Shalman

Shalman is mentioned once in Hosea 10:14 as a conqueror who destroyed Beth-arbel in battle, an act of extreme violence used to warn Ephraim of coming judgment: "all your fortresses shall be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth-arbel on the day of battle; mothers were dashed in pieces with their children." The identity of Shalman is debated. Many scholars identify him with Shalmaneser V of Assyria (reigned 727–722 B.C.), who besieged Samaria, or with Shalmaneser III (reigned 858–824 B.C.). Others identify him with Salamanu, a Moabite king known from Tiglath-pileser III's annals. The location of Beth-arbel is also disputed.