Rehoboth-Ir
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Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
Rehoboth-ir, meaning "broad places" or "room," is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is associated with the patriarch Isaac and his endeavors to establish a peaceful dwelling place amidst conflict over water rights. The account of Rehoboth-ir is found in the Book of Genesis, and it holds significance in the narrative of God's provision and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Biblical Account:
The account of Rehoboth-ir is primarily found in Genesis 26. During a time of famine, Isaac settled in the land of Gerar, where he faced disputes with the Philistines over wells that his father Abraham had previously dug. The Philistines, envious of Isaac's prosperity, stopped up these wells, leading to tension and conflict.

In Genesis 26:22 , it is recorded: "He moved on from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, 'At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.'" This verse highlights the significance of Rehoboth-ir as a place where Isaac experienced relief from strife and recognized God's provision of space and blessing.

Theological Significance:
Rehoboth-ir serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite opposition and challenges, Isaac's experience at Rehoboth-ir underscores the belief that God provides for His people and makes a way for them to thrive. The naming of the well reflects Isaac's acknowledgment of God's hand in creating a place of peace and prosperity.

The narrative of Rehoboth-ir also illustrates the importance of perseverance and faith in God's timing. Isaac's journey from conflict to peace is a reminder that God's plans often unfold through trials, and His provision is made evident in His perfect timing.

Historical and Geographical Context:
While the exact location of Rehoboth-ir is not definitively known, it is traditionally associated with the region of Gerar, in the Negev desert of southern Canaan. The area was known for its scarcity of water, making wells a vital resource for survival and prosperity. The disputes over wells reflect the historical context of territorial and resource-based conflicts common in the ancient Near East.

Cultural and Spiritual Lessons:
Rehoboth-ir teaches valuable lessons about conflict resolution and reliance on divine provision. Isaac's decision to move on and dig another well, rather than engage in prolonged conflict, exemplifies a peaceful approach to disputes. This action aligns with biblical principles of seeking peace and trusting in God's provision.

Moreover, Rehoboth-ir symbolizes the spiritual truth that God creates space for His people to grow and flourish. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where believers may face opposition but ultimately find rest and abundance in God's promises.

Conclusion:
Rehoboth-ir remains a significant biblical site, representing God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to His covenant people. Through Isaac's experience, believers are reminded of the importance of faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's timing and provision.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
REHOBOTH-IR

r.-ur, r.-ir (rehobhoth `ir, "Rehoboth City"; Septuagint he Rhohbos (Rhooboth) polis, "the city Rhoobos, Rhooboth"):

1. Probably Rebit Ninua:

The second of the cities built by Asshur (the Revised Version (British and American) by Nimrod) in Assyria (Genesis 10:11, 12). Unlike the other three, the exact equivalent of this name is not found in Assyrian literature Fried. Delitzsch points out (Wo lag das Paradies? 260) that rechobhoth is the equivalent of the Assyrian rebite, "streets," and suggests that the site referred to may be the Rebit Ninua, "streets of Nineveh," mentioned by Sargon of Assyria in connection with the peopling of Maganubba (Khorsabad or Dur-Sarru-kin; see NINEVEH); and it was through this tract that Esar-haddon, his grandson, caused the heads of the kings of Kundi and Sidon to be carried in procession when he returned from his expedition to the Mediterranean.

2. Or, Possibly, the Old Capital, Assur:

Though the probabilities in favor of Rebit Ninua are great, it is doubtful whether a suburb could have been regarded as a foundation worthy of a primitive ruler, and that a very important city, Assur, the old capital of Assyria, would rather be expected. One of the groups expressing its name is composed of the characters Sag-uru, or, dialectically, Sab-eri, the second element being the original of the Hebrew `ir. As the "center-city," Assur may have been regarded as the city of broad spaces (rechobhoth)-its ruins are of considerable extent. The German explorers there have made many important discoveries of temples, temple-towers, palaces and streets, the most picturesque in ancient times being the twin tower-temples of Anu (the sky) and Adad (Hadad). The ruins lie on the Tigris, about 50 miles South of Nineveh. It practically ceased to be the capital about the middle of the 8th century B.C.

See NINEVEH.

T. G. Pinches

Strong's Hebrew
7344. Rechoboth -- "broad places," a well dug by Isaac, also two ...
... Word Origin from rachab Definition "broad places," a well dug by Isaac, also two
cities of unc. location NASB Word Usage Rehoboth (3), Rehoboth-Ir (1). ...
/hebrew/7344.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter x
... From that region he went forth to Assyria and built Nineveh and Rehoboth-ir, and
Calah and Resen, between Nineveh and Calah"this is that great city. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

Thesaurus
Rehobothir
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia REHOBOTH-IR. r.-ur, r.-ir (rehobhoth `ir,
"Rehoboth City"; Septuagint he Rhohbos (Rhooboth) polis ...
/r/rehobothir.htm - 8k

Rehoboth-ir (1 Occurrence)
Rehoboth-ir. Rehobothir, Rehoboth-ir. Reho'both-ir . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia REHOBOTH-IR. ... Rehobothir, Rehoboth-ir. Reho'both-ir . Reference
/r/rehoboth-ir.htm - 8k

Calah (2 Occurrences)
... "Out of that land he [ie, Nimrod] went forth into Assyria, and built Nineveh,
Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah, and Resen" (Genesis 10:11, RV). ...
/c/calah.htm - 14k

Rehoboth (4 Occurrences)
... Probably, however, the words "rehoboth'ir" are to be translated as in the Vulgate
and the margin of AV, "the streets of the city," or rather "the public square ...
/r/rehoboth.htm - 10k

Reho'both-ir (1 Occurrence)
... Rehoboth-ir, Reho'both-ir. Rehokim . ... Genesis 10:11 Out of that land went forth
Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and Rehoboth-ir, and Calah, (See RSV). ...
/r/reho'both-ir.htm - 6k

Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... Its Walls 2. Principal Mounds and Gateways 3. Extent and Population within the Walls
4. Extent outside the Walls 5. Calah, Resen and Rehoboth-Ir 6. Khorsabad 7 ...
/n/nineveh.htm - 52k

Nin'eveh (18 Occurrences)
... here! (See RSV). Genesis 10:11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded
Nineveh, and Rehoboth-ir, and Calah, (See RSV). Genesis ...
/n/nin'eveh.htm - 10k

Ir (4 Occurrences)
... Ir (4 Occurrences). Genesis 10:11 Out of that land he went forth into Assyria, and
built Nineveh, RehobothIr, Calah, (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/ir.htm - 7k

Reho'both (3 Occurrences)
Reho'both. Rehoboth, Reho'both. Rehobothir . Multi-Version Concordance
Reho'both (3 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Rehoboth, Reho'both. Rehobothir . Reference ...
/r/reho'both.htm - 7k

Built (299 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 10:11 Out of that land he went forth into Assyria,
and built Nineveh, RehobothIr, Calah, (WEB DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/built.htm - 38k

Resources
Who was Nimrod in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What caused the extinction of the dinosaurs? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Rehoboth-ir (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 10:11
Out of that land he went forth into Assyria, and builded Nineveh, and Rehoboth-ir, and Calah,
(See JPS ASV DBY NAS)

Subtopics

Rehoboth-Ir

Related Terms

Rehoboth-ir (1 Occurrence)

Rehokim (2 Occurrences)

Rehobothir
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