Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him. Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem.Rezin was the king of Aram, also known as Syria, a region located to the northeast of Israel. Aram had a long history of conflict with Israel and Judah. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, was the king of Israel, the northern kingdom, which had separated from Judah after the reign of Solomon. This alliance between Aram and Israel was part of a larger geopolitical struggle in the region, as they sought to resist the expanding power of the Assyrian Empire. The coalition aimed to force Judah, under King Ahaz, to join their resistance against Assyria. This event is part of the Syro-Ephraimite War, a significant conflict in the 8th century BC. The historical context is crucial, as it sets the stage for the eventual downfall of both Aram and Israel to Assyria. The alliance's attack on Jerusalem is also mentioned in Isaiah 7, where the prophet Isaiah assures King Ahaz that their plans will not succeed. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him. Persons / Places / Events 1. Rezin, King of AramRezin was the king of Aram (Syria) who allied with Pekah to attack Judah. His actions were part of a larger geopolitical struggle in the region. 2. Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Pekah was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He joined forces with Rezin to attack Ahaz, king of Judah, in an attempt to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition. 3. Ahaz, King of Judah Ahaz was the king of Judah during this time. Known for his lack of faithfulness to God, he faced the threat from Rezin and Pekah but ultimately sought help from Assyria rather than relying on God. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, Jerusalem was the focal point of the attack by Rezin and Pekah. Despite the siege, the city was not overcome. 5. Siege of Jerusalem This event was a military campaign where Rezin and Pekah attempted to capture Jerusalem, but they were unsuccessful in their efforts. Teaching Points Trust in God Over AlliancesAhaz's failure to trust in God and his reliance on Assyria serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking worldly solutions over divine guidance. The Sovereignty of God Despite the military threat, Jerusalem was not overcome, illustrating God's sovereignty and protection over His people, even when they are led by unfaithful leaders. The Consequences of Unfaithfulness Ahaz's lack of faith and subsequent actions led to further troubles for Judah, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness to God. God's Prophetic Word The events surrounding Ahaz and the siege of Jerusalem were foretold by prophets like Isaiah, demonstrating the reliability and truth of God's word. The Importance of Leadership Ahaz's leadership choices had significant impacts on the nation of Judah, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in guiding a community or nation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the alliance between Rezin and Pekah against Judah reflect the political climate of the time, and what can we learn from it about the dangers of political alliances?2. In what ways does Ahaz's response to the siege differ from the response God desired, as seen in Isaiah 7, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes? 3. How does the account of the siege of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 16:5 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and what assurance does this give us in facing our own challenges? 4. What lessons can we learn from Ahaz's leadership about the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God, especially in times of crisis? 5. How do the events in 2 Kings 16:5 connect with the broader account of God's relationship with Israel and Judah, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's faithfulness? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 7This chapter provides a prophetic context to the events in 2 Kings 16:5, where Isaiah speaks to Ahaz about trusting God rather than foreign alliances. 2 Chronicles 28 Offers a parallel account of Ahaz's reign and the attack by Rezin and Pekah, highlighting Ahaz's unfaithfulness and the consequences of his actions. 2 Kings 15:37 Describes the beginning of the alliance between Rezin and Pekah against Judah, setting the stage for the events in 2 Kings 16:5.
People Ahaz, Aram, David, Edomites, Hezekiah, Israelites, Jotham, Pekah, Remaliah, Rezin, Syrians, Tiglathpileser, Uriah, UrijahPlaces Assyria, Damascus, Elath, Jerusalem, Kir, SyriaTopics Able, Ahaz, Aram, Attack, Battle, Besieged, Conquer, Fight, Jerusalem, Lay, Marched, Overcome, Overpower, Pekah, Remaliah, Remali'ah, Rezin, Shutting, Siege, Syria, Unable, Wage, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 16:5 7233 Israel, northern kingdom Library That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. … Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Prophet Amos. Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his Adherents, in this Respect, in Tyrannically Oppressing and Destroying Souls. That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian Hastened his Journey to Rome; but Titus his Son Returned to Jerusalem. The Prophet Micah. Kings Links 2 Kings 16:5 NIV2 Kings 16:5 NLT 2 Kings 16:5 ESV 2 Kings 16:5 NASB 2 Kings 16:5 KJV 2 Kings 16:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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