Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Calamities of, Mentioned: Besieged But not Taken by Rezin and Pekah

◄ Jerusalem: Calamities of, Mentioned: Besieged But not Taken by Rezin and Pekah ►

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Jerusalem, the ancient and sacred city, has been the focal point of numerous historical and biblical events, including various calamities and sieges. One notable event is the attempted siege by Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel, during the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah. This event is recorded in the biblical narrative and highlights the divine protection over Jerusalem despite the formidable threats it faced.

The historical context of this siege is found in the geopolitical tensions of the 8th century BC. Rezin and Pekah formed an alliance to resist the expanding Assyrian Empire and sought to coerce Judah into joining their coalition. When King Ahaz refused, they turned their military might against Jerusalem, intending to dethrone him and install a puppet ruler who would align with their interests.

The account of this siege is detailed in the book of 2 Kings and the book of Isaiah. In 2 Kings 16:5 , it is written: "Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to wage war against Jerusalem; they besieged Ahaz but could not overpower him." This passage underscores the failure of Rezin and Pekah to capture the city, despite their concerted efforts.

The prophet Isaiah provides further insight into this event. In Isaiah 7:1-2 , the text states: "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 prevail against it. When it was reported to the house of David, 'Aram has camped in Ephraim,' the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind."

The fear and anxiety experienced by Ahaz and the people of Judah are palpable, yet the narrative reveals a divine assurance of protection. Isaiah, acting as God's messenger, delivers a prophecy to Ahaz, encouraging him to remain firm in faith. Isaiah 7:4-7 records the words of the Lord through Isaiah: "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 divine intervention and promise of deliverance highlight the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and His particular care for Jerusalem. Despite the immediate threat, the city was preserved, and the plans of Rezin and Pekah were thwarted. This event serves as a testament to the enduring significance of Jerusalem in biblical history and the protective hand of God over His chosen city.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 7:1
And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... seeing them indifferent to their calamities, and inveighed ... thou trustest deceive
thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not ... of the canton of Haleh, mentioned in Syrian ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm