Regemmelech is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Zechariah. His name appears in Zechariah 7:2, where he is identified as a representative sent to inquire of the Lord. The name "Regemmelech" is of Hebrew origin, and it is often interpreted to mean "friend of the king" or "king's official," suggesting a position of some authority or influence.

Biblical Context

In Zechariah 7:2, Regemmelech is mentioned in the context of a delegation sent to seek guidance from the Lord regarding the continuation of fasting practices. The verse states: "The people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech, along with their men, to plead for the LORD’s favor" . This event occurs during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of rebuilding the temple and re-establishing their religious practices.

Role and Significance

Regemmelech's role as part of this delegation highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in matters of religious observance. The inquiry made by Regemmelech and his companions reflects a broader concern among the Jewish community about the relevance of certain fasts that had been instituted during the years of exile. Specifically, they were questioning whether the fasts commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem should continue now that the temple was being rebuilt.

The response from the Lord, delivered through the prophet Zechariah, emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and justice over ritualistic observance. Zechariah 7:9-10 states: "Thus says the LORD of Hosts: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’" This message underscores the prophetic call to prioritize ethical living and social justice over mere ceremonial practices.

Historical and Theological Insights

The mention of Regemmelech in Zechariah provides insight into the religious and social dynamics of the post-exilic Jewish community. It illustrates the challenges faced by the returning exiles as they sought to reconcile their past experiences with their present circumstances. The inquiry about fasting practices serves as a catalyst for a broader theological reflection on the nature of true worship and the importance of aligning religious observance with ethical conduct.

From a theological perspective, the account of Regemmelech and the delegation's inquiry underscores the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. It reaffirms the prophetic tradition of calling the community to a deeper understanding of God's will, emphasizing that true devotion is demonstrated through acts of justice, mercy, and compassion.

Conclusion

While Regemmelech is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in Zechariah 7:2 provides a valuable glimpse into the spiritual concerns and aspirations of the Jewish people during a pivotal moment in their history. His role in seeking divine guidance reflects the enduring importance of aligning religious practices with the core values of justice and righteousness as articulated by the prophets.Regemmelech

he that stones the king; purple of the king

Regemmelech

(friend of the king). The names of Sherezer and Regem-melech occur in an obscure passage of Zechariah. (Zechariah 7:2) They were sent on behalf of some of the captivity to make inquiries at the temple concerning fasting (B.C. 617.)

Friend of the king, one of the two messengers sent by the exiled Jews to Jerusalem in the time of Darius (Zechariah 7:2) to make inquiries at the temple. REGEM-MELECH

re'-gem-me'-lek, re'-gem-mel'-ek (reghem melekh): One of a deputation sent to inquire concerning the propriety of continuing the commemoration of the destruction of the temple by holding a fast (Zechariah 7:2). The text of the passage is in disorder. The name may mean "friend of the king"; hence, some have sought to remove the difficulty by interpreting reghem melekh as a title, not a personal name, reading the clause, "They of Beth-el had sent SHAREZER (q.v. (2)), the friend of the king."

7278. Regem Melek -- "king's heap," an Israelite
... "king's heap," an Israelite. Transliteration: Regem Melek Phonetic Spelling:
(reh'-gem meh'-lek) Short Definition: Regemmelech. ... NASB Word Usage Regemmelech (1). ...
/hebrew/7278.htm - 6kRegemmelech (1 Occurrence)
...Regemmelech (1 Occurrence). Zechariah 7:2 When they had sent unto the house of God
Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD, (KJV NAS). ...
/r/regemmelech.htm - 7k

Regem (2 Occurrences)

/r/regem.htm - 7k

Regem-melech (1 Occurrence)
Regem-melech. Regemmelech, Regem-melech. Reg'em-mel'ech . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Regemmelech, Regem-melech. Reg'em-mel'ech . Reference Bible.
/r/regem-melech.htm - 7k

Sherezer (1 Occurrence)
... Zechariah 7:2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech,
and their men, to pray before the LORD, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/s/sherezer.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus