# Pekah ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Pekah - **Meaning:** "Open-eyed" or "He has opened" - **Significance:** The name may signify vigilance or insight, although the biblical narrative emphasizes his role as king rather than the name's meaning. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Circa 8th century BC - **Historical Context:** Pekah was a king of Israel during the period of the divided kingdom, reigning from approximately 752 to 732 BC. His reign was marked by political instability and conflict, notably with the Assyrian Empire. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** King of Israel - **Significance:** Pekah was a significant figure in the Israelite monarchy, known for his opposition to the Assyrian empire and his alliance with Rezin of Aram against Judah. His reign ended with his assassination, leading to further political turmoil in Israel. ## Tags - #biblical-figures - #roles-king - #timelines-divided-kingdom ## Cross-References - Introduced and described as king in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]. - His conflict with Judah and his alliance with Rezin is mentioned in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]]. - Also referenced in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]] in the context of the Syro-Ephraimite War. ## Key References: Pekah ### Primary Passages - **Reign of Pekah:** [[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]—Pekah becomes king of Israel after assassinating Pekahiah and reigns for twenty years. His reign is marked by continuing evil in the sight of the Lord. - **Pekah’s Conflict with Judah:** [[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]]—Pekah allies with Rezin, king of Aram, to attack Ahaz, king of Judah. This alliance leads Ahaz to seek assistance from Assyria. - **Downfall of Pekah:** [[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]—Pekah is ultimately assassinated by Hoshea, who then becomes king of Israel, marking the end of Pekah's reign. ### Mentions in Genealogies - **Not applicable:** Pekah is not prominently featured in genealogical lists; his significance is more in his role as a king of Israel. ### New Testament References - **Not applicable:** Pekah is not mentioned in the New Testament. ### Prophetic/Typological References - **Isaiah’s Prophecy:** [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]—During the reign of Pekah, the prophet Isaiah speaks to King Ahaz of Judah, providing the prophecy of Immanuel. This passage implies the political threat posed by Pekah and Rezin, which God assures will not succeed. ### Tags - #key-references - #prophecy - #israelite-kings - #conflict-with-judah ## Relationships: Pekah ### Family Relationships - **Parent:** Remaliah (father) ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Children/Descendants:** Not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. ### Allies/Friends - **Rezin, King of Syria:** Allied with Pekah in opposition to Ahaz, King of Judah ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]], [[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]]). Their alliance was significant in the Syro-Ephraimite War against Judah. ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Menahem, King of Israel:** Pekah initially served as a captain under Menahem but later conspired against his successor and took the throne ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Ahaz, King of Judah:** Pekah was in conflict with Ahaz during the Syro-Ephraimite War, seeking to dethrone him and set up a puppet king ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). - **Assyria:** This powerful nation was a looming adversary; Pekah's alliance with Rezin against Assyria ultimately led to his downfall when Assyria attacked and captured parts of Israel ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]], [[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]]). ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** The biblical account of Pekah does not highlight a direct or positive spiritual relationship with God. He continued in the sins of Jeroboam, which provoked God's anger ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). ### Tags - #relationships - #family - #allies - #conflicts - #relationship-with-God - #syroephraimitewar ## Significance: Pekah ### Theological Importance - **Judgment and Rebellion:** Pekah’s reign is marked by his rebellion against God’s chosen line of kings in Judah, showcasing the theme of covenant unfaithfulness and divine judgment. His actions are part of the broader narrative of Israel's disobedience and the resulting consequences ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Instrument of Prophecy:** His alliance with Rezin against Judah becomes the backdrop for Isaiah’s prophecy about Immanuel, underscoring God’s sovereignty and the foretelling of the Messiah ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Historical Context - **King of Israel:** Pekah ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel during a tumultuous period, contributing to the instability and eventual downfall of the nation ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Syro-Ephraimite War:** His military alliance with Rezin of Aram against Judah is a significant event that leads to the intervention of the Assyrian empire, altering the geopolitical landscape of the region ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]], [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **Symbol of Division:** Pekah’s reign represents the divided kingdom’s ongoing struggles and internal conflicts, symbolizing the broader theme of Israel’s fractured relationship with God. His opposition to Judah typifies the division between God’s people ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Foreshadowing of Deliverance:** The prophecy during his reign concerning a virgin bearing a son, Immanuel, points to the ultimate deliverance and unity found in Christ ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Tags - #significance - #theological-themes - #judgment - #biblical-history - #typology - #rebellion - #prophecy ## Character Study: Pekah ### Strengths and Virtues - **Leadership:** Pekah, the son of Remaliah, rose to a position of leadership as king over Israel, demonstrating his ability to gain and maintain power ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - **Idolatry:** Like many of Israel's kings, Pekah continued in the sins of Jeroboam, leading the people into idolatry ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). This highlights a failure to lead the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. - **Political Alliances:** Formed an alliance with Rezin, king of Aram, against Judah, which was not in alignment with God's will ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). This alliance was ultimately unsuccessful and led to further conflict. - **Violence and Usurpation:** Pekah came to power by conspiring against and assassinating King Pekahiah, reflecting a violent and rebellious nature ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). ### Lessons Learned - **The Consequences of Idolatry:** The reign of Pekah serves as a reminder that idolatry and disobedience to God lead to downfall and destruction ([[2Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). Pekah's kingdom faced invasion and captivity as a result. - **Trust in God Over Alliances:** The failure of Pekah's alliance with Rezin against Judah underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and not relying solely on human alliances ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Tags - #strengths-leadership - #weaknesses-idolatry - #weaknesses-violence - #lessons-idolatry - #lessons-trust-in-God ## Themes and Symbolism: Pekah ### Key Themes - **Judgment and Rebellion:** Pekah's life is marked by rebellion against God's appointed king and eventual judgment. He conspired against and assassinated King Pekahiah, which reflects themes of political upheaval and divine judgment ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Conflict and War:** His reign involved conflicts and alliances that led to war, especially his alliance with King Rezin of Aram against Judah, demonstrating the consequences of strife and division ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]], [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Alliance with Aram:** Pekah's alliance with Rezin symbolizes a reliance on human power and alliances rather than trust in God, leading to eventual downfall ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). - **Assassination and Overthrow:** His rise to power through violence symbolizes the instability and lack of legitimate authority during this period of Israel's history ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Judgment of Israel:** Pekah's eventual downfall and the loss of territory to the Assyrians foreshadow the ultimate judgment and exile of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, pointing to the need for true repentance and reliance on God ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]], [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Tags - #themes - #symbolism - #typology - #judgment - #rebellion - #conflict - #war ## Connections: Pekah ### Parallel Figures - **Hoshea:** Like Pekah, Hoshea was a king of Israel who came to power through conspiracy and led the nation during its final years before exile ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 17|2 Kings Chapter 17]]). - **Rezin:** King of Aram, Rezin allied with Pekah to attack Judah, sharing a common enemy in Ahaz, king of Judah ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]], [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Judgment:** Pekah’s reign and the resulting downfall of Israel symbolize the broader theme of divine judgment due to disobedience, prefiguring the ultimate judgment and need for redemption fulfilled in Christ ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 8|Isaiah Chapter 8]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Divided Kingdom:** Pekah’s story is set in the tumultuous period of the Divided Kingdom, when Israel and Judah were often in conflict and subject to external threats from Assyria ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Syro-Ephraimite War:** Pekah’s alliance with Rezin against Judah reflects the political dynamics of the region, as smaller states sought to resist Assyrian dominance ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Tags - #parallel-figures - #foreshadowing-Christ - #historical-context - #divided-kingdom - #judgment - #syro-ephraimite-war ## Legacy: Pekah ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Political Instability:** Pekah, as the king of Israel, played a significant role during a tumultuous period for the Northern Kingdom, contributing to its instability and eventual downfall. His reign is marked by alliances and conflicts that weakened Israel ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]], [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). - **Divine Judgment:** His actions, including an alliance with Syria against Judah, were seen as contrary to God's will, leading to further divine judgment against Israel ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Prophetic Warnings:** The prophet Isaiah references Pekah in the context of God's message to King Ahaz of Judah, highlighting the political and spiritual implications of Pekah's actions ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). - **Historical Context:** While Pekah is not directly mentioned in the New Testament, the period of his rule provides historical context for the Assyrian conquests that are referenced in later biblical narratives. ### Spiritual Lessons - **Consequences of Disobedience:** Pekah's reign illustrates the dangers of political alliances that disregard God's commands and the resulting consequences for the nation ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Trust in God over Military Alliances:** The narrative of Pekah serves as a reminder to trust in God's guidance rather than in human alliances or military strength ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Modern Applications - Pekah's legacy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political expediency and the importance of aligning one's actions with God's purposes. - His story is often used in teachings to emphasize the importance of seeking divine guidance in leadership and governance. ### Tags - #legacy - #impact-on-israel - #spiritual-lessons - #divine-judgment - #political-instability - #obedience ## Geography: Pekah ### Significant Locations - **Samaria:** Capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel where Pekah ruled as king. It was a central location for the political and military activities during his reign ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Jerusalem:** The capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, targeted by Pekah in his alliance with Rezin, king of Aram, in an attempt to overthrow King Ahaz ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). - **Aram (Syria):** Pekah allied with King Rezin of Aram against Judah, indicating a significant political and military movement in the region ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]]). ### Travel and Movement - **Alliance with Aram:** Pekah's significant political maneuver was his alliance with Rezin, king of Aram, against Judah. This alliance led to military campaigns directed towards Jerusalem ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Samaria's Role:** As the capital of Israel, Samaria was central to the power struggles and idolatrous practices that characterized the Northern Kingdom, influencing Pekah's rule and eventual downfall ([[2Kings/2Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15]]). - **Jerusalem's Significance:** The attempted siege of Jerusalem by Pekah and Rezin was a pivotal moment, highlighting the tensions between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms and God's protection over the Davidic line through King Ahaz ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Tags - #geography - #locations-samaria - #locations-jerusalem - #locations-aram - #travel - #pekah - #northern-kingdom - #political-alliances ## Additional Resources: Pekah ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Pekah's Reign and Actions:** Details of Pekah's reign as king of Israel and his actions are recorded ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15:27-31]]). - **Prophetic Context:** Isaiah's prophecy during the time of Pekah, which includes the political and military context of his reign ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). - **The Syro-Ephraimite War:** Reference to the alliance with Rezin, king of Syria, against Ahaz, king of Judah ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 16|2 Kings Chapter 16]]). ### Genealogical References - **Pekah's Lineage:** Pekah is identified as the son of Remaliah ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15:25]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Samaria:** Pekah's capital city, significant in his reign and conflicts ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15:27]]). - **Wars and Alliances:** Mapping of the regional conflicts involving Syria, Israel, and Judah during Pekah's reign ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Pekah's Reign and Downfall:** Focus on the narrative of his rise to power and the eventual downfall during the Assyrian invasion ([[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 15|2 Kings Chapter 15:27-31]]). - **Prophetic Warnings:** Study of Isaiah’s prophecies that relate to the political dynamics of his reign ([[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 7|Isaiah Chapter 7]]). ### Tags - #additional-resources - #cross-references - #genealogy - #maps - #prophecy - #kingship