Overview
Rehum appears in the biblical record as a Persian official during the reign of Artaxerxes I. He is primarily known for his opposition to the Jewish reconstruction efforts in Jerusalem, working alongside Shimshai the scribe to petition the king against the rebuilding project. Later, after the exile, Rehum is listed among the Jewish leaders who returned and participated in the restoration of Jerusalem.
Key Scriptures
"Then Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes" (Ezra 4:8, ESV). "Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe and the rest of their associates...sent a letter to King Artaxerxes" (Ezra 4:9, ESV). "Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe" (Ezra 4:17, ESV). "Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates, they went in haste to the Jews" (Ezra 4:23, ESV).
Application
Rehum's transformation from opponent to participant in restoration reminds us that God can change hearts and redirect even resistant leaders toward His purposes.