Overview
Rekem first appears as one of the five kings of Midian who opposed Israel during the wilderness period. He was defeated and killed during the military campaign commanded by Moses against the Midianites. The name also refers to a city located within the inheritance of Benjamin, mentioned among other cities in that tribal territory.
Key Scriptures
"They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian" (Numbers 31:8, ESV).
"And the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin were Jericho, and Beth-hoglah, and the valley of Keziz, and Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel, and Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah, and Chephar-ammoni, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages" (Joshua 18:21-24, referencing the region where Rekem was located).
Application
God's judgment against those who oppose His people demonstrates His faithfulness to protect and establish His covenant community.