Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem.Rezin was the king of Aram, also known as Syria, a region located to the northeast of Israel. Aram had a long history of conflict with Israel and Judah. Pekah, the son of Remaliah, was the king of Israel, the northern kingdom, which had separated from Judah after the reign of Solomon. This alliance between Aram and Israel was part of a larger geopolitical struggle in the region, as they sought to resist the expanding power of the Assyrian Empire. The coalition aimed to force Judah, under King Ahaz, to join their resistance against Assyria. This event is part of the Syro-Ephraimite War, a significant conflict in the 8th century BC. The historical context is crucial, as it sets the stage for the eventual downfall of both Aram and Israel to Assyria. The alliance's attack on Jerusalem is also mentioned in
Isaiah 7, where the prophet Isaiah assures King Ahaz that their plans will not succeed.
They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him.
Ahaz was the king of Judah, ruling from approximately 732 to 716 BC. His reign was marked by idolatry and a lack of faith in God, as he sought alliances with foreign powers rather than relying on divine protection. The siege of Jerusalem by Rezin and Pekah was a significant threat, as the city was the political and religious center of Judah. However, despite their efforts, the coalition could not capture Jerusalem. This outcome was not due to Ahaz's military prowess but rather the intervention of God, as prophesied by Isaiah. The inability of Rezin and Pekah to overcome Ahaz fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy that their plans would not succeed (Isaiah 7:7). This event foreshadows the ultimate protection and deliverance that God provides to His people, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. It also highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God rather than human alliances, a lesson that is echoed in the New Testament through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Rezin, King of AramRezin was the king of Aram (Syria) who allied with Pekah to attack Judah. His actions were part of a larger geopolitical struggle in the region.
2.
Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of IsraelPekah was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He joined forces with Rezin to attack Ahaz, king of Judah, in an attempt to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian coalition.
3.
Ahaz, King of JudahAhaz was the king of Judah during this time. Known for his lack of faithfulness to God, he faced the threat from Rezin and Pekah but ultimately sought help from Assyria rather than relying on God.
4.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, Jerusalem was the focal point of the attack by Rezin and Pekah. Despite the siege, the city was not overcome.
5.
Siege of JerusalemThis event was a military campaign where Rezin and Pekah attempted to capture Jerusalem, but they were unsuccessful in their efforts.
Teaching Points
Trust in God Over AlliancesAhaz's failure to trust in God and his reliance on Assyria serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking worldly solutions over divine guidance.
The Sovereignty of GodDespite the military threat, Jerusalem was not overcome, illustrating God's sovereignty and protection over His people, even when they are led by unfaithful leaders.
The Consequences of UnfaithfulnessAhaz's lack of faith and subsequent actions led to further troubles for Judah, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness to God.
God's Prophetic WordThe events surrounding Ahaz and the siege of Jerusalem were foretold by prophets like Isaiah, demonstrating the reliability and truth of God's word.
The Importance of LeadershipAhaz's leadership choices had significant impacts on the nation of Judah, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in guiding a community or nation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 16:5?
2.How does 2 Kings 16:5 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
3.What can we learn about God's sovereignty from 2 Kings 16:5?
4.How does 2 Kings 16:5 connect with God's protection promises in Psalm 91?
5.How should believers respond when facing opposition, as seen in 2 Kings 16:5?
6.What lessons from 2 Kings 16:5 can be applied to modern Christian leadership?
7.Why did Rezin and Pekah wage war against Ahaz in 2 Kings 16:5?
8.How does 2 Kings 16:5 reflect God's sovereignty over Israel's enemies?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 16:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 16?
11.Why doesn’t 2 Kings 16 emphasize divine judgment on Ahaz’s actions as clearly as other Old Testament passages condemn idolatry?
12.Can historical or archaeological evidence confirm Ahaz's alliance with Tiglath-Pileser III as described in 2 Kings 16, or does it contradict the biblical account?
13.Are the large-scale military defeats and deportations in 2 Chronicles 28 verifiable through existing sources?
14.How many overseers did Solomon appoint for the work of building the temple? Three thousand six hundred (2 Chronicles 2:2) Three thousand three hundred (I Kings 5:16)What Does 2 Kings 16:5 Mean
Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel• The verse opens by naming the two aggressors, Rezin of Aram (Syria) and Pekah of the northern kingdom of Israel. Their alliance is already noted in2 Kings 15:37 andIsaiah 7:1.
• Both kings were threatened by the growing power of Assyria and wanted Judah to join a regional coalition (cf.2 Chronicles 28:5).
• Their partnership shows how far Israel had drifted: instead of standing with Judah, the covenant people were attacking their own brethren (seeHosea 5:13).
came up to wage war against Jerusalem• “Came up” signals an aggressive march southward toward the Judean capital. Jerusalem, containing the temple and Davidic throne, is the heart of God’s covenant promises (2 Samuel 7:13–16).
• The immediate goal was to dethrone Ahaz and install a puppet king (“the son of Tabeel,”Isaiah 7:6) who would cooperate with their anti-Assyrian plans.
• The larger spiritual backdrop is a direct assault on the line of David from which Messiah would come (cf.Micah 5:2).
They besieged Ahaz• A siege was laid, as hinted inIsaiah 7:2, causing “the hearts of the people” to tremble.
• Ahaz’s personal faithlessness is highlighted in2 Chronicles 28:1–4, yet Judah’s fate was not tied to the righteousness of this king but to God’s covenant faithfulness.
• The hardship was real—casualties and captivity occurred elsewhere in Judah (2 Chronicles 28:6–8)—but the enemy could not breach the city.
but could not overcome him• The phrase underscores divine intervention. Isaiah’s prophecy to Ahaz—“It will not happen; it will not occur” (Isaiah 7:7)—proves true.
• Humanly, Ahaz tried to save himself by bribing Tiglath-Pileser of Assyria (2 Kings 16:7–9), yet the text gives ultimate credit to God, not to political maneuvering.
• God preserved Jerusalem then, just as He later preserved it from Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:32–34), protecting the Davidic line until Christ (Matthew 1:1).
summary2 Kings 16:5 records an alliance between Syria and northern Israel that advanced against Jerusalem but failed. Their plan threatened both Judah’s security and God’s covenant promise, yet the siege could not prevail because the Lord safeguarded the Davidic throne. Even under an unfaithful king, God’s faithfulness remained unshaken, demonstrating His sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
(5)
Then Rezin king of Syria. . .to war.--This verse agrees almost word for word with
Isaiah 7:1. The
time is soon after the accession of Ahaz. "Jotham, the last of a series of strong and generally successful princes, had died at a critical moment, when Pekah and Rezin were maturing their plans against his kingdom. The opposing parties in northern Israel suspended their feuds to make common cause against Judah (
Isaiah 9:21), and the proud inhabitants of Samaria hoped by this policy to more than restore the prestige forfeited in previous years of calamity (
Isaiah 9:9-10). At the same time the Syrians began to operate in the eastern dependencies of Judah, their aim being to possess themselves of the harbour of Elath on the Red Sea, while the Philistines attacked the Judeans in the rear, and ravaged the fertile lowlands (
Isaiah 9:12,
2Kings 16:6). A heavy and sudden disaster had already fallen on the Judean arms, a defeat in which 'head and tail, palm-branch and rush' had been mown down in indiscriminate slaughter (
Isaiah 9:14). Ahaz was no fit leader in so critical a time; his character was petulant and childish, his policy was dictated in the harem (
Isaiah 3:12). Nor was the internal order of the state calculated to inspire confidence. Wealth, indeed, had greatly accumulated in the preceding time of prosperity, but its distribution had been such that it weakened rather than added strength to the nation. The rich nobles were steeped in sensual luxury, the court was full of gallantry, feminine extravagance and vanity gave the tone to aristocratic society (
Isaiah 5:11;
Isaiah 3:16; comp.
Isaiah 3:12;
Isaiah 4:4), which, like the
noblesse of France on the eve of the Revolution, was absorbed in gaiety and pleasure, while the masses were ground down by oppression, and the cry of their distress filled the land (
Isaiah 3:15;
Isaiah 5:7)."--Prof. Robertson Smith. . . .
Verses 5, 6.- War of Ahazleith Pekah and Rezin.
Verse 5. -
Then Rezin King of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah King of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war. The alliance between Rezin and Pekah has been already glanced at (2 Kings 16:37). It began, apparently, in the reign of Jotham. The policy which brought it about was one that was entirely new. Since Syria developed an aggressive tendency under the first Ben-hadad (
1 Kings 20:1), there had till now been no alliance made with her by either of the two Israelite kingdoms. She had been reckoned as their common enemy; and while they had on two occasions been allied together against her (
1 Kings 22:4-36;
2 Kings 8:28), never as yet had either asked her help against the other. Now, however, Ephraim became confederate with Syria against Judah. The new policy must be ascribed to the new condition of things consequent upon the attitude assumed by Assyria under Tiglath-pileser. Assyria had been under a cloud for forty years. The nations of the western coast of Asia had ceased to fear her, and had felt at liberty to pursue their own quarrels. Her recovery of vigor altered the whole situation. It was at once evident to the statesmen who directed the policy of the small western states that, unless they combined; they were lost. Hence the alliance between Pekah and Rezin. Probably they would have been glad to have drawn Ahaz into the confederacy; but it would seem that he did not share their fears, and would not join them. Hereupon the design was formed to dethrone him, and set up in his place a new ruler, a certain Ben-Tabeal (
Isaiah 7:6), on whose assistance they could rely. The two confederate princes then began the campaign. Pekah invaded Judaea, and gained a great victory over Ahaz, which is perhaps exaggerated in
2 Chronicles 28:6-15; Rezin carried his arms further south, took Elath, and reestablished the Edomites in power (see the comment on ver. 6). Then the allies joined forces and proceeded to besiege Jerusalem.
And they besieged Ahaz, but could not ever-come him. The siege is mentioned by
Isaiah 7:1, who was commissioned by God to comfort Ahaz, and assure him that the city would not fall (
Isaiah 7:7). The fortifications of Uzziah (
2 Chronicles 26:9) and Jotham (
2 Chronicles 27:3) had, no doubt, greatly strengthened the city since the time when (as related in
2 Kings 14:13) it was captured so easily by Joash.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Thenאָ֣ז(’āz)Adverb
Strong's 227:At that time, place, thereforeRezinרְצִ֣ין(rə·ṣîn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7526:Rezin -- a king of Aram (Syria), also an Israelitekingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Aramאֲ֠רָם(’ă·rām)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758:Aram -- Syriaand Pekahוּפֶ֨קַח(ū·p̄e·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6492:Pekah -- 'opening', a king of Israelsonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Remaliahרְמַלְיָ֧הוּ(rə·mal·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7425:Remaliah -- father of King Pekah of Israelkingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desccame upיַעֲלֶ֣ה(ya·‘ă·leh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyto wage warלַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה(lam·mil·ḥā·māh)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421:A battle, waragainst Jerusalem.יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם(yə·rū·šā·lim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all IsraelThey besiegedוַיָּצֻ֙רוּ֙(way·yā·ṣu·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6696:To confine, bind, besiegeAhazאָחָ֔ז(’ā·ḥāz)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 271:Ahaz -- 'he has grasped', two Israelitesbut couldיָכְל֖וּ(yā·ḵə·lū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3201:To be able, have powernotוְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noovercome [him].לְהִלָּחֵֽם׃(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battle
Links
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OT History: 2 Kings 16:5 Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
