King Pekah (Israel)

Pekah attempted a more aggressive political strategy by forming an alliance with Aram (Damascus) against Judah and Assyria. This led to the Syro-Ephraimite War, where he tried to force Judah into the alliance. His actions triggered a major response from Assyria, which invaded Israel and captured large territories, deporting many inhabitants. During this time, the prophet Isaiah was active in Judah, warning about these events. Pekah’s rebellion ultimately weakened Israel further, and he was assassinated by Hoshea.