The son of Remaliah, more commonly known as Pekah, is a significant figure in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, is primarily mentioned in the context of his reign as king over Israel and his involvement in the Syro-Ephraimite War.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Pekah was originally a captain in the army of King Pekahiah, the son of Menahem. In a violent coup, Pekah assassinated Pekahiah and seized the throne of Israel. This event 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 him and reigned in his place."

Pekah's reign is marked by political instability and external threats, as he ruled during a time when the Assyrian Empire was expanding its influence in the region.

Reign and Political Alliances

Pekah reigned over Israel for twenty years, as noted in 2 Kings 15:27: "In the fifty-second year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekah son of Remaliah became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty years." His reign is characterized by his alliance with Rezin, the king of Aram (Syria), against the Kingdom of Judah. This alliance was part of a broader regional conflict known as the Syro-Ephraimite War.

The prophet Isaiah provides insight into this period, as he was active during the reign of Pekah. Isaiah 7:1-2 states: "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. When it was reported to the house of David that Aram had set up camp in Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind."

Pekah's alliance with Rezin was an attempt to resist the growing power of Assyria under Tiglath-Pileser III. However, this coalition ultimately failed, as the Assyrian king responded with a military campaign that resulted in the capture of several territories in Israel and the eventual downfall of Pekah.

Downfall and Assassination

Pekah's reign came to an end through assassination, much like his rise to power. Hoshea, the son of Elah, conspired against him and took his life. This event is 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."

The assassination of Pekah marked a significant turning point for the Northern Kingdom, as it led to the eventual conquest and exile of Israel by the Assyrians. The political turmoil and shifting alliances during Pekah's reign highlight the instability and challenges faced by the Northern Kingdom in its final years.

Prophetic Context

The prophetic writings of Isaiah and Hosea provide additional context to the reign of Pekah. Isaiah's prophecies during this period emphasize the sovereignty of God over the nations and the futility of relying on political alliances rather than trusting in the Lord. Isaiah 7:4-7 records God's message to King Ahaz of Judah, encouraging him not to fear the threats posed by Pekah and Rezin: "Say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying, 'Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.' But this is what the Lord GOD says: 'It will not happen; it will not occur.'"

Hosea, another prophet active during this time, also speaks to the spiritual and moral decline of Israel, calling the people to repentance and warning of impending judgment.

Legacy

Pekah, the son of Remaliah, is remembered as a king whose reign was marked by political intrigue, military conflict, and ultimately, failure to secure the future of the Northern Kingdom. His account serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from divine guidance and relying on human alliances and power.