Topical Encyclopedia The regicide of Pekah, a significant event in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, is recorded in the biblical narrative as a pivotal moment that marked the end of Pekah's reign and the rise of Hoshea. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, ascended to the throne of Israel through a coup, having assassinated King Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:25). His reign, characterized by political instability and idolatry, lasted for twenty years (2 Kings 15:27).Pekah's rule was marked by his opposition to the Assyrian Empire, a dominant force in the region. He formed an alliance with Rezin, the king of Aram, in an attempt to resist Assyrian expansion. This coalition, however, led to conflict with the Kingdom of Judah, as Pekah and Rezin sought to pressure King Ahaz of Judah into joining their anti-Assyrian alliance. The prophet Isaiah counseled Ahaz against joining this coalition, assuring him of God's protection (Isaiah 7:4-9). The political landscape shifted dramatically when Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, launched a campaign against Israel and Aram. In response to this threat, Pekah's authority weakened, and internal dissent grew. The biblical account in 2 Kings 15:30 states, "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." Hoshea's assassination of Pekah was not merely a personal vendetta but a strategic move that aligned Israel more closely with Assyria. By eliminating Pekah, Hoshea sought to stabilize the kingdom and appease the Assyrian threat. This regicide, therefore, was a turning point that led to a temporary reprieve from Assyrian aggression, as Hoshea became a vassal to the Assyrian king. The biblical narrative does not provide extensive details about the circumstances of Pekah's assassination, but it is clear that his death was part of the broader geopolitical shifts occurring in the region. The regicide of Pekah underscores the tumultuous nature of Israel's monarchy during this period, characterized by frequent changes in leadership and external pressures from powerful empires. Theologically, the regicide of Pekah can be seen as a consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and failure to adhere to the covenantal laws established by God. The instability and eventual downfall of the Northern Kingdom serve as a somber reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments, as repeatedly emphasized by the prophets. The narrative of Pekah's assassination, therefore, is not only a historical account but also a moral lesson on the dangers of political alliances that disregard divine guidance. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 15:30And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. Nave's Topical Index Library The Prophet Hosea. 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 |
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