Reph'a-el
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Reph'a-el (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 26:7
The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, and Rephael and Obed and Elzabad his brethren, valiant men; Elihu also, and Semachiah.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Reph'a-el (1 Occurrence)
Reph'a-el. Rephael, Reph'a-el. Rephah . Multi-Version Concordance
Reph'a-el (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah ...
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Rephael (1 Occurrence)

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Rephah (1 Occurrence)

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Topical Encyclopedia
Reph'a-el is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name Reph'a-el, which can be translated as "God has healed" or "God heals," reflects a common theophoric element in Hebrew names, where "El" refers to God. This name underscores the belief in God's power to heal and restore, a theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

Reph'a-el is specifically mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:30-31, within the genealogical listings of the descendants of Asher. The passage reads:

"The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Their sister was Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith." (1 Chronicles 7:30-31, BSB)

In this context, Reph'a-el is listed as one of the descendants of Asher, though the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention Reph'a-el by name in this passage. The genealogies in Chronicles serve to establish the tribal and familial lines of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people.

Tribal Significance:

Asher, the tribe to which Reph'a-el belongs, was one of the northern tribes of Israel. The tribe is often associated with abundance and blessing, as reflected in Jacob's blessing over Asher: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king" (Genesis 49:20, BSB). This blessing highlights the prosperity and favor that Asher was expected to enjoy, which may extend to its descendants, including Reph'a-el.

Theological Implications:

The name Reph'a-el, meaning "God has healed," carries theological significance. It reflects the biblical theme of divine healing and restoration, a motif that appears throughout Scripture. The name itself serves as a reminder of God's ongoing involvement in the lives of His people, offering healing and wholeness. This is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where God is depicted as a healer, both physically and spiritually.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, names were often given with the hope or expectation of divine intervention or blessing. The inclusion of "El" in Reph'a-el's name indicates a recognition of God's sovereignty and power. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including the mention of Reph'a-el, were likely compiled during or after the Babylonian exile, serving to reaffirm the identity and heritage of the Israelite people during a time of restoration and return to the land.

Conclusion:

While Reph'a-el is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogies of Asher underscores the importance of each member within the covenant community of Israel. The name itself serves as a testament to the enduring belief in God's healing power and His active presence in the lives of His people.
Resources
What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org

What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.org

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