What role did Rezin and Pekah play in God's judgment on Judah? The Setting in 2 Kings 15:37 “In those days the LORD began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah.” • The reign of Jotham of Judah is winding down. • Outwardly Jotham “did what was right” (2 Kings 15:34), yet “the people still behaved corruptly” (2 Chronicles 27:2). • God initiates disciplinary pressure to expose sin already simmering in the nation and to prepare the stage for Ahaz’s later apostasy. Who Were Rezin and Pekah? • Rezin – king of Aram (Syria), ruling from Damascus (2 Kings 16:9). • Pekah – a usurper on Israel’s throne, ruling the ten northern tribes (2 Kings 15:27). • Though political rivals, they form an anti-Assyrian alliance (Isaiah 7:1) and see Judah as the weak link to be forced into their coalition. Agents of Divine Discipline God “sent” them. He is never the author of evil, yet He directs nations to accomplish His righteous purposes: 1. Wake-up call to Judah – Their initial raids under Jotham begin the pressure (2 Kings 15:37). – The attacks escalate under Ahaz: ‣ 120,000 Judean soldiers fall in one day (2 Chronicles 28:6). ‣ 200,000 women and children are taken captive (2 Chronicles 28:8). – The nation learns that idolatry and half-hearted devotion carry real consequences. 2. Exposure of Ahaz’s heart – When Ahaz ascends the throne, he turns not to the LORD but to Assyria for help (2 Kings 16:7-8). – The Syrian-Ephraimite threat unmasks his unbelief and paves the way for Judah’s deeper compromise (2 Kings 16:10-18). 3. Preservation of the Davidic promise – Isaiah 7 assures terrified Jerusalem that Rezin and Pekah will not topple the house of David. – God judges Judah yet safeguards Messiah’s line, proving both His severity and His steadfast love. Key Scriptures That Illuminate Their Role • 2 Chronicles 28:5 – “Therefore the LORD his God delivered Ahaz into the hand of the king of Aram… also into the hand of the king of Israel.” • Isaiah 7:7 – “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘It shall not stand, nor shall it happen.’” • 2 Kings 16:9 – Assyria crushes Damascus, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy and ending Rezin’s menace—showing that instruments of judgment are themselves judged in God’s timing. Enduring Takeaways • God may use even hostile nations to discipline His people, yet He remains fully in control of the outcome. • Partial obedience (Jotham) and outright rebellion (Ahaz) both invite correction. • The Lord’s chastening is never aimless; it exposes sin, calls for repentance, and ultimately safeguards His redemptive plan. |
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