Regem-melech is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Zechariah. His name appears in Zechariah 7:2, where he is identified as one of the individuals sent to inquire of the Lord. The name "Regem-melech" can be translated to mean "friend of the king" or "king's official," suggesting a position of some importance or influence.

Biblical Context

In the post-exilic period, after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, the people of Israel were in the process of rebuilding the temple and re-establishing their religious practices. During this time, questions arose regarding the observance of certain fasts that had been instituted during the Babylonian exile. Zechariah 7:2-3 states: "Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer, Regem-melech, and their men to plead for the favor of the LORD, asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts and the prophets, 'Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for these many years?'"

Role and Significance

Regem-melech, along with Sharezer, was part of a delegation sent from Bethel to seek guidance from the Lord through the priests and prophets. This inquiry highlights the community's desire to align their practices with God's will, demonstrating a commitment to spiritual renewal and obedience. The question posed by Regem-melech and his companions reflects a broader concern among the returned exiles about how to properly worship and honor God in their restored homeland.

Theological Implications

The inquiry made by Regem-melech and his delegation underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in matters of religious observance. It also illustrates the transitional nature of the post-exilic community as they navigated the shift from exile to restoration. The response from the Lord, delivered through Zechariah, emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and justice over mere ritualistic observance. Zechariah 7:9-10 conveys this message: "Thus says the LORD of Hosts: 'Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.'"

Historical and Cultural Context

The mention of Regem-melech in the context of Bethel is significant, as Bethel was a notable religious center in the history of Israel. The city's association with Jacob's vision of the ladder (Genesis 28:10-19) and its later role as a center of idolatrous worship during the divided kingdom period (1 Kings 12:28-33) add layers of historical and spiritual meaning to the narrative. The returnees' inquiry from Bethel symbolizes a turning point, as they sought to restore true worship and align their practices with the covenantal relationship established by God.

Conclusion

While Regem-melech is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his role in the inquiry to the Lord reflects the broader themes of repentance, restoration, and the pursuit of authentic worship. His mention in Zechariah serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and prioritizing justice and compassion in the life of the covenant community.Friend of the king, one of the two messengers sent by the exiled Jews to Jerusalem in the time of Darius (Zechariah 7:2) to make inquiries at the temple. REGEM-MELECH

re'-gem-me'-lek, re'-gem-mel'-ek (reghem melekh): One of a deputation sent to inquire concerning the propriety of continuing the commemoration of the destruction of the temple by holding a fast (Zechariah 7:2). The text of the passage is in disorder. The name may mean "friend of the king"; hence, some have sought to remove the difficulty by interpreting reghem melekh as a title, not a personal name, reading the clause, "They of Beth-el had sent SHAREZER (q.v. (2)), the friend of the king."

7278. Regem Melek -- "king's heap," an Israelite
... NASB Word Usage Regemmelech (1). Regem-melech. From Regem and melek; king's heap;
Regem-Melek, an Israelite -- Regem-melech. see HEBREW Regem. see HEBREW melek. ...
/hebrew/7278.htm - 6kRegemmelech (1 Occurrence)
... temple. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. REGEM-MELECH. re'-gem ... king.".
Multi-Version Concordance Regemmelech (1 Occurrence). Zechariah 7 ...
/r/regemmelech.htm - 7k

Regem-melech (1 Occurrence)
Regem-melech. Regemmelech, Regem-melech. Reg'em-mel'ech . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Regemmelech, Regem-melech. Reg'em-mel'ech . Reference Bible.
/r/regem-melech.htm - 7k

Sharezer (5 Occurrences)
... spiritual heads of the community to inquire concerning the propriety of continuing
the fasts: "They of Beth-el had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech" (Zechariah 7 ...
/s/sharezer.htm - 10k

Reg'em-mel'ech (1 Occurrence)
Reg'em-mel'ech. Regem-melech, Reg'em-mel'ech. Regeneration . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Regem-melech, Reg'em-mel'ech. Regeneration . Reference Bible.
/r/reg'em-mel'ech.htm - 6k

Regem (2 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 7:2 The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and RegemMelech, and their men,
to entreat Yahweh's favor, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/r/regem.htm - 7k

Melech (7 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Zechariah 7:2 The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and RegemMelech, and their
men, to entreat Yahweh's favor, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/melech.htm - 9k

Bethel-sarezer (1 Occurrence)
... Bethel-sarezer (1 Occurrence). Zechariah 7:2 Now they of Beth-el had sent Sharezer
and Regem-melech, and their men, to entreat the favor of Jehovah, (See JPS). ...
/b/bethel-sarezer.htm - 6k

Appease (11 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Zechariah 7:2 And Beth-El sendeth Sherezer and Regem-Melech, and
its men, to appease the face of Jehovah, (YLT). Zechariah ...
/a/appease.htm - 10k

Sherezer (1 Occurrence)
... Zechariah 7:2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech,
and their men, to pray before the LORD, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/s/sherezer.htm - 7k

Share'zer (3 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Zechariah 7:2 Now they of Beth-el had sent Sharezer and
Regem-melech to make a request for grace from the Lord, (See RSV). ...
/s/share'zer.htm - 7k

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