from an unused root and יָהּ (perhaps meaning to deck); Jah has bedecked; Remaljah, an Israelite; Remaliah.
Transliteration:Rᵉmalyâhûw
Pronunciation:rem-al-yaw'-hoo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun רְמַלְיָהוּ (`{{H7425}}`, transliterated as *Rᵉmalyâhûw*) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. The suffix -yâhûw is a full form of Yah (`{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh). The initial element, Rᵉmal-, is derived from an unused root which, according to the Strong's definition, "perhaps mean[s] to deck" or "to adorn." Therefore, the most widely accepted meaning of Rᵉmalyâhûw is "Yah has bedecked" or "Yahweh has adorned." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to this specific etymological meaning and its direct referent in the biblical text. The name itself suggests divine favor, beauty, or the bestowal of honor by God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Rᵉmalyâhûw (`{{H7425}}`) appears exclusively in the biblical narrative as the father of Pekah, a king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Pekah is consistently identified by his patronymic, "Pekah son of Remaliah," across various historical and prophetic books.
* In 2 Kings, Remaliah is mentioned as the father of Pekah, who assassinated Pekahiah and seized the throne of Israel ([[2 Kings 15:25]], [[2 Kings 15:27]]). Pekah's reign is noted for its wickedness, continuing the pattern of idolatry in the northern kingdom. His reign is also marked by significant conflict with Judah, particularly during the Syro-Ephraimite War ([[2 Kings 16:5]]).
* The prophet Isaiah frequently refers to "Pekah son of Remaliah" in his prophecies concerning the Syro-Ephraimite War, where Pekah allied with Rezin of Aram against King Ahaz of Judah ([[Isaiah 7:1]], [[Isaiah 7:4]], [[Isaiah 7:5]], [[Isaiah 7:9]]). Isaiah's prophecies during this period often condemn the actions of both Israel and Judah, foretelling divine judgment.
* In 2 Chronicles, the same historical events are recounted, with Pekah son of Remaliah leading a devastating attack against Judah ([[2 Chronicles 28:6]]).
The consistent use of the patronymic "son of Remaliah" serves to distinctly identify King Pekah within the historical and prophetic narratives, underscoring the specific period of his tumultuous reign and the associated divine judgments.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a theophoric name, Rᵉmalyâhûw (`{{H7425}}`) belongs to a broad category of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element, often Yah (`{{H3050}}`) or El (`{{H410}}`). This practice reflects a deep theological understanding and often expresses a hope, a blessing, or a declaration about God's character or action. Examples include Isaiah (`{{H3470}}`, "Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah (`{{H3414}}`, "Yahweh will uplift"), and Hezekiah (`{{H2396}}`, "Yahweh strengthens"). The specific meaning "Yah has bedecked" suggests a divine act of adornment or conferral of honor, though the exact root for "deck" is listed as unused, making direct lexical comparisons difficult. Conceptually, the name is inextricably linked to the history of the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly the period of the Syro-Ephraimite War and the escalating divine judgment that ultimately led to Israel's downfall.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Rᵉmalyâhûw (`{{H7425}}`) lies primarily in the stark contrast between the name's inherent meaning and the historical actions of the person identified by his lineage. A name meaning "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has bedecked" speaks of divine favor, beauty, or blessing. Yet, this name is associated with Pekah, whose reign was characterized by violence, idolatry, and a disastrous foreign policy that brought immense suffering and ultimately contributed to the demise of the northern kingdom.
This creates a profound theological irony: a name that seemingly proclaims God's gracious embellishment is tied to a lineage that brought about divine judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that while God may bestow blessings or favor (as implied by the name), human responsibility for obedience or disobedience remains paramount. Pekah's choices, not his father's name, determined his legacy and the fate of his kingdom. The frequent mention of "Pekah son of Remaliah" in Isaiah's prophecies further emphasizes this period of national apostasy and impending divine wrath, serving as a historical marker for a time when God's people acted contrary to His will despite any potential initial divine "adornment."
### Summary
Rᵉmalyâhûw (`{{H7425}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "Yah has bedecked" or "Yahweh has adorned." While the name itself, a theophoric compound, carries a connotation of divine favor and beauty, its sole biblical appearance is as the father of Pekah, a king of Israel. Pekah's reign was marked by wickedness, internal strife, and a disastrous alliance that led to significant national decline and prophetic condemnation. The study of Rᵉmalyâhûw thus highlights a striking theological irony: a name signifying divine adornment is inextricably linked to a period of profound human sin and subsequent divine judgment, serving as a powerful reminder of the tension between God's potential blessing and humanity's accountability for its choices.
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