Rezin

Rezin was the king of Aram (Syria) during the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah (2Ki.15.37; 16.5-6, 9;Isa.7.1, 4, 8; 8.6; 9.11). He formed an alliance with Pekah, king of Israel, to attack Judah (Isaiah 7:1). Their goal was to replace Ahaz with a king who would join their coalition against the growing threat of the Assyrian Empire (Isaiah 7:6). The alliance between Rezin and Pekah caused great distress to Ahaz and the people of Judah (Isaiah 7:2). In response, the prophet Isaiah encouraged Ahaz to trust in God and not fear the two "smoldering stubs of firewood" (Isaiah 7:3-9). Rezin and Pekah's attack on Jerusalem was unsuccessful (2 Kings 16:5). However, Rezin was able to capture the city of Elath and drive out the Judahites living there (2 Kings 16:6). Ahaz, instead of relying on God, sought help from Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, by sending him tribute (2 Kings 16:7-8). Tiglath-pileser responded by attacking Damascus, the capital of Aram. He captured the city, killed Rezin, and deported the Aramean people to Kir (2 Kings 16:9). This event fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy about the defeat of Aram and the death of Rezin within 65 years (Isaiah 7:8-9). The downfall of Rezin and the Aramean kingdom was a significant moment in the history of the region, demonstrating the rising power of the Assyrian Empire and the consequences of forming alliances against God's people.