges believers not to place their trust in worldly power, money, or political alliances, but to rely wholly on God.

Modern Christians can reflect on how often fear or pressure may lead to compromise, just as Menahem’s fear led him to pay off a pagan king rather than repent and seek God’s help. The faithlessness of Israel stands as a warning, but also as a call to live faithfully under the Lordship of Christ, trusting in His provision and protection.

How Pul’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Though Pul himself was no savior or godly figure, his story contributes to the broader arc of redemptive history. His role in the weakening of Israel set the stage for the exile, which in turn intensified the longing for a true King—a Messiah—who would rescue God‘s people not only from political enemies but from sin.

Jesus is the opposite of Pul. Where Pul demanded tribute and brought fear, Jesus paid the ransom for our sin and brings peace. Where Pul symbolized foreign domination as judgment for sin, Jesus bore God’s judgment in our place. The longing for deliverance from foreign powers ultimately points forward to the deliverance from sin and death through Christ.

Broader Biblical Themes

• God‘s Sovereignty Over Nations – Pul’s invasion is a clear example of God using nations to accomplish His will.

• Judgment and Mercy – Israel’s political compromise led to judgment, yet even then, God was working toward redemption.

• The Folly of Trusting in Man – Menahem’s reliance on a foreign king contrasts with biblical calls to trust in the Lord (Isaiah 31:1).

• Foreshadowing of Exile – Pul’s appearance introduces the beginning of foreign control that would lead to the Assyrian captivity.

• Christ as True King – The failings of Israel’s kings underscore the need for a righteous King—fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of life do I tend to rely on human strength instead of God‘s power?

2. How does the example of Menahem and Pul warn us against political or worldly compromise?

3. How does the sovereignty of God over foreign nations bring comfort in today’s global uncertainty?

4. What can I learn about God‘s justice and mercy from how He used Pul to bring judgment?

5. How does Jesus fulfill the deep need for a true King that Israel’s history reveals?

Pul may only appear briefly in Scripture, but his presence is a vivid reminder of God‘s control over history, His faithfulness to His word, and His unfolding plan to bring redemption through Christ.