### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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