The Hebrew name Rᵉmalyâhûw, represented by H7425, means Jah has bedecked. It appears 13 times across 13 unique verses in the biblical record. The name itself belongs to an Israelite, Remaliah, who is known exclusively as the father of Pekah, a king of Israel. Consequently, the term is always used to identify Pekah, often in contexts of political and military conflict.
In the biblical narrative, H7425 is consistently used to identify King Pekah, particularly in his role as an adversary to the kingdom of Judah. Pekah, "the son of Remaliah," formed an alliance with Rezin, king of Syria, to wage war H4421 against Jerusalem Isaiah 7:1. Despite their aggression, the LORD H3068 instructed Isaiah to tell King Ahaz not to fear H3372 or be fainthearted H7401 because of Rezin and "the son of Remaliah," dismissing them as mere "smoking firebrands" Isaiah 7:4. The name also serves as a historical marker for a period of intense violence; Pekah himself rose to power as a captain H7991 who conspired against and killed his predecessor 2 Kings 15:25, and his reign ended when he was slain H4191 in another conspiracy 2 Kings 15:30.
Several related words help frame the context surrounding Remaliah's son, Pekah:
- H7195 qesher (conspiracy): This word defines the political instability of the era. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, took the throne by forming a conspiracy H7194 2 Kings 15:25. His own rule was terminated by a conspiracy H7195 led by Hoshea 2 Kings 15:30.
- H4421 milchâmâh (war): The son of Remaliah is largely characterized by his efforts to wage war H4421 against Judah. He and King Rezin went up to Jerusalem for war, besieging H6696 it but ultimately failing to overcome H3898 it 2 Kings 16:5.
- H2026 hârag (to slay): This term underscores the bloodshed during Pekah's campaigns. As the son of Remaliah, he slew H2026 one hundred and twenty thousand men in Judah in a single day 2 Chronicles 28:6.
The theological weight of H7425 is seen through the narrative of Remaliah's son:
- Divine Sovereignty over Political Upheaval: The LORD H3068 is portrayed as fully in control of events. He began H2490 to send Rezin and the son of Remaliah against Judah as a form of judgment 2 Kings 15:37, yet He also demonstrates His power by assuring Judah they need not fear H3372 these kings Isaiah 7:4.
- Consequences of Forsaking God: The military success of Remaliah's son against Judah is directly tied to Judah's faithlessness. The scripture notes that Pekah's slaughter of valiant H2428 men occurred because they had forsaken H5800 the LORD God H430 of their fathers 2 Chronicles 28:6.
- The Test of Faith: The threat from "Remaliah's son" becomes a critical test of faith for King Ahaz and Judah. The LORD promises deliverance, but adds, "If ye will not believe H539, surely ye shall not be established H539" Isaiah 7:9, contrasting the fear of an earthly alliance with the necessity of trusting in God.
In summary, H7425 is more than just a paternal name; it functions as an identifier for a key antagonist in the history of Israel and Judah. Remaliah is known only as the father of King Pekah, whose reign was marked by conspiracy H7195, war H4421, and great bloodshed 2 Chronicles 28:6. The repeated use of "son of Remaliah" frames the conflict between the northern and southern kingdoms, while ultimately demonstrating the LORD's absolute sovereignty over the plans of kings and the destiny of nations.
TRV