Pekahiah, the son of Menahem, was a king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is recorded in the biblical narrative found in 2 Kings 15:22-26. Pekahiah ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Menahem, and his rule is noted to have lasted for two years in Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom.

The biblical account provides a brief but significant insight into Pekahiah's reign, highlighting the political instability and moral decline that characterized the period. The Berean Standard Bible states, "In the fiftieth year of Azariah’s reign over Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria two years" (2 Kings 15:23). This timeframe places Pekahiah's rule during a tumultuous era in Israel's history, marked by frequent changes in leadership and external threats.

Pekahiah's reign is described as one that continued in the sinful practices of his predecessors. The biblical text notes, "And he did evil in the sight of the LORD and did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit" (2 Kings 15:24). This reference to Jeroboam's sins underscores the persistent idolatry and departure from the covenantal faithfulness expected by God, which plagued the northern kingdom.

The brevity of Pekahiah's reign is attributed to a conspiracy led by one of his own military officers, Pekah son of Remaliah. The narrative details the violent overthrow, stating, "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 Pekahiah and reigned in his place" (2 Kings 15:25). This act of treachery highlights the internal strife and power struggles that were prevalent in Israel during this period.

Pekahiah's assassination by Pekah marks a significant transition in the leadership of Israel, as Pekah would go on to rule for twenty years. The political intrigue and violence that characterized Pekahiah's demise reflect the broader themes of disobedience and divine judgment that are recurrent in the historical books of the Old Testament.

The account of Pekahiah serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the instability that ensues when leaders fail to uphold righteousness. His brief and tumultuous reign is a testament to the challenges faced by the kings of Israel in maintaining both political power and spiritual fidelity.2 Kings 15:25
But Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his room.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... once put a truce to their petty discords, and united in arms against the strangers ...
but they were routed not far from Gibeon, and their chiefs killed or mutilated ...
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