Rehum
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Rehum was a high-ranking Persian officer who, along with the scribe Shimshai, authored a letter to King Artaxerxes alleging that the Jews were rebuilding Jerusalem to incite rebellion. He is also identified in biblical texts as a leader among the exiles returning with Zerubbabel, a Levite, a wall-builder under Nehemiah, and a signer of the covenant.
What is the meaning of Rehum in the Bible?
Rehum was a high-ranking Persian officer who, along with the scribe Shimshai, authored a letter to King Artaxerxes alleging that the Jews were rebuilding Jerusalem to incite rebellion. He is also identified in biblical texts as a leader among the exiles returning with Zerubbabel, a Levite, a wall-builder under Nehemiah, and a signer of the covenant.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Rehum clarifies the political tensions faced by the Jewish community during the post-exilic period, illustrating how external imperial authorities actively opposed the restoration of Jerusalem's fortifications and social structure.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.