Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Rapha is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with the Rephaim, a group of ancient people mentioned in various Old Testament passages. The term "Rapha" itself can refer to individuals or be used as a collective term for the descendants of Rephaim. The Rephaim are frequently depicted as giants or mighty warriors, and their presence in the biblical narrative often signifies formidable opposition to the Israelites. Biblical References: 1. Genesis 14:5 : "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 introduces the Rephaim as one of the groups defeated by Chedorlaomer, indicating their presence in the land during the time of Abraham. 2. Deuteronomy 2:10-11 : "The Emites used to live there, a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakites. Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites." Here, the Rephaim are equated with other giant-like peoples, emphasizing their stature and strength. 3. 2 Samuel 21:16-22 : This passage recounts the exploits of David's warriors against the descendants of Rapha, including Ishbi-benob, Saph, and others. "Then Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, intended to kill David." The narrative highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the descendants of Rapha, underscoring their role as formidable adversaries. 4. 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 : Similar to the account in 2 Samuel, this passage details battles against the descendants of Rapha. "In another battle with the Philistines at Gob, Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha." The chronicler records these victories as part of the broader narrative of Israel's triumph over its enemies. Theological Significance: The Rephaim, and by extension Rapha, are often seen as symbolic of the challenges and obstacles faced by the people of God. Their depiction as giants or mighty warriors serves to highlight the power and faithfulness of God in delivering His people from seemingly insurmountable foes. The victories over the descendants of Rapha are a testament to divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Cultural and Historical Context: The Rephaim are part of the larger narrative of ancient Near Eastern peoples who inhabited the land prior to the Israelite conquest. Their mention in various biblical texts reflects the historical memory of these groups and their interactions with the Israelites. The term "Rapha" itself may have been used to denote a specific lineage or clan within the broader category of Rephaim. Conclusion: While the term "Rapha" appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, its association with the Rephaim provides insight into the ancient world's perception of giants and mighty warriors. The biblical narrative uses these figures to demonstrate God's power and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, reinforcing the theme of divine victory over human opposition. Smith's Bible Dictionary Rapha(tall).
Easton's Bible Dictionary Tall. (1.) A Benjamite, the son of Binea (1 Chronicles 8:2, 37), a descendant of Saul. (2.) Margin of 1 Chronicles 20:4, 6, where "giant" is given in the text. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAPHA, RAPHAHra'-fa (rapha'): Strong's Hebrew 1051. Beth Rapha -- an Israelite nameBeth Rapha. 1050, 1051. Beth Rapha. 1052 . an Israelite name. Transliteration: Beth Rapha Phonetic Spelling: (bayth raw-faw') Short Definition: Bethrapha. ... /hebrew/1051.htm - 6k 7498. Rapha' -- a Benjamite 7497. Rapha -- inhab. of an area East of the Jordan 7498a. Rapha -- a Benjamite 7496. rapha -- shades, ghosts 7504a. Rapha -- an Israelite in the line of Saul 7495. rapha -- to heal 7498b. rapha -- giant 8644. teruphah -- a healing 7501. Rephael -- "God has cured," a Levite Library Early English Interpreters of Spiritual Religion: John Everard ... Spiritual Reformers in the 16th and 17th Centuries The Doctrine of God Chapter xx Thesaurus Rapha (10 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RAPHA, RAPHAH. ... (2) Raphah (the King James Version "Rapha"), a descendant of Saul (1 Chronicles 8:37). See REPHAIAH. ... /r/rapha.htm - 10k Beth-rapha (1 Occurrence) Rephaim (32 Occurrences) Raphah (5 Occurrences) Bethrapha (1 Occurrence) Raphael Bethra'pha (1 Occurrence) Nohah (2 Occurrences) Giants (18 Occurrences) Wholesome (10 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.orgWas Goliath one of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org The Identity of God ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rapha (10 Occurrences)2 Samuel 21:16 2 Samuel 21:18 2 Samuel 21:20 2 Samuel 21:22 1 Chronicles 4:12 1 Chronicles 8:2 1 Chronicles 8:37 1 Chronicles 20:4 1 Chronicles 20:6 1 Chronicles 20:8 Subtopics Rapha: Also Called Rephaiah: A Descendant of Jonathan Rapha: An Ancestor of Certain Philistine Warriors, (Margins) Related Terms |
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