probably for רָצוֹן; Retsin, the name of a Syrian and of an Israelite; Rezin.
Transliteration:Rᵉtsîyn
Pronunciation:rets-een'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H7526, רְצִין (Rᵉtsîyn), is a proper noun, serving as the name for two distinct individuals in the biblical narrative. Its base definition indicates a probable derivation from the root רָצוֹן (râtzôn), `{{H7522}}`, which carries the semantic range of "pleasure, delight, favor, goodwill, acceptance, desire." While a proper noun does not possess a semantic range in the same manner as a common noun or verb, its etymological connection suggests that the name "Rezin" implicitly conveys a sense of "one who is favored," "pleasing," or "accepted." This underlying meaning provides a subtle layer of irony or significance depending on the individual bearing the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Rezin (רְצִין) appears in the Old Testament, referring to two different individuals:
1. **Rezin, King of Aram (Syria):** This is the more prominent figure. He was the last king of Damascus, the capital of Aram. His reign is primarily documented in the context of the Syro-Ephraimite War (c. 735-732 BCE).
* **Alliance Against Judah:** Rezin formed an alliance with Pekah, king of Israel, with the stated aim of overthrowing Ahaz, king of Judah, and replacing him with a puppet ruler ([[2 Kings 15:37]], [[2 Kings 16:5]], [[Isaiah 7:1]], [[Isaiah 7:4]]). This alliance posed a significant threat to the Davidic dynasty and the survival of Judah.
* **Prophetic Condemnation and Doom:** The prophet Isaiah pronounced God's judgment against Rezin and his ally Pekah. Isaiah prophesied that their plan would not succeed ([[Isaiah 7:7]]) and that Rezin's power would be broken within 65 years ([[Isaiah 7:8]]).
* **Defeat and Death:** Ahaz, in his lack of faith, sought aid from Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria instead of trusting in the Lord. The Assyrian king responded, attacking Damascus, capturing the city, and executing Rezin ([[2 Kings 16:9]]). This event fulfilled the divine prophecy and marked the end of the Aramean kingdom of Damascus. The fall of Rezin is also implicitly referenced in [[Isaiah 8:6]].
2. **Rezin, a Family Head Among the Nethinim:** This individual is mentioned in the post-exilic lists of those who returned from Babylonian captivity.
* **Temple Servants:** His descendants were among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants who performed menial tasks for the sanctuary ([[Ezra 2:48]], [[Nehemiah 7:50]]). This Rezin is distinct from the Aramean king and represents a different facet of the name's occurrence, associated with humble service within the restored community of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the proposed root of the name:
* **רָצוֹן (râtzôn) `{{H7522}}`**: "Pleasure, delight, favor, goodwill, acceptance." This connection provides the etymological basis for understanding the name Rezin.
Other related concepts and individuals, primarily in the context of King Rezin:
* **Aram/Damascus**: The kingdom and capital ruled by King Rezin.
* **Pekah `{{H6507}}`**: King of Israel, Rezin's ally in the Syro-Ephraimite War.
* **Ahaz `{{H271}}`**: King of Judah, Rezin's adversary.
* **Tiglath-Pileser III `{{H8407}}`**: The Assyrian king who conquered Damascus and executed Rezin, serving as an instrument of divine judgment.
* **Syro-Ephraimite War**: The historical conflict in which King Rezin played a central role.
* **Nethinim**: The class of temple servants, to which the other Rezin belonged, signifying a life of dedicated service to the sanctuary.
### Theological Significance
The figure of King Rezin holds significant theological weight, primarily illustrating God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His meticulous fulfillment of prophecy.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: Rezin's alliance with Pekah, though formidable from a human perspective, was ultimately powerless against the divine decree. God, through Isaiah, declared their plans would fail ([[Isaiah 7:7]]), and indeed they did. Rezin's downfall and execution at the hands of Assyria ([[2 Kings 16:9]]) demonstrate that even powerful kings are mere pawns in God's overarching plan, used to execute His judgment upon rebellious nations (like Aram and, eventually, Israel). The ironic contrast between his name, potentially meaning "favored," and his ultimate demise under God's disfavor, underscores that true favor comes from the Lord alone and is not inherent in human power or status.
* **God's Faithfulness Amidst Human Unfaithfulness**: Despite King Ahaz's lack of faith in God's promise of protection and his decision to rely on Assyria, God's word concerning Rezin's end was fulfilled. This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His prophetic word, even when His people demonstrate unfaithfulness.
* **The Contrast of Service**: The two individuals named Rezin offer a subtle theological contrast. King Rezin represents earthly power and opposition to God's people, leading to destruction. The Nethinim Rezin, conversely, represents humble, dedicated service to God within the sanctuary, contributing to the restoration and spiritual well-being of the community. This juxtaposition implicitly elevates the value of faithful service over temporal power.
### Summary
H7526, רְצִין (Rᵉtsîyn), is a proper noun, likely derived from the Hebrew word for "favor" or "pleasure" (`{{H7522}}`). It designates two distinct individuals in the biblical narrative. The most prominent is Rezin, King of Aram-Damascus, a key figure in the Syro-Ephraimite War, whose alliance against Judah was ultimately thwarted by divine intervention and fulfilled prophecy, leading to his defeat and execution by the Assyrians. His story powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over nations and His judgment upon those who oppose His divine will. The other Rezin is a family head among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants, representing humble dedication to God's house. The narrative of King Rezin, whose name may imply "favored," yet who faced divine judgment, serves as a profound reminder that true favor rests solely with the Lord and is not found in earthly power or opposition to His purposes.
TRV