2 Kings 16:5

KJV

¶ 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].

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Rezin {H7526} king {H4428} of Syria {H758} and Pekah {H6492} son {H1121} of Remaliah {H7425} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} came up {H5927} to Jerusalem {H3389} to war {H4421}: and they besieged {H6696} Ahaz {H271}, but could {H3201} not overcome {H3898} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Retzin king of Aram and Pekach son of Remalyah, king of Isra'el, came up to fight against Yerushalayim. They put Achaz under siege, but they could not overcome him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 16:5 details the onset of the Syro-Ephraimite War, a critical geopolitical conflict during the reign of King Ahaz of Judah. It describes the formidable alliance between King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel, who launched a concerted attack on Jerusalem with the aim of deposing Ahaz. Despite their overwhelming military might and the city's vulnerable position, the verse concludes with a crucial declaration: they "could not overcome" Ahaz, subtly hinting at a divine restraint that preserved the Davidic dynasty and Jerusalem, even in the face of Judah's escalating unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the narrative of King Ahaz's reign in 2 Kings 16, immediately following the grim assessment of his unrighteous character and idolatrous practices (2 Kings 16:2-4). It sets the stage for the major crisis of his rule, the Syro-Ephraimite War, which is also extensively covered in the book of [Isaiah, particularly chapters 7-9](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7-9 - The Syro-Ephraimite War and Immanuel Prophecy"). The account in 2 Kings 16:5-9 presents the historical events, while Isaiah provides the prophetic commentary and God's direct word to Ahaz concerning this very siege. The failure of Rezin and Pekah to conquer Jerusalem, as stated in this verse, is a pivotal moment that directly precedes Ahaz's fateful decision to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for help (2 Kings 16:7-9), a decision that would have profound and negative long-term consequences for Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 734-732 BCE) arose from the geopolitical tensions of the late 8th century BCE. The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III, was rapidly expanding, threatening the independence of smaller kingdoms in the Levant. In response, King Rezin of Syria (Damascus) and King Pekah of Israel formed an anti-Assyrian coalition. Judah, under King Ahaz, refused to join this alliance, likely due to a combination of fear of Assyria and perhaps a misguided sense of security. To force Judah's compliance and to create a unified front against Assyria, Rezin and Pekah launched an invasion, intending to depose Ahaz and install a puppet ruler, "the son of Tabeal" (as mentioned in [Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Son of Tabeal")), who would be amenable to their anti-Assyrian agenda. The act of besieging a city involved cutting off its supplies, launching assaults, and attempting to breach its walls, a desperate and dangerous situation for the inhabitants.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Kings 16:5 contributes to several overarching themes within the broader narrative of the Books of Kings and the Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty and Covenant Faithfulness** of God. Despite Ahaz's profound unfaithfulness and the serious threat posed by the coalition, God, in His faithfulness to the Davidic covenant (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")), supernaturally restrains the enemies, preventing the overthrow of Jerusalem and the Davidic line. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness and the Test of Trust**. The siege served as a crucial test for Ahaz, an opportunity to trust in the Lord's deliverance as urged by the prophet Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 7:4](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4 - Isaiah's Counsel to Ahaz")). Ahaz's subsequent failure to trust God, choosing instead to rely on the Assyrian king, would lead to Judah's increasing subjugation and spiritual decline, demonstrating the severe repercussions of misdirected faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **besieged (Hebrew, _tsur'_):** This verb means "to bind," "to tie up," and in the context of warfare, "to lay siege to." It vividly conveys the act of surrounding a city to cut off its access and starve its inhabitants, aiming for its capture. The use of this word emphasizes the dire and immediate threat faced by Jerusalem and its king, Ahaz. It signifies a sustained, aggressive military action designed to conquer.
* **overcome (Hebrew, _yakol'_):** This crucial verb means "to be able," "to prevail," "to be strong enough," or "to succeed." Its negation here, "could not overcome," is highly significant. Despite their combined military might, their strategic objective, and the act of besieging, Rezin and Pekah were ultimately *unable* to achieve their primary goal of conquering Jerusalem and replacing Ahaz. This inability points to a power greater than their own that limited their success, implying divine intervention or restraint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war":** This clause identifies the two key aggressors, King Rezin of Aram (Syria) and King Pekah of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Their combined forces represented a formidable military power. The phrase "came up to Jerusalem to war" clearly states their hostile intent and direct target: the capital city of Judah and its king, Ahaz. This was not a mere skirmish but a full-scale military campaign aimed at conquest.
* **"and they besieged Ahaz":** This specifies the immediate action taken by the allied kings. They laid siege to Jerusalem, the city where King Ahaz resided. This act indicates a sustained military operation, encircling the city to cut off supplies and launch attacks, aiming to force its surrender. The focus on "Ahaz" implies that the siege was directly against the king and his reign, with the specific goal of dethroning him.
* **"but could not overcome [him].":** This is the pivotal and surprising conclusion of the verse. Despite the strength of the coalition, their strategic objective, and the successful initiation of the siege, they failed to achieve their ultimate goal of conquering Jerusalem and deposing Ahaz. The phrase "could not overcome" (literally, "were not able") implies an external limitation on their power, strongly suggesting divine intervention or protection, even though God is not explicitly named as the agent. This outcome is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding the Davidic line, regardless of Ahaz's personal unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its theological and narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the unexpected failure of the powerful coalition to conquer Jerusalem; this hints at God's continued, though often hidden, preservation of the Davidic line, which is crucial for the future messianic promise. The **Irony** of the situation is palpable: two strong kings, with a clear objective and overwhelming force, are thwarted in their primary aim, creating a stark contrast between their perceived might and their ultimate inability. This highlights the limitations of human power when confronted by divine will. Furthermore, the phrase "could not overcome him" functions as a form of **Divine Passive** or **Implied Divine Action**. While God is not explicitly mentioned as the one preventing their success, the narrative context (especially when read alongside Isaiah's prophecies) strongly implies that it was God's sovereign hand that restrained Rezin and Pekah, demonstrating His control over the plans of nations without directly stating His intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 16:5 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of profound human unfaithfulness. The preservation of Jerusalem and the Davidic throne, despite Ahaz's idolatry and the overwhelming military threat, underscores the truth that God's purposes are not contingent upon human righteousness but upon His own unchanging character and sworn word. This event is a testament to God's sovereign control over history and His commitment to the Davidic covenant, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. It serves as a stark reminder that while nations may rage and conspire, God's counsel alone will stand, frustrating the plans of the wicked when they run counter to His divine will.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Isaiah 7:7](/isaiah/7-7 "Isaiah 7:7 - God's Promise of Deliverance")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The unexpected outcome in 2 Kings 16:5—that the powerful coalition "could not overcome" Ahaz—offers profound lessons on divine sovereignty and human trust. It reminds us that even when we face overwhelming opposition or are caught in difficult circumstances, God's providential hand can restrain the plans of the wicked and protect His purposes. This is a source of immense comfort, knowing that our ultimate security rests not in human alliances or military might, but in the Lord's unfailing faithfulness. However, the context of Ahaz's unfaithfulness also serves as a cautionary tale. While God preserved Jerusalem, Ahaz's subsequent decision to trust Assyria rather than God led to further subjugation and spiritual compromise. This prompts us to examine where our trust truly lies when faced with crises. Do we seek human solutions and alliances, or do we turn to God, even when His way seems less expedient or visible? This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's ultimate control, knowing that His purposes will prevail, and His protection is sure for those who walk in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the phrase "but could not overcome him" challenge our understanding of divine sovereignty in the face of human wickedness and formidable opposition?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human strength, political solutions, or worldly alliances rather than trusting in God's ultimate control and provision?**
* **What comfort can we draw from God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people or leaders are unfaithful?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary goal of Rezin and Pekah in besieging Jerusalem?**

Answer: Their primary goal was to depose King Ahaz of Judah and replace him with a puppet king, "the son of Tabeal" ([Isaiah 7:6](/isaiah/7-6 "Isaiah 7:6 - The Son of Tabeal")). This was part of their larger strategy to force Judah into their anti-Assyrian coalition, thereby creating a unified front against the expanding Neo-Assyrian Empire.

**Why were Rezin and Pekah unable to overcome Ahaz, despite their military strength and the successful initiation of the siege?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly state "God prevented them," the immediate prophetic context, particularly in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy"), strongly implies divine intervention and restraint. God had made a covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")) to establish his throne and kingdom forever. Despite Ahaz's unfaithfulness, God remained faithful to this covenant, ensuring the preservation of the Davidic lineage and Jerusalem, which was essential for the future coming of the Messiah. Their inability was not due to a lack of military prowess but a divine limitation on their power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine restraint evident in 2 Kings 16:5, where the powerful enemies "could not overcome" the Davidic king and Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line, despite the unfaithfulness of kings like Ahaz, was not for Ahaz's sake, but for the sake of His eternal covenant that promised a King from David's lineage whose kingdom would endure forever. This fragile preservation of the Davidic throne ultimately points to the unshakable reign of Jesus, the true Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Christ")). Just as the enemies of Judah could not prevail against God's immediate purpose, so too the powers of sin, death, and hell cannot prevail against Christ's church or His redemptive plan ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail")). Jesus is the ultimate overcomer, declaring, "I have overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). The temporary physical deliverance of Jerusalem foreshadows the eternal spiritual deliverance accomplished by Christ, who secured an everlasting victory for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 15:37

In those days the LORD began to send against Judah Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliah.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

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.

Isaiah 7:9

And the head of Ephraim [is] Samaria, and the head of Samaria [is] Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.