What was Rumah?

Rumah was a location mentioned briefly in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 23:36, as the hometown of Pedaiah, the father of Zebidah, who was the mother of King Jehoiakim of Judah. The name Rumah (רוּמָה, Rūmāh) is derived from a Hebrew root meaning height or elevation. Though Rumah appears only once in Scripture, its inclusion in the royal genealogy provides important context for understanding the background and regional associations of Judah’s kings during a turbulent spiritual and political era.

“Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah.” — 2 Kings 23:36, NIV

Biblical Context and Cross References

Rumah is mentioned only in this verse, yet the individuals connected to it — Pedaiah, Zebidah, and Jehoiakim — are key figures during the final decades of Judah before the Babylonian exile.

Related Verses

• 2 Kings 23:36 – Primary mention of Rumah.

• 2 Chronicles 36:5 – Parallel account of Jehoiakim’s reign.

• Jeremiah 22:18-19 – Prophecy against Jehoiakim for his injustice.

• Jeremiah 26:20-23 – Further shows the spiritual climate of the time.

Explanation of the Passage

The verse in 2 Kings 23:36 identifies Rumah as the hometown of Zebidah’s father, which makes it the maternal ancestral town of Jehoiakim. This detail, though seemingly minor, helps us trace the royal family’s roots beyond Jerusalem to other towns in Judah or possibly in neighboring tribal areas. Rumah may be identical with the town Daberath or Arumah mentioned in Judges 9:41, located in the region of Issachar or Zebulun, although the identification remains uncertain.

This geographical note provides a window into the political alliances and social networks that influenced who rose to power in Judah. The mention of Zebidah’s origin from Rumah also implies that Jehoiakim had maternal connections outside the Davidic city of Jerusalem, reminding readers that even kings were influenced by broader tribal and regional ties.

Significance for Today’s Christians

Though Rumah is only mentioned once, it underscores a biblical truth: God works through specific people, places, and times, even in seemingly minor details. The precise naming of towns and families in Scripture reflects God’s providential orchestration of history — including lineage and geography — to fulfill His purposes.

The verse also subtly reminds us that heritage does not guarantee righteousness. Though Jehoiakim was a descendant of David and connected to Rumah through his mother’s side, he did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. His origins did not determine his obedience — a powerful reminder that every generation is responsible for its own response to God.

How Rumah Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Even a minor mention of a town like Rumah contributes to the larger biblical pattern of genealogy, fulfillment, and kingdom lineage. Throughout Scripture, names and locations related to ancestry are deeply tied to God’s unfolding plan. Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1 carefully traces His line through generations — showing that God values and preserves historical continuity to accomplish redemption.

Though Jehoiakim failed as a king, Jesus Christ came as the perfect King, descended from David, and fulfilled all righteousness. He was not only the rightful heir but also the Redeemer of sinful kings and commoners alike. Rumah may have been home to a royal ancestor, but Jesus is the King whose reign is eternal and whose throne is established in righteousness.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty in History

Rumah’s mention shows that God records and directs history with precision. No person or place is too obscure in His redemptive plan.

2. Accountability of Leadership

Jehoiakim‘s background reminds us that leaders are accountable not only to people but to God. An honorable lineage does not excuse disobedience.

3. Importance of Heritage and Obedience

While family and heritage are significant, God calls every individual to personal faithfulness. Jehoiakim’s failure contrasts with Jesus’ faithful obedience.

4. The Gospel in the Genealogies

Even the briefest genealogical details ultimately find fulfillment in Christ, whose lineage includes the faithful and the flawed alike.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think God includes specific details about people’s hometowns in the Bible, like Rumah?

2. How does the story of Jehoiakim challenge the idea that heritage determines destiny?

3. What does Rumah’s inclusion in the biblical record teach you about the value of small details in God’s Word?

4. How can you be faithful to God in your generation, even if others around you are not?

5. What encouragement can you draw from knowing that Jesus redeems all stories — even those marked by failure?

Even the smallest place in Scripture, like Rumah, bears witness to God’s grand narrative. Through obscure towns and flawed kings, God points us to the perfect King — Jesus Christ — who redeems, reigns, and writes our names in His eternal story.