Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Besieged by Pekah

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Jerusalem, the ancient and sacred city, has been the focal point of numerous historical and biblical events. One significant episode in its storied past is the siege by Pekah, the king of Israel. This event is intricately tied to the geopolitical and spiritual dynamics of the 8th century BC, during the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah.

Historical Context

The siege of Jerusalem by Pekah occurred during a tumultuous period in the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel from approximately 740 to 732 BC. His reign was marked by political instability and idolatry, as he continued the sinful practices of his predecessors.

During this time, the Assyrian Empire was expanding its influence under the leadership of Tiglath-Pileser III. The smaller kingdoms of the region, including Israel and Judah, faced the threat of Assyrian domination. In response, Pekah formed an alliance with Rezin, the king of Aram (Syria), to resist Assyrian aggression. This coalition sought to pressure Ahaz, the king of Judah, into joining their anti-Assyrian alliance.

The Siege

The biblical account of the siege is found in 2 Kings 16 and Isaiah 7. Pekah and Rezin marched against Jerusalem, intending to dethrone Ahaz and replace him with a puppet king who would support their coalition. The Berean Standard Bible records this event in 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."

Despite the formidable threat posed by the allied forces of Israel and Aram, the siege did not succeed. The prophet Isaiah was sent by God to reassure King Ahaz, urging him to trust in the Lord rather than in foreign alliances. Isaiah 7:4-7 states: "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. 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.'"

Theological Significance

The siege of Jerusalem by Pekah is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite Ahaz's lack of faith and his inclination to seek help from Assyria, God intervened to protect Jerusalem. This event underscores the biblical theme that reliance on God, rather than on human alliances or military might, is the true source of security and deliverance.

Furthermore, the prophecy given to Ahaz through Isaiah included the promise of Immanuel, a sign of God's presence with His people (Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy is seen by Christians as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is "God with us."

Aftermath

The failure of Pekah and Rezin's siege had significant repercussions. Ahaz, in his desperation, sought assistance from Tiglath-Pileser III, leading to Judah becoming a vassal state of Assyria. This decision had long-term consequences for Judah, as it entangled the nation in the political machinations of the Assyrian Empire.

Pekah's alliance with Rezin ultimately led to his downfall. The Assyrians, responding to Ahaz's plea, invaded the northern kingdom, capturing significant territories and weakening Israel. Pekah was eventually assassinated by Hoshea, who became the last king of Israel before its fall to Assyria in 722 BC.

The siege of Jerusalem by Pekah remains a testament to the complex interplay of faith, politics, and divine intervention in the history of God's chosen people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 16:5
Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.
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Library

How Upon the Death of Jotham, Ahaz Reigned in his Stead; against ...
... and Pekah, the king of Israel, who were now at amity one with another, made war
with him; and when they had driven him into Jerusalem, they besieged that city ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how upon the.htm

Nineveh.
... of the ruin of "these two tails of smoking firebrands," Pekah and Rezin ... He invaded
Judea, took forty-six cities, and besieged Jerusalem, raising a mound to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Pekah Died By The Treachery Of Hoshea Who Was A Little After ... How Aretas And Hyrcanus
Made An Expedition Against Aristobulus And Besieged Jerusalem; And How ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Ahaz
... "Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to
Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz." 2 Kings 16:5. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 27 ahaz.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... and protector of southern Canaan; with Jerusalem in their ... Ahaz became his vassal;
Pekah was put to death, and ... was shut up in his capital and closely besieged. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Woman of Samaria
... Pekah, the king of Israel, had made friends with the ... he came on into the land of
Israel, besieged Samaria for ... was left to them, but the mere city of Jerusalem. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... Pekah, their king, they slew, Hoshea to rule over them ... I brought forth from the city
of Jerusalem; upon the ... who had not submitted to my yoke, I besieged 46 of ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... of Judah, with its strong fortress of Jerusalem, and at ... Rezon was closely besieged
in his capital, while the ... Pekah was put to death, and Hosea appointed by the ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... the years preceding the war against Pekah and Rezin ... whom thou trustest deceive thee,
saying, Jerusalem shall not ... whose number is unequalled, I besieged and took ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... campaign against the Medes"Invasion of Urartu and end of its supremacy"Alliance
of Pekah and Rezin against Ahaz: the war in Judaea and siege of Jerusalem. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm