Topical Encyclopedia The Rephaims are a group of ancient people mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often associated with great size and strength. They are considered one of the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land of Canaan and are frequently linked with other formidable groups such as the Anakim and the Emim.Etymology and Meaning The term "Rephaim" is derived from the Hebrew root "rapha," which can mean "to heal" or "to be healed," but in the context of these ancient peoples, it is often interpreted as "giants" or "mighty ones." The name is sometimes used interchangeably with other terms for giants in the Old Testament. Biblical References The Rephaims are first mentioned in Genesis 14:5, where they are defeated by Chedorlaomer and his allies: "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim" . This passage places them in the region of Bashan, which is often associated with their presence. In Deuteronomy 2:10-11, the Rephaim are described as the original inhabitants of the land before the Moabites: "The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakim. Like the Anakim, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites" . This indicates that the Rephaim were known by different names among various peoples. The Rephaim are also mentioned in the context of King Og of Bashan, who is described as the last of the Rephaim in Deuteronomy 3:11: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was made of iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide, by the standard cubit" . This description emphasizes the extraordinary size and strength attributed to the Rephaim. Cultural and Historical Context The Rephaim are often associated with the broader narrative of the Nephilim and other giant races mentioned in the Bible. Their presence in the land of Canaan posed a significant challenge to the Israelites during their conquest of the Promised Land. The accounts of their defeat by the Israelites serve to highlight God's power and faithfulness in delivering the land to His chosen people. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Rephaim may have been considered semi-divine or ancestral spirits, as suggested by Ugaritic texts that refer to the "rpum" as deified ancestors. However, the biblical portrayal focuses on their role as formidable human adversaries. Theological Significance The Rephaim, like other giant clans, symbolize the obstacles and challenges faced by the Israelites in fulfilling God's promises. Their defeat underscores the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The narrative of the Rephaim serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His people over seemingly insurmountable foes. Conclusion The Rephaims are a significant part of the biblical narrative, representing both the physical and spiritual challenges encountered by the Israelites. Their presence in the biblical text serves to illustrate the power of God in overcoming the mightiest of adversaries and fulfilling His promises to His people. Strong's Hebrew 7497. Rapha -- inhab. of an area East of the Jordan... giant, Rapha, Rephaims. Or raphah {raw-faw'}; from rapha' in the sense of invigorating; a giant -- giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also Beyth Rapha'. ... /hebrew/7497.htm - 6k Library Of the Meaning of the Sacrifice Abraham was Commanded to Offer ... Thesaurus Rephaims (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Rephaims (2 Occurrences). Genesis ... WBS). Genesis 15:20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, (WBS). ... /r/rephaims.htm - 6k Reph'aim (17 Occurrences) Rephaites (10 Occurrences) Rephaim (32 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Rephaims (2 Occurrences)Genesis 14:5 Genesis 15:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
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