### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Pᵉqachyâh**, represented by `{{H6494}}`, means **Jah has observed**. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses** and refers to **Pekahiah**, an Israelite king. The name is a compound of the words for "to open" (observe) and "Jah," indicating a theological statement within a personal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6494}}` identifies **Pekahiah** as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of king Menahem `{{H4505}}`, whom he succeeded on the throne [[2 Kings 15:22]]. His reign over **Israel** `{{H3478}}` from **Samaria** `{{H8111}}` began in the fiftieth **year** `{{H8141}}` of Azariah `{{H5838}}`, **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}`, and lasted for two years [[2 Kings 15:23]]. The record concludes by stating that the **rest** `{{H3499}}` of his **acts** `{{H1697}}` are **written** `{{H3789}}` in the **book** `{{H5612}}` of the chronicles of the **kings** `{{H4428}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[2 Kings 15:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the reign of **Pekahiah**:
* `{{H4505}}` **Mᵉnachêm** (comforter; Menachem, an Israelite): This is the name of **Pekahiah**'s father, establishing his direct succession to the throne [[2 Kings 15:22]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne): This verb describes the primary action associated with **Pekahiah**, his ascent to the throne and his rule over Israel [[2 Kings 15:23]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is applied to **Pekahiah**, his father Menahem, and the contemporary king of Judah, Azariah, placing his story within the historical record of the kings [[2 Kings 15:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6494}}` is seen in the principles its narrative illustrates.
* **A Preserved Record:** The narrative's reference to the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel" [[2 Kings 15:26]] underscores the importance of recording the history of Israel's leaders, ensuring their **acts** `{{H1697}}` are not forgotten. The word for this record, **çêpher** `{{H5612}}`, signifies a documented history.
* **Kingly Succession:** The account emphasizes lineage by identifying **Pekahiah** as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Menahem** `{{H4505}}` who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` in his stead [[2 Kings 15:22]]. This highlights the continuity and transfer of power within the monarchy of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`.
* **Divine Observation:** The name **Pᵉqachyâh** `{{H6494}}` itself means "Jah has observed." This implies that even a king with a very brief, two-**year** `{{H8141}}` reign was under the watch of God, whose observation of human leadership is a consistent biblical theme.
### Summary
In summary, **Pᵉqachyâh** `{{H6494}}` is the proper name of an Israelite king whose brief reign is documented in the historical records. The account of his rule, though short, is framed by the key elements of his time: his lineage as the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Menahem** `{{H4505}}` and his position as a **king** `{{H4428}}` over **Israel** `{{H3478}}` in **Samaria** `{{H8111}}`. The name itself, "Jah has observed," serves as a reminder of God's oversight of all leaders, regardless of the length or impact of their time in power.
TRV