Pekah, the son of Remaliah, was a significant figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, serving as its king during a tumultuous period. His reign is chronicled in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, providing insight into his political maneuvers and the spiritual state of Israel during his time.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Pekah was originally a captain in the army of King Pekahiah, the son of Menahem. In a dramatic coup, Pekah assassinated Pekahiah in Samaria, seizing the throne for himself. This act of regicide is recorded in 2 Kings 15:25: "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 Pekahiah and reigned in his place."

Reign and Political Alliances

Pekah's reign lasted for twenty years, from approximately 752 to 732 BC. His rule was marked by significant political and military challenges, particularly from the rising power of Assyria. In an attempt to resist Assyrian domination, Pekah formed an alliance with Rezin, the king of Aram (Syria), and sought to coerce the Southern Kingdom of Judah into joining this coalition. This alliance is noted in Isaiah 7:1: "Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but they could not overpower it."

Pekah's aggressive foreign policy led to the Syro-Ephraimite War, where he and Rezin attempted to dethrone Ahaz, the king of Judah, and replace him with a puppet ruler. However, Ahaz sought assistance from Tiglath-Pileser III, the king of Assyria, who responded by attacking Damascus and Israel, significantly weakening Pekah's position.

Religious and Moral Climate

The biblical narrative portrays Pekah as continuing in the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, failing to lead Israel back to the worship of Yahweh. 2 Kings 15:28 states, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit."

Downfall and Assassination

Pekah's reign came to an end through assassination, a fate not uncommon among the kings of Israel during this period. Hoshea, the son of Elah, conspired against him and took his life, as recorded in 2 Kings 15:30: "Then Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and killed him, and reigned in his place, in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah."

Legacy

Pekah's reign is remembered as a time of political instability and spiritual decline in Israel. His assassination marked the beginning of the end for the Northern Kingdom, which would fall to Assyria shortly thereafter. His life and reign serve as a testament to the turbulent history of Israel during the divided monarchy and the consequences of turning away from the covenantal relationship with God.