Topical Encyclopedia Background and Context:Pekah, the son of Remaliah, emerged as a significant figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a tumultuous period marked by political instability and external threats. His rise to power is recorded in the biblical narrative, specifically in the context of the divided monarchy, where the Kingdom of Israel (the northern ten tribes) and the Kingdom of Judah (the southern tribes) existed as separate entities. Pekah's ascent to the throne is a pivotal event that reflects the broader themes of divine judgment and the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. Biblical Account: The account of Pekah's rise to power is found in 2 Kings 15:25-28. Pekah, originally a captain in the army of King Pekahiah, conspired against the king. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then Pekah son of Remaliah, one of his 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" (2 Kings 15:25). Pekah's coup was not merely a personal ambition but also a reflection of the instability that plagued Israel during this era. His reign began in the fifty-second year of Azariah (Uzziah) king of Judah, and he ruled for twenty years. The biblical narrative highlights that Pekah continued in the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who led Israel into idolatry. "He did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit" (2 Kings 15:28). Historical and Theological Significance: Pekah's reign is significant for several reasons. Politically, it was a time of alliances and conflicts. Pekah formed an alliance with Rezin, king of Aram (Syria), and together they posed a threat to the Kingdom of Judah. This alliance is noted in Isaiah 7:1, where it is recorded that Rezin and Pekah went up to wage war against Jerusalem. This coalition prompted King Ahaz of Judah to seek assistance from the Assyrian Empire, leading to further complications in the region. Theologically, Pekah's reign is a continuation of the narrative of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Despite the warnings of prophets and the clear consequences of idolatry and disobedience, the kings of Israel, including Pekah, persisted in leading the nation away from the covenantal relationship with Yahweh. This period underscores the theme of divine judgment, as the Northern Kingdom would eventually face conquest and exile at the hands of the Assyrians. Prophetic Interactions: During Pekah's reign, the prophet Isaiah played a crucial role in addressing the political and spiritual crises of the time. Isaiah's prophecies, particularly in chapters 7 and 8, provide insight into the divine perspective on the alliances and conflicts involving Pekah. Isaiah's message to King Ahaz of Judah, urging him to trust in the LORD rather than foreign alliances, highlights the broader theological theme of reliance on God rather than human power. Conclusion: Pekah's rise to power and his subsequent reign are emblematic of the broader narrative of Israel's decline due to persistent idolatry and disobedience. His account serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the inevitable judgment that follows. The biblical account of Pekah, while brief, is rich with lessons on leadership, faithfulness, and the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 15:27In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years. Nave's Topical Index Library How Upon the Death of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned in his Stead; against ... How Pekah Died by the Treachery of Hoshea who was a Little after ... How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ... The Woman of Samaria The Antiquities of the Jews The Assyrian Captivity Ahaz The Nations of the North-East The Kingdom of Samaria. The Divided Kingdom. Resources Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jotham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Ahaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pekah is Plotted Against and Killed by Hoshea Pekah: Captain of the Army of Israel Pekah: Conspires Against and Assassinates King Pekahiah Pekah: Victorious in War With Judah Related Terms Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) Tiglath-pileser (6 Occurrences) Tig'lath-pile'ser (3 Occurrences) Maher-shalal-hash-baz (2 Occurrences) Mahershalalhashbaz (2 Occurrences) Abel-beth-maachah (2 Occurrences) Abelbethmaachah (2 Occurrences) Abel-beth-maacah (2 Occurrences) |
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