2 Kings 16:5

Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him.

Study Bible

Then Rezin king of Aram
Rezin was the king of Aram, also known as Syria, during the 8th century BC. The Hebrew name "Rezin" (רְצִין) can be translated as "firm" or "stable," which may reflect his strong leadership and military prowess. Historically, Aram was a significant power in the region, often in conflict with Israel and Judah. Rezin's alliance with Pekah against Judah was part of a larger geopolitical struggle involving the Assyrian Empire, which was expanding its influence. This context highlights the constant threat faced by the smaller kingdoms of Israel and Judah from their more powerful neighbors.

and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel
Pekah, the son of Remaliah, was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His name in Hebrew (פֶּקַח) means "open-eyed" or "vigilant," suggesting a leader who was aware of the political dynamics of his time. Pekah's reign was marked by instability and conflict, as he sought to resist Assyrian dominance by forming alliances with neighboring states like Aram. This alliance with Rezin was an attempt to strengthen their position against the Assyrian threat and to pressure Judah into joining their coalition.

marched up to wage war against Jerusalem
The phrase "marched up" indicates a military campaign, reflecting the common practice of ascending to Jerusalem, which is situated on a high elevation. The Hebrew verb used here (עָלָה) often implies a purposeful and determined movement, underscoring the seriousness of the threat posed by Rezin and Pekah. Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, was a fortified city and the spiritual center of the Jewish people, making it a significant target for their enemies. The historical context of this campaign is known as the Syro-Ephraimite War, a pivotal moment in the history of the divided kingdoms.

they besieged Ahaz
Ahaz was the king of Judah at this time, and his reign is often criticized in the biblical narrative for his lack of faithfulness to God. The Hebrew word for "besieged" (וַיָּצֻרוּ) conveys the idea of encircling or confining, a common military tactic intended to cut off a city from supplies and reinforcements. This siege was a direct threat to the Davidic line and the promises God had made to David regarding his descendants. Ahaz's response to this crisis, seeking help from Assyria rather than relying on God, is a key theme in the prophetic literature, particularly in the book of Isaiah.

but could not overcome him
Despite the formidable alliance against him, Ahaz was not overcome. The Hebrew verb here (יָכֹל) means "to prevail" or "to have power over," indicating that the efforts of Rezin and Pekah ultimately failed. This outcome can be seen as a testament to God's providential care for Judah, even when its leaders were unfaithful. The failure of the siege is a reminder of the divine protection promised to the house of David, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative and points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the coming of the Messiah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rezin, King of Aram
Rezin was the king of Aram (Syria) who allied with Pekah to attack Judah. His actions were part of a larger geopolitical struggle in the region.

2. Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel
Pekah was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He joined forces with Rezin to attack Ahaz, king of Judah, in an attempt to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition.

3. Ahaz, King of Judah
Ahaz was the king of Judah during this time. Known for his lack of faithfulness to God, he faced the threat from Rezin and Pekah but ultimately sought help from Assyria rather than relying on God.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, Jerusalem was the focal point of the attack by Rezin and Pekah. Despite the siege, the city was not overcome.

5. Siege of Jerusalem
This event was a military campaign where Rezin and Pekah attempted to capture Jerusalem, but they were unsuccessful in their efforts.

Teaching Points

Trust in God Over Alliances
Ahaz's failure to trust in God and his reliance on Assyria serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking worldly solutions over divine guidance.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite the military threat, Jerusalem was not overcome, illustrating God's sovereignty and protection over His people, even when they are led by unfaithful leaders.

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Ahaz's lack of faith and subsequent actions led to further troubles for Judah, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness to God.

God's Prophetic Word
The events surrounding Ahaz and the siege of Jerusalem were foretold by prophets like Isaiah, demonstrating the reliability and truth of God's word.

The Importance of Leadership
Ahaz's leadership choices had significant impacts on the nation of Judah, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in guiding a community or nation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the alliance between Rezin and Pekah against Judah reflect the political climate of the time, and what can we learn from it about the dangers of political alliances?

2. In what ways does Ahaz's response to the siege differ from the response God desired, as seen in Isaiah 7, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes?

3. How does the account of the siege of Jerusalem in 2 Kings 16:5 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and what assurance does this give us in facing our own challenges?

4. What lessons can we learn from Ahaz's leadership about the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God, especially in times of crisis?

5. How do the events in 2 Kings 16:5 connect with the broader account of God's relationship with Israel and Judah, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's faithfulness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 7
This chapter provides a prophetic context to the events in 2 Kings 16:5, where Isaiah speaks to Ahaz about trusting God rather than foreign alliances.

2 Chronicles 28
Offers a parallel account of Ahaz's reign and the attack by Rezin and Pekah, highlighting Ahaz's unfaithfulness and the consequences of his actions.

2 Kings 15:37
Describes the beginning of the alliance between Rezin and Pekah against Judah, setting the stage for the events in 2 Kings 16:5.