Translations
Original
Notes
The Berean Standard Bible uses Aram because that is the word found in the standard Hebrew text of the Old Testament (the Masoretic Text). Some other translations, like the New Living Translation, follow ancient versions such as the Greek Septuagint or the Latin Vulgate, which have Edom. Since Elath was located in the south near Edom, many scholars think Edom makes better sense in this passage. But the Berean Standard Bible stays close to the Hebrew wording, which says Aram.
Rezin … Pekah: This alliance between the kings of Aram and Israel was made to resist Assyrian control under Tiglath-pileser III (2 Kings 15:29–30; Isaiah 9:1). They attacked Judah to force it into the alliance or to replace its king with someone they preferred (Isaiah 7:3–6). This led to captivity and many deaths in Judah (2 Chronicles 28:5–15). Isaiah notes that Rezin and Pekah wanted to put a new king on Judah’s throne (Isaiah 7:3–6). Judah also faced attacks from the Edomites and Philistines (2 Chronicles 28:17–18). These events were seen as God's response to Ahaz’s terrible spiritual practices, which caused great sin in Judah (2 Chronicles 28:5, 19).
Events
Parallels
People
Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Rezin: King of Aram (Syria) during the reign of Ahaz
Places
Edom: Descendants of Esau; enemy nation southeast of Israel Elath: Edomite port on the Red Sea; fortified by Judah Syria: Ancient region north of Israel, often in conflict
Glossary
Ahaz (King) Damascus Edom, Edomites Elath Ezion-Geber Jew Kings, Books of First and Second Nineveh, Ninevite
Topics
Ahaz: King of Judah, Son and Successor of Jotham: Kingdom of, Invaded by the Kings of Syria and Samaria Elath by the Syrians Jews: A Corrupted Form, Doubtless, of Judah Kings: Who Reigned Over Judah: Ahaz Prophecies Concerning Israel: Judah is Invaded by the Kings of Samaria and Syria Rezin: A King of Syria Who Harassed the Southern Kingdom (Judah) Syria: Retook Elath and Drove out the Jews