Topical Encyclopedia Rezin was a notable king of Aram-Damascus (Syria) during the 8th century BC, prominently mentioned in the biblical narrative for his opposition to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. His reign is marked by significant political and military activities, particularly his alliance with Pekah, the king of Israel, against Judah. This alliance and subsequent conflict are pivotal events in the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.Historical Context and Military Campaigns Rezin's reign is primarily documented in the books of 2 Kings and Isaiah. During his time, the geopolitical landscape of the Near East was tumultuous, with the rising power of Assyria under Tiglath-Pileser III threatening smaller states like Aram and Israel. In response to this threat, Rezin and Pekah formed a coalition to resist Assyrian domination and sought to coerce Judah, under King Ahaz, into joining their alliance. When Ahaz refused, Rezin and Pekah waged war against Judah, an event known as the Syro-Ephraimite War. 2 Kings 16:5 records this conflict: "Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to wage war against Jerusalem; they besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him." Despite their efforts, the coalition failed to capture Jerusalem, largely due to Ahaz's appeal to Assyria for assistance, which resulted in Tiglath-Pileser III's intervention. Prophecy Against Rezin The prophet Isaiah played a crucial role during this period, delivering messages from God concerning the fate of Rezin and his coalition. Isaiah 7:1-9 provides a prophetic assurance to King Ahaz that the plans of Rezin and Pekah would not succeed. Isaiah's prophecy emphasized God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will: "For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people" (Isaiah 7:8). Furthermore, Isaiah 8:4 foretells the downfall of Damascus and Samaria: "For before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria." This prophecy was fulfilled when Tiglath-Pileser III captured Damascus, executed Rezin, and annexed Aram into the Assyrian Empire, as recorded in 2 Kings 16:9 : "So the king of Assyria complied and attacked Damascus. He captured it and deported its people to Kir, and he put Rezin to death." Theological Significance Rezin's story serves as a testament to the themes of divine justice and the futility of opposing God's plans. His downfall illustrates the biblical principle that human schemes, no matter how formidable, cannot thwart the purposes of God. The narrative also underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God, as exemplified by Isaiah's counsel to Ahaz to trust in the Lord rather than in political alliances. In summary, Rezin's legacy is one of opposition to God's chosen people and subsequent judgment. His interactions with Judah and the prophetic declarations against him highlight the sovereignty of God over the nations and the ultimate triumph of His will. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 7:1-9And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 8:4-8 Isaiah 9:11 Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Resources Who was King Pekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Ahaz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Damascus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rezin: A King of Syria Who Harassed the Southern Kingdom (Judah) Rezin: A King of Syria Who Harassed the Southern Kingdom (Judah): Prophecy Against Rezin: A Returned Babylonian Captive Related Terms Tiglathpileser (3 Occurrences) Tiglath-pileser (6 Occurrences) Maher-shalal-hash-baz (2 Occurrences) |
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