Overview
Remaliah is mentioned in Scripture primarily as the father of Pekah, who reigned as king of Israel during the 8th century BC. While Remaliah himself did not rule, his son's reign was characterized by idolatry and military aggression against the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel had turned from the Lord, and Pekah's reign exemplified this spiritual rebellion.
Key Scriptures
"Then Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him and struck him down in Samaria" (2 Kings 15:25, ESV). "So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, even the spirit of Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh away into exile" (2 Chronicles 5:26, NASB). "In the days of Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah came up to wage war against Jerusalem" (Isaiah 7:1, ESV).
Application
Reflect on how spiritual compromise in leadership leads to national decline, and pray for biblical wisdom in those who govern.