from פָּקַח; watch; Pekach, an Israelite king; Pekah.
Transliteration:Peqach
Pronunciation:peh'-kakh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Peqach (פֶּקַח, `{{H6492}}`) is a proper noun, specifically the name of an Israelite king. It is derived from the verb paqach (פָּקַח, `{{H6491}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to open," particularly in reference to eyes, but also to "watch," "look," or "observe." Thus, the name Peqach etymologically signifies "one who opens" or "one who watches/observes." While its root suggests an act of perception or vigilance, as a proper noun, its semantic range is confined to the historical figure it denotes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Peqach (Pekah) is prominently featured in the historical books of 2 Kings and the prophetic book of Isaiah. He is identified as the son of Remaliah and reigned as king over Israel (the Northern Kingdom) for twenty years in Samaria (2 Kings 15:27). His accession to the throne was marked by violence, as he conspired against and assassinated his predecessor, Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:25).
Biblical accounts consistently depict Pekah's reign as one of wickedness in the sight of the LORD (2 Kings 15:28). A pivotal event during his rule was the formation of an alliance with Rezin, king of Aram (Syria), against Judah. This coalition, known as the Syro-Ephraimite War, aimed to depose King Ahaz of Judah and install a puppet ruler (2 Kings 15:37, 2 Kings 16:5, Isaiah 7:1-6). This political crisis in Judah prompted the prophet Isaiah to deliver significant messages of divine reassurance and judgment to Ahaz, including the sign of Immanuel (Isaiah 7).
Despite his aggressive foreign policy, Pekah's reign also saw significant territorial losses. Tiglath-Pileser III, king of Assyria, invaded Israel, conquering numerous cities, including Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, and forcibly exiling their inhabitants to Assyria (2 Kings 15:29). Pekah's reign ultimately ended with his assassination by Hoshea, son of Elah, who then succeeded him as king (2 Kings 15:30).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to Peqach is its verbal root, paqach (פָּקַח, `{{H6491}}`). This root is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the opening of eyes, whether literally (e.g., God opening Hagar's eyes to see the well in [[Genesis 21:19]]; Elisha praying for his servant's eyes to be opened in [[2 Kings 6:17]]) or metaphorically, indicating spiritual understanding or insight (e.g., opening the eyes of the blind in [[Isaiah 35:5]], [[Isaiah 42:7]]).
Conceptually, Pekah's reign is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Northern Kingdom's decline, marked by persistent idolatry, political instability, and a succession of violent regicides. His actions are set against the backdrop of Assyria's burgeoning imperial power, which served as God's instrument of judgment against Israel's unfaithfulness. The Syro-Ephraimite War, in which Pekah was a central figure, is a crucial historical context for understanding the prophetic messages of Isaiah concerning God's sovereignty over nations and His covenant faithfulness to Judah.
### Theological Significance
The name Peqach, meaning "one who opens" or "one who watches," stands in ironic juxtaposition to the spiritual blindness and lack of discernment that characterized his reign. Despite his name, Pekah did not "watch" for the LORD's will, but rather pursued a path of wickedness and political intrigue (2 Kings 15:28). His violent ascent to power and his alliance against Judah demonstrate a profound disregard for the divine covenant and the Davidic line.
Pekah's actions, particularly his aggression against Judah, served as a catalyst for divine intervention and prophetic warning through Isaiah. The Lord's promise to Ahaz in [[Isaiah 7]] underscores God's unwavering sovereignty, even amidst the wicked schemes of kings like Pekah. The historical account of Pekah's reign vividly illustrates the spiritual decay and political chaos that plagued the Northern Kingdom, ultimately leading to its downfall and exile by Assyria. His assassination and the subsequent exile are presented as divine judgment for Israel's persistent idolatry and rejection of God's commands. Thus, Pekah's story reinforces the biblical theme of divine justice meted out against unrighteous leadership and nations that turn away from the LORD.
### Summary
Peqach (פֶּקַח, `{{H6492}}`) is the Hebrew proper noun for a king of Israel, derived from the root paqach (פָּקַח, `{{H6491}}`), meaning "to open" or "to watch." Reigning for twenty years in Samaria, Pekah, son of Remaliah, seized the throne through the assassination of Pekahiah (2 Kings 15:25). His rule was consistently described as evil in the sight of the LORD (2 Kings 15:28). A defining feature of his reign was the formation of an alliance with King Rezin of Aram against Judah, initiating the Syro-Ephraimite War, which prompted significant prophecies from Isaiah (Isaiah 7:1-6). During his time, Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria invaded Israel, conquering territories and exiling inhabitants (2 Kings 15:29). Pekah's reign concluded with his assassination by Hoshea (2 Kings 15:30). Theologically, Pekah's name ironically contrasts with his spiritual blindness and wickedness, symbolizing the Northern Kingdom's persistent rebellion and the unfolding of God's judgment that led to its eventual destruction and exile.
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