Rezeph
Rezeph is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Syria in modern-day Syria. Known today as Resafa. It appears across 2 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
Rezeph appears in the biblical record during the crisis of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib in 701 BC. The Assyrian king sent messengers to King Hezekiah of Judah, warning him not to trust in God for deliverance. Among his threats, Sennacherib cited Rezeph as one of the cities destroyed by his predecessors, asking, 'Have the gods of those nations delivered them?' (2 Kings 19:12; Isaiah 37:12). The mention of Rezeph served Assyrian propaganda, demonstrating the futility of resisting imperial power. However, the narrative turns dramatically when God answered Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah, promising deliverance. That night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35). Rezeph thus functions in Scripture as an example of the difference between nations whose gods could not save them and Jerusalem, whose God demonstrated sovereign power over the mightiest empire of the age. The city's destruction became an unwitting testimony to the uniqueness of Israel's God.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
Rezeph is identified with Resafa (also known as Sergiopolis), located in the Syrian steppe approximately 30 kilometers south of the Euphrates River in modern Syria. The site preserves impressive ruins primarily from the Byzantine period, when it became an important Christian pilgrimage center honoring the martyr Saint Sergius. The city's massive walls, basilicas, and cisterns are remarkably well preserved. Earlier occupation levels from the Assyrian and Roman periods have been documented through excavation. Assyrian records confirm Rasappa (Rezeph) as a provincial administrative center and caravan station on major trade routes. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. Recent armed conflict in Syria has raised concerns about damage to the archaeological remains.
Verse Appearances (2)
2Kgs
Isa
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →