Topical Encyclopedia Rezin was a prominent figure in the 8th century BC, known as the king of Aram, or Syria, during a tumultuous period in the history of the ancient Near East. His reign is notably marked by his opposition to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, as recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures.Historical Context and Reign Rezin's rule over Damascus, the capital of Aram, is situated within the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, where the Assyrian Empire was expanding its influence. During this time, smaller states like Aram and Israel sought alliances to resist Assyrian domination. Rezin's reign is most prominently featured in the biblical narrative during the Syro-Ephraimite War, a conflict that had significant implications for the region. The Syro-Ephraimite War The Syro-Ephraimite War is a key event associated with Rezin. Alongside Pekah, the king of Israel, Rezin formed a coalition to resist the Assyrian threat. This alliance sought to pressure Ahaz, the king of Judah, into joining their resistance against Assyria. When Ahaz refused, Rezin and Pekah launched an attack on Judah, as described in 2 Kings 16:5: "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." Prophetic Involvement The prophet Isaiah played a crucial role during this period, offering counsel to King Ahaz. Isaiah's message, found in Isaiah 7, assured Ahaz that the plans of Rezin and Pekah would not succeed. Isaiah 7:7-8 states, "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'It will not happen; it will not occur. For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin.'" Downfall and Legacy Rezin's campaign against Judah ultimately failed, and his fate was sealed by the rising power of Assyria. In 732 BC, the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III captured Damascus, bringing an end to Rezin's reign and life. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 16:9: "So the king of Assyria complied and attacked Damascus. He captured it and exiled its people to Kir, and he put Rezin to death." Rezin's legacy is one of a formidable but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to resist the Assyrian Empire. His actions, as recorded in the biblical narrative, serve as a backdrop to the prophetic assurances given to Judah, highlighting the sovereignty of God over the nations and the futility of opposing His plans. Conclusion Rezin's story is a testament to the complex interplay of political alliances and divine intervention in the biblical narrative. His opposition to Judah and subsequent downfall underscore the themes of trust in divine promises and the ultimate futility of human schemes against God's purposes. Through the lens of Rezin's life and reign, the biblical text invites reflection on the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and the enduring hope found in His prophetic word. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 15:37In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 16:5-9 Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Resources Who was King Jotham in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Pekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Ahaz 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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