Topical Encyclopedia Historical and Biblical Context:Rabbah, also known as Rabbath, was the capital city of the Ammonites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The city is located in the region of modern-day Amman, Jordan. Rabbah held significant strategic and economic importance due to its location and resources, including access to water and fertile lands. Possession and Conflict: Throughout biblical history, Rabbah was a focal point of conflict between the Israelites and the Ammonites. The city is first mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:11, where it is noted as the location of the iron bedstead of Og, king of Bashan, indicating its significance even before the time of the Israelite monarchy. During King David's reign, Rabbah became a site of military engagement. In 2 Samuel 11:1, the narrative describes how David sent Joab and the Israelite army to besiege Rabbah while he remained in Jerusalem. This campaign is notably linked to the events surrounding David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent death of Uriah the Hittite. The siege of Rabbah is further detailed in 2 Samuel 12:26-29, where Joab captures the royal city and calls David to claim victory, ensuring the city would bear David's name in conquest. Possessed Again by the Ammonites: Despite its capture by David, Rabbah did not remain under Israelite control indefinitely. The city was later possessed again by the Ammonites, as indicated in the prophetic literature. This re-possession underscores the ongoing hostilities and fluctuating control over territories in the region. Prophecies Against Rabbah: The prophets of the Old Testament pronounced judgments against Rabbah and the Ammonites, reflecting the city's role as an adversary to Israel. In Jeremiah 49:2, the prophet declares, "Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will cause the battle cry to be heard against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it will become a desolate mound, and its villages will be set on fire. Then Israel will dispossess those who dispossessed her, says the LORD." Similarly, Ezekiel 21:20-21 speaks of the sword of judgment directed towards Rabbah: "Appoint a road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites and against Judah into fortified Jerusalem." This prophecy highlights the divine judgment that was to befall the city due to its opposition to God's people. Amos 1:13-15 also contains a pronouncement against the Ammonites, emphasizing their cruelty and the impending divine retribution: "Thus says the LORD: 'For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead, that they might enlarge their border. So I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour her strongholds, with shouting on the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind; and their king shall go into exile, he and his princes together,' says the LORD." Significance: Rabbah's historical and prophetic mentions in the Bible underscore its importance as a symbol of opposition to Israel and as a recipient of divine judgment. The city's narrative reflects the broader themes of conflict, judgment, and the sovereignty of God over the nations. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 49:2,3Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir to them that were his heirs, said the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 21:20 Ezekiel 25:5 Amos 1:14 Resources Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about age differences in relationships? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rabbah: A City in the Territory of the Tribe of Judah Rabbah: Also Called Rabbath: A City East of the Jordan River, Originally Belonging to the Ammonites Rabbah: Also Called Rabbath: Bedstead of the Giant Named Og, Kept At Rabbah: Also Called Rabbath: Captured by David Rabbah: Also Called Rabbath: Possessed Again by the Ammonites; Prophesied Against Related Terms |
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