### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Peqach**, represented by `{{H6492}}`, identifies an **Israelite king** named Pekah. Derived from a root meaning "watch," the name appears **11 times** in **11 unique verses**, exclusively documenting the turbulent reign of this historical figure. His story is recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative chronicles **Peqach's** rise to power and his subsequent violent reign over Israel. Originally a captain `{{H7991}}`, he **conspired** `{{H7194}}` against the king, Pekahiah, and **smote** `{{H5221}}` him in Samaria to **reign** `{{H4427}}` in his place [[2 Kings 15:25]]. As **king** `{{H4428}}`, he allied with Rezin, king of Syria, to wage **war** `{{H4421}}` against Judah, besieging Jerusalem but failing to **overcome** `{{H3898}}` it ([[2 Kings 16:5]], [[Isaiah 7:1]]). In one notable conflict, **Peqach** **slew** `{{H2026}}` 120,000 men in Judah because they had **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[2 Chronicles 28:6]]. His reign ended as it began; after twenty years, Hoshea formed a **conspiracy** `{{H7195}}` against **Peqach**, smiting and slaying him to seize the throne ([[2 Kings 15:27]], [[2 Kings 15:30]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of Pekah's story:
* `{{H7195}}` **qesher** (conspiracy): This term defines the primary means of political change in Pekah's narrative. He both rose to power and was ultimately overthrown by a **conspiracy** [[2 Kings 15:30]]. It denotes an unlawful alliance or treason.
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This root word is central to Pekah's identity as a **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`. The chronicles use it to mark the beginning of his rule [[2 Kings 15:27]] and the reigns of other kings relative to his own ([[2 Kings 15:32]], [[2 Kings 16:1]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This word describes the violent acts central to Pekah's story. He **smote** `{{H5221}}` his predecessor to take the throne [[2 Kings 15:25]], and was in turn **smote** `{{H5221}}` by his successor [[2 Kings 15:30]].
### Theological Significance
The account of `{{H6492}}` Pekah carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key principles:
* **The Cycle of Conspiracy:** Pekah’s story demonstrates a pattern of treachery. He took the throne through a **conspiracy** `{{H7195}}` and was deposed by the same method, highlighting the unstable and self-destructive nature of power gained through illegitimate means ([[2 Kings 15:25]], [[2 Kings 15:30]]).
* **An Instrument of Judgment:** The LORD `{{H3068}}` is shown to have **sent** `{{H7971}}` Pekah and his allies against Judah as a form of divine discipline [[2 Kings 15:37]]. Pekah's brutal slaughter of the men of Judah is directly linked to their having **forsaken** `{{H5800}}` God [[2 Chronicles 28:6]].
* **National Consequences of Leadership:** During Pekah’s reign, **Israel** `{{H3478}}` suffered a major loss of territory, as the king of Assyria **took** `{{H3947}}` many cities and **carried them captive** `{{H1540}}` [[2 Kings 15:29]]. This connects the king's tumultuous rule to divine judgment and hardship for the entire nation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6492}}` **Peqach** is more than a historical name; it is synonymous with a period of violence, conspiracy, and judgment in the history of Israel. His reign, which began and ended with treason, serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of unfaithful leadership. The narrative of his life and death underscores how God can use even flawed and violent rulers to enact His judgment, while also showing that such reigns ultimately lead to ruin for both the leader and the nation.
TRV