The Hebrew name Rᵉchûwm, represented by H7348, is a proper noun identified in scripture as Rehum. It appears 8 times in 8 unique verses. The base definition indicates it is the name of a Persian and of three Israelites. The individuals named Rehum are found primarily in the narratives of Ezra and Nehemiah, placing them within the context of the post-exilic period.
The name H7348 is associated with several distinct individuals in the Old Testament. The most prominent is Rehum the chancellor, a Persian official who, with Shimshai the scribe, wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem Ezra 4:8. This action prompted a royal decree, which Rehum and his companions enforced by force and power Ezra 4:23. Other individuals named Rehum include an Israelite who returned with Zerubbabel Ezra 2:2, a Levite and son of Bani who repaired the wall of Jerusalem Nehemiah 3:17, one who sealed the covenant Nehemiah 10:25, and one listed among those who returned with Zerubbabel Nehemiah 12:3.
Several Aramaic words are closely associated with the activities of Rehum the chancellor:
- H1169 bᵉʻêl: Defined as a master or husband, it is used in the phrase for chancellor (Ezra 4:8, Ezra 4:9, Ezra 4:17). This title signifies his position of authority within the Persian administration.
- H2942 ṭᵉʻêm: This word means flavor or judgment and is also part of the phrase for chancellor, but is also used for a decree or command (Ezra 4:8, Ezra 4:9, Ezra 4:17). It highlights his role in executing royal orders.
- H3675 kᵉnâth: Meaning a colleague or companion, this word identifies those who worked alongside Rehum in his opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Ezra 4:9, Ezra 4:17, Ezra 4:23).
- H5613 çâphêr: This word for scribe identifies Rehum's key associate, Shimshai, who co-authored the letter against Jerusalem (Ezra 4:8, Ezra 4:9).
The narrative significance of H7348 is primarily understood through the contrasting roles of the men who bear this name.
- Symbol of Opposition: Rehum the chancellor serves as a primary antagonist in the book of Ezra. His official letter and subsequent actions represent the political and external forces that actively opposed the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, creating a significant obstacle for the Jews (Ezra 4:8, Ezra 4:23).
- Participant in Restoration: In contrast, the Israelites named Rehum embody faithfulness and participation in God's plan. They are listed among the first returnees from exile Ezra 2:2, as active builders of the city wall Nehemiah 3:17, and as those who solemnly committed to the covenant, signifying their dedication to rebuilding the nation of Israel Nehemiah 10:25.
In summary, Rehum H7348 is not a symbolic term but the proper name of several historical figures whose actions are pivotal to the post-exilic narrative. The name is most famously attached to a Persian chancellor who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem, yet it is also borne by faithful Israelites—a Levite, a priest, and a covenant-maker—who dedicated themselves to the city's restoration. The use of this single name for figures on opposite sides of the conflict highlights the internal and external struggles faced by Israel during this critical period of its history.
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