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 (Isa.7.1). Their goal was to replace Ahaz with a king who would join their coalition against the growing threat of the Assyrian Empire (Isa.7.6). The alliance between Rezin and Pekah caused great distress to Ahaz and the people of Judah (Isa.7.2). In response, the prophet Isaiah encouraged Ahaz to trust in God and not fear the two "smoldering stubs of firewood" (Isa.7.3-9). Rezin and Pekah's attack on Jerusalem was unsuccessful (2Ki.16.5). However, Rezin was able to capture the city of Elath and drive out the Judahites living there (2Ki.16.6). Ahaz, instead of relying on God, sought help from Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, by sending him tribute (2Ki.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 (2Ki.16.9). This event fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy about the defeat of Aram and the death of Rezin within 65 years (Isa.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.