2 Kings 15:20
And Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty men of wealth, of each man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and stayed not there in the land.
Cross-reference
2 Kings 15:29 records the Assyrian conquest of Israel’s cities — the tribute Menahem paid (v.20) failed to prevent this very devastation.
In 2 Kings 17:3, Hoshea also pays tribute to Assyria, continuing the pattern of Israelite kings buying off invaders.
In 2 Kings 17:4, Hoshea stops paying tribute and is imprisoned — the opposite outcome of Menahem's successful bribe.
In 2 Kings 18:14-17, Hezekiah of Judah also pays tribute to Assyria, but the Assyrians still attack — showing tribute's unreliability.
In 2 Kings 23:35, Jehoiakim also taxes the wealthy to pay foreign tribute — the same practice of oppressing one’s own people for political security.
In Hosea 8:10, God condemns Israel for hiring foreign nations — Menahem's tribute to Assyria exemplifies this sin.