Topical Bible: Pekah: Conspires Against and Assassinates King Pekahiah

◄ Pekah: Conspires Against and Assassinates King Pekahiah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Pekah, son of Remaliah, emerges as a significant figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy. His account is primarily recorded in the Second Book of Kings, where he is depicted as a military leader who rose to power through conspiracy and regicide.

Background and Rise to Power

Pekah served as a captain in the army of Israel under King Pekahiah, the son of Menahem. The political climate of Israel during this time was marked by instability and frequent changes in leadership, often through violent means. Pekah, ambitious and seeking power, conspired against Pekahiah. The biblical account in 2 Kings 15:25 states, "Then Pekah son of Remaliah, one of his chief officers, conspired against him. Taking fifty men of Gilead with him, he assassinated Pekahiah, along with Argob and Arieh, in the citadel of the king’s palace at Samaria. So Pekah killed him and reigned in his place."

Reign as King

Following the assassination of Pekahiah, Pekah assumed the throne of Israel. His reign is noted for its political alliances and conflicts, particularly with the kingdom of Judah and the rising power of Assyria. Pekah's rule is characterized by his opposition to the Assyrian empire, which was expanding its influence over the region. In an attempt to resist Assyrian domination, Pekah formed an alliance with Rezin, king of Aram (Syria), and sought to coerce Judah into joining this coalition.

Conflict with Judah

Pekah's aggressive foreign policy led to conflict with the Southern Kingdom of Judah. King Ahaz of Judah, feeling threatened by the alliance of Pekah and Rezin, sought assistance from Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria. This appeal to Assyria resulted in a devastating response against Israel and Aram. The Assyrian king captured several territories of Israel, including Galilee and Gilead, and deported many of their inhabitants to Assyria, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:29 : "In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee—all the land of Naphtali—and he deported the people to Assyria."

Downfall and Assassination

Pekah's reign ultimately ended in violence, mirroring the manner in which he had seized power. Hoshea, son of Elah, conspired against Pekah and assassinated him, thereby taking the throne of Israel. This event is briefly noted in 2 Kings 15:30 : "Then Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah, attacked and killed him, and reigned in his place in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah."

Pekah's rule is a testament to the volatile nature of Israel's monarchy during this era, marked by political intrigue, shifting alliances, and the ever-present threat of foreign domination. His assassination underscores the cycle of violence and instability that plagued the Northern Kingdom until its eventual fall to Assyria.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 15:25
But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room.
Nave's Topical Index