Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

REZIN

(Heb. rĕṣîn)

1. The last king of Syria (Aram) before Damascus fell to the Assyrians in 732 b.c.e. Rezin formed a coalition with Pekah of Israel (and possibly others) against the rising power of the Assyrians under Tiglath-pileser III, probably after 738, when an Assyrian text lists him among others who paid tribute. This “Syro-Ephraimite league” put pressure on Ahaz of Judah to join, and Ahaz’ apparent refusal (or simple failure to act) prompted the invasion referenced in 2 Kgs. 16:5; 2 Chr. 28:5; Isa. 7:1-9.

2 Kgs. 16:6 suggests that Rezin even restored Elath for Aram at this time, but the spelling of Aram is possibly a scribal error for Edom. In either case, the moment was a time of crisis for Judah. The force of Rezin and Pekah caused Ahaz to appeal to Assyria for help (2 Kgs. 16:7), quite against the counsel of Isaiah (Isa. 7:3-9). Assyria responded by moving against the coastal cities and then turned east toward Damascus in 732. Rezin was killed at this time and Aramean power and influence came to an end.

2. One of the families listed in Ezra 2:48 = Neh. 7:50 among the temple personnel returning from exile.

Bibliography. W. T. Pitard, Ancient Damascus (Winona Lake, 1987).

Andrew H. Bartelt

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

REZIN

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)