Pekahiah, the son of Menahem, was the king of Israel who reigned in Samaria. 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.

Reign and Historical Context

Pekahiah's reign is situated during a tumultuous period in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The kingdom was experiencing political instability and moral decline, which was reflected in the frequent changes of leadership and the pervasive idolatry among the people. Pekahiah's rule is marked by the continuation of the policies of his father, Menahem, who had maintained Israel's independence by paying tribute to the Assyrian Empire.

Biblical Account

The biblical account in 2 Kings 15:23-24 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. 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."

Pekahiah's reign is characterized by his failure to depart from the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom. This continued disobedience to the covenantal laws of Yahweh contributed to the spiritual and political decline of Israel.

Assassination and Succession

Pekahiah's reign came to an abrupt end through a conspiracy led by one of his own military officers, Pekah son of Remaliah. The biblical narrative in 2 Kings 15:25 describes the assassination: "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 coup was not only a political maneuver but also a reflection of the internal strife and dissatisfaction within the kingdom. The assassination of Pekahiah and the rise of Pekah marked another chapter in the cycle of violence and instability that plagued the Northern Kingdom.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Pekahiah's reign serves as a reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience to God's commandments. The narrative underscores the theme of divine judgment upon Israel for its continued idolatry and failure to uphold the covenant. The brief and violent nature of Pekahiah's rule illustrates the instability that results from turning away from the Lord.

Pekahiah's account, though brief, is a part of the larger narrative of the kings of Israel, highlighting the need for faithfulness to God and the dangers of political and spiritual compromise.Pekahiah's (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 15:26
Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
(See NIV)

Pekahiah's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pekahiah's (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 15:26 Now the
rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that he did, behold ...
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Pekahiah (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PEKAHIAH. ... This league, Pekahiah, preferring his
father's policy of tributary vassalage, may have refused to join. ...
/p/pekahiah.htm - 10k

Pekah's (1 Occurrence)

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Pekahi'ah (3 Occurrences)
Pekahi'ah. Pekahiah, Pekahi'ah. Pekahiah's . ... 2 Kings 15:22 And Menahem slept
with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead. (See RSV). ...
/p/pekahi'ah.htm - 7k

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