Gadi

Biblical Record

Gadi is mentioned twice in chapter 15 of 2 Kings. Both passages introduce his son Menahem as "the son of Gadi."

• 2 Kings 15:14 — "Menahem the son of Gadi" went up from Tirzah to Samaria, killed Shallum the son of Jabesh, and reigned in his place.
• 2 Kings 15:17 — In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah (Uzziah), king of Judah, "Menahem the son of Gadi" began to reign over Israel and reigned ten years in Samaria.

Scripture records nothing about Gadi's origins, occupation, deeds, or death. Nor does it indicate that he was of royal lineage.

Significance in the Bible

The historical books of the Old Testament commonly name a king's father when introducing the king, and Gadi's name appears to have been preserved in keeping with this convention. Menahem came to the throne during a turbulent period in the northern kingdom, when kings were assassinated and replaced in rapid succession. Menahem himself gained the throne by killing his predecessor. During his reign he also paid a thousand talents of silver to Pul, king of Assyria (2 Kings 15:19–20). This period ultimately culminated in the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. Gadi is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Debate

The Hebrew name Gadi has the same form as the word meaning "Gadite," that is, a member of the tribe of Gad. For this reason, some interpreters suggest that Menahem's family may have come from the tribe of Gad (one of the twelve tribes of Israel). Because the text does not say so, however, this remains conjecture. Whatever stories may circulate about Gadi's life, they have no basis in the biblical text.

In the Korean Church

Little is known about Gadi beyond his name, so Korean churches rarely treat him on his own in sermons or Sunday school. His name is usually mentioned only in passing in passages dealing with Menahem and the final years of the northern kingdom of Israel.