from רֶגֶם and מֶלֶךְ; king's heap; Regem-Melek, an Israelite; Regem-melech.
Transliteration:Regem Melek
Pronunciation:reh'-gem meh'-lek
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H7278}}` Regem-Melek is a compound proper noun derived from two distinct Hebrew words: רֶגֶם (regem) and מֶלֶךְ (melek). The root רֶגֶם (regem) typically denotes a "heap of stones," often a cairn or a pile, and can be associated with the act of stoning or a tumultuous gathering. The second component, מֶלֶךְ (melek), unequivocally means "king." Therefore, the literal translation of `{{H7278}}` is "king's heap" or "heap of the king." As a proper noun, its semantic range is narrow, serving primarily as the identifier for a specific individual. While the etymological meaning is intriguing, the biblical text does not explicitly elaborate on its significance in relation to the person bearing the name. Its function is nominative, pointing to a unique identity within the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H7278}}` Regem-Melek appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Zechariah:
* **[[Zechariah 7:2]]**: "Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek and their men to entreat the favor of the Lord."
In this sole occurrence, Regem-Melek is presented as a member of a delegation sent from Bethel to Jerusalem. The purpose of this delegation was to inquire of the priests and prophets regarding the ongoing observance of certain fasts, particularly those commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem, which had continued even after the return from exile. This event takes place in the fourth year of King Darius's reign. Regem-Melek's inclusion in this delegation suggests he was a person of some standing or influence within the community of Bethel, entrusted with a significant religious and civic responsibility. His role is purely that of a participant in this inquiry, and the text provides no further personal details or actions attributed to him. The context highlights a post-exilic community grappling with the proper forms of worship and remembrance in their restored land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of `{{H7278}}` connect it to broader biblical vocabulary:
* **רֶגֶם (regem):** This element relates to the verb רָגַם (ragam), meaning "to stone" or "to heap up stones." It evokes images of cairns, monuments, or even acts of judgment involving stones. While not directly linked to specific objects in Regem-Melek's context, the root carries associations of permanence or a significant accumulation.
* **מֶלֶךְ (melek):** This is one of the most fundamental Hebrew words, denoting "king," "ruler," or "sovereign." It is central to concepts of kingship, divine sovereignty, and the Davidic covenant. In the post-exilic period, the idea of "king" would have carried both historical weight (the former Judean monarchy) and future hope (the coming Messiah).
* **Delegation and Representation:** Regem-Melek's role as part of a delegation from Bethel connects him to the concept of communal representation in seeking divine counsel. This act underscores the importance of corporate inquiry and the mediation of religious authority (priests and prophets) in the post-exilic period.
* **Fasting and Lamentation:** The immediate context of Regem-Melek's appearance involves an inquiry about the continuation of fasts. This theme relates to national mourning, repentance, and the search for God's will concerning appropriate religious observance in a time of restoration.
### Theological Significance
As a figure mentioned only once in a specific historical context, the theological significance of Regem-Melek `{{H7278}}` is primarily derived from his participation in the events of [[Zechariah 7]].
1. **Seeking God's Will:** Regem-Melek is part of a group that actively seeks divine guidance from the Lord through His prophets. This act itself is theologically significant, demonstrating a desire for faithfulness and proper worship in a community that had recently returned from exile. It highlights the post-exilic emphasis on obedience to the Mosaic Law and the prophetic word.
2. **Bethel's Representation:** The delegation comes from Bethel, a site with a rich and complex biblical history, from Jacob's vision ([[Genesis 28:10-22]]) to its later association with idolatry under Jeroboam ([[1 Kings 12:28-33]]). The fact that people from Bethel are now earnestly seeking the Lord in Jerusalem suggests a movement towards spiritual renewal and a desire to align with orthodox worship, a significant theological shift for a place historically linked to apostasy.
3. **Symbolism of the Name (Speculative):** While the text does not interpret the name "king's heap," one might speculate on its symbolic resonance in the post-exilic context. "King's heap" could subtly allude to the ruins of the former Davidic kingdom, serving as a reminder of past judgments and the need for a new foundation. Alternatively, it might hint at the future restoration of a righteous king (Messiah) or the establishment of God's sovereign rule over a gathered people, building a new "heap" or foundation for the future. However, such interpretations remain speculative, as the text itself does not draw attention to the name's meaning.
### Summary
Regem-Melek `{{H7278}}` is a unique Hebrew proper noun meaning "king's heap," composed of רֶגֶם (regem, "heap") and מֶלֶךְ (melek, "king"). This name identifies an individual who appears only once in the biblical narrative, in [[Zechariah 7:2]]. He is part of a delegation from Bethel sent to Jerusalem to inquire of the priests and prophets regarding the continued observance of fasts. Regem-Melek's significance lies not in any specific action or teaching attributed to him, but in his representative role within a post-exilic community actively seeking divine guidance and demonstrating a desire for renewed faithfulness and proper worship before the Lord. His name, while etymologically intriguing, is not expounded upon in the biblical text, serving primarily as a personal identifier within a pivotal moment of religious inquiry in the book of Zechariah.
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