The "Son of Remaliah" is a designation used in the Old Testament to refer to Pekah, the king of Israel. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah. His reign and actions are documented in the books of 2 Kings and Isaiah.

Historical Context

Pekah, the son of Remaliah, was a military officer before he became king. He rose to power by assassinating Pekahiah, the son of Menahem, and seizing the throne of Israel. His reign is estimated to have lasted from approximately 752 to 732 BC. Pekah's rule is marked by political instability and conflict, both internally and with neighboring nations.

Biblical References

The primary biblical references to the son of Remaliah are found in 2 Kings 15 and Isaiah 7. In 2 Kings 15:25, the text states, "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 reign is further characterized by his alliance with Rezin, king of Aram (Syria), against Judah. This coalition aimed to pressure King Ahaz of Judah into joining their resistance against the Assyrian Empire. Isaiah 7:1-2 describes this alliance: "Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but they could not overpower it. When it was reported to the house of David, 'Aram has allied with Ephraim,' the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind."

Prophetic Significance

The son of Remaliah is notably mentioned in the prophetic context of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah was sent by God to reassure King Ahaz of Judah not to fear the alliance of Rezin and Pekah. Isaiah 7:4-7 records God's message: "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. For 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.'"

This prophecy highlights the sovereignty of God over the political machinations of human rulers and serves as a reminder of His protection over the Davidic line, from which the Messiah would eventually come.

Downfall and Legacy

Pekah's reign came to an end when he was assassinated by Hoshea, who then became the last king of Israel before the Assyrian conquest. The biblical account in 2 Kings 15:30 states, "Then Hoshea son of Elah conspired against Pekah son of Remaliah. He attacked and killed him, and reigned in his place, in the twentieth year of Jotham son of Uzziah."

The son of Remaliah's legacy is one of political intrigue and failed alliances, serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God's guidance and seeking security through human alliances. His account is a testament to the tumultuous period of the divided kingdom and the prophetic messages that sought to guide the people back to faithfulness to God.