Rehum

Rehum (meaning merciful or compassionate) was a common name in the post-exilic period, borne by several figures. The most prominent was Rehum the commanding officer who, with Shimshai the scribe, wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia to oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem, claiming the city was historically rebellious and would refuse to pay tribute (Ezra 4:8–24). The letter was successful in temporarily halting the work. Other bearers of the name include a leader who returned from exile with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2 — called Nehum in Nehemiah 7:7), a Levite who helped repair the wall under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:17), and one who sealed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:25).