Why did God allow Rezin and Pekah to attack Judah in 2 Kings 15:37? Canonical Statement of the Event “In those days the LORD began to send Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah against Judah.” (2 Kings 15:37) Historical Setting Rezin ruled Damascus (Aram) and Pekah ruled the Northern Kingdom of Israel c. 752–732 BC, overlapping the reigns of Jotham (and, immediately after, Ahaz) in Judah. Tiglath-Pileser III’s annals (Nimrud Tablet K 3751) list both Rezin (Ra-si-unu) and “Paqaha of Bit Humria” as contemporary client kings, corroborating the biblical account and dating the conflict to the decade before Samaria’s fall (722 BC). Covenant Framework and Deuteronomic Curses Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The later prophets repeatedly invoke that charter. 2 Chronicles 27:2 notes that while Jotham “did right in the sight of the LORD,” “the people still behaved corruptly.” Persistent idolatry on the high places triggered the covenantal sanctions: “The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies” (Deuteronomy 28:25). Spiritual Condition of Judah 1. Idolatry endured (2 Kings 15:35). 2. Social injustice flourished (cf. Micah 1–3, preached during this same period). 3. Reliance on human alliances began to displace trust in Yahweh (seen in Ahaz’s later appeal to Assyria, 2 Kings 16:7). Instrumental Judgment: Foreign Nations as Yahweh’s Rod Isaiah 10:5 calls Assyria “the rod of My anger.” Likewise, the LORD “sent” Rezin and Pekah (2 Kings 15:37). God remains sovereign over pagan kings, using them as disciplinary agents while still holding them morally accountable (Habakkuk 1:5-11). Prophetic Forewarning and the Syro-Ephraimite Crisis Isaiah 7–8 opens when Rezin and Pekah besiege Jerusalem in Ahaz’s early reign. Their aim: “Let us invade Judah… and set up the son of Tabeel as king” (Isaiah 7:6). God answers with the Immanuel prophecy (7:14), promising ultimate deliverance and foretelling Messianic hope. Thus the attack served to frame one of Scripture’s most pivotal prophecies. Sanctifying Purpose for Judah 1. Exposure of sin invites repentance (Isaiah 1:16-20). 2. Purification of the remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22). 3. Demonstration that deliverance is from the LORD alone, not from politics or military might (Psalm 20:7). Protection of the Davidic Line Though judgment began, God placed a limit: the invaders would not succeed in replacing David’s dynasty (Isaiah 7:7). The assault highlighted Judah’s vulnerability yet safeguarded the Messianic lineage, ensuring that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10). Foreshadowing the Need for a Perfect King Even “good” kings like Jotham could not eradicate national sin. The attack underscored the insufficiency of human rulers and anticipated the coming of the flawless Son of David, whose resurrection later validated His kingship (Acts 2:29-36). Archaeological and Historical Corroboration • The Stele of Tiglath-Pileser III describes tribute and later execution of Rezin (c. 732 BC), aligning with 2 Kings 16:9. • The Megiddo Ivories and Samaria Ostraca confirm Northern Kingdom wealth and idolatry, matching prophetic denunciations. • Bullae bearing the names of Judean officials from Ahaz’s court (e.g., “Ahaz son of Jotham”) demonstrate the historicity of the dynasty under siege. Theological Implications of Divine Sovereignty God’s permission of evil actions does not imply moral compromise; rather, He orchestrates them toward righteous ends (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). The incursion by Rezin and Pekah exemplifies providence steering history toward redemption while respecting human agency. Practical and Behavioral Applications • Corporate righteousness matters; personal piety alone (Jotham) cannot shield a nation that tolerates collective sin. • Trust misplaced in political coalitions invites deeper bondage (Ahaz’s appeal to Assyria led to vassal status). • Crisis can serve as a catalyst for renewed faith, mirrored today when adversity drives individuals to seek God. Conclusion God allowed Rezin and Pekah’s attacks as covenant discipline, prophetic setup, and providential stage-setting for messianic fulfillment. The episode affirms the LORD’s sovereignty, the reliability of Scripture, and the ongoing relevance of wholehearted obedience. |
    |