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Remaliah

biblical_person theological_term standard

Remaliah is a biblical personal name best known as the father of Pekah, king of Israel. Scripture mentions him mainly to identify Pekah as “the son of Remaliah.”

At a Glance

A biblical man remembered almost entirely because his son Pekah is repeatedly identified as “the son of Remaliah.”

Key Points

Description

Remaliah is an Old Testament figure mentioned primarily as the father of Pekah, king of Israel. Biblical references use the expression “son of Remaliah” to identify Pekah in historical and prophetic passages connected with the Syro-Ephraimite crisis and the reign of Ahaz. Scripture provides no substantial biography of Remaliah himself, so further claims about his life, status, or character would be speculative. The name is important mainly for its role in the historical setting of Isaiah and Kings rather than for any independent theological teaching.

Biblical Context

Remaliah appears in the historical narratives of Kings and in Isaiah’s prophecy during the conflict between Judah, Israel, and Syria. His name serves to identify Pekah, one of the northern kings involved in the events surrounding Ahaz.

Historical Context

The references to Remaliah belong to the period when the divided monarchy faced military and political instability. His son Pekah ruled the northern kingdom of Israel and opposed Judah during the era addressed by Isaiah.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In ancient Hebrew usage, identifying a person by his father was a standard way to distinguish individuals. Remaliah’s name is preserved in this genealogical formula, but Jewish and biblical sources provide little else about him.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

A Hebrew personal name, usually transliterated Remaliah. The exact etymology is uncertain, though it likely contains the divine name.

Theological Significance

Remaliah has little direct theological significance in himself, but his name anchors prophetic announcements in real historical events. The repeated phrase “son of Remaliah” highlights the concrete political setting of Isaiah’s ministry.

Philosophical Explanation

As a proper name, Remaliah illustrates how Scripture often presents theology within actual history rather than abstract ideas. Biblical revelation is tied to real people, rulers, and events.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not build doctrine from Remaliah himself. Scripture reveals almost nothing about his character, achievements, or faith, so claims beyond his relation to Pekah should be avoided.

Major Views

No major interpretive dispute exists about Remaliah as a biblical person. The main issue is classification: he is a proper name, not a theological term.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry concerns a historical biblical individual, not a doctrine, office, or spiritual concept.

Practical Significance

Remaliah reminds readers that biblical prophecy and history are grounded in actual persons and political circumstances. Even minor names can help locate major events in salvation history.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Remaliah

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