Rehum
The Opposer of the Restoration
Name Information
- Meaning: "Compassion" (ironic in this case)
- Language of Origin: Hebrew/Aramaic
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Rehum was an official in the Persian administration who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. He wrote an accusatory letter to King Artaxerxes, resulting in the work being temporarily stopped.
⏰ Post-Exilic Period
Roles
- Persian Official
- Opponent of the Jews
Relationships
Story
Served as a Persian official during the time of Jerusalem’s restoration.
Collaborated with others to write a letter against the Jews.
Claimed that if Jerusalem were rebuilt, its people would rebel against the king.
His interference delayed the wall’s completion until Nehemiah’s time.
Spiritual Significance
- Actively opposed the restoration of Jerusalem’s walls.
- Influenced Artaxerxes to halt construction through false accusations.
- Represents the persistent opposition to God’s work.
What We Can Learn
- God’s work often faces opposition from powerful voices.
- False accusations can delay but not defeat God’s purposes.
- Persistence in God’s mission is essential despite setbacks.
Memory Verses
The work on the house of God in Jerusalem came to a standstill until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
— Ezra 4:24
Key Passages
- Ezra 4:8–24
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