Raphon is a location mentioned in the deuterocanonical book of 1 Maccabees, which is part of the Apocrypha in the Protestant tradition and included in the Septuagint and Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. It is not directly referenced in the canonical books of the Bible, but it holds significance in the historical context of the Maccabean Revolt.

Historical Context

Raphon is noted in the narrative of the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BC. This revolt is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, highlighting the struggle for religious freedom and national identity. The Maccabees, a group of Jewish warriors, led this revolt to resist Hellenistic influences and restore Jewish practices and worship in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Biblical Reference

In 1 Maccabees 5:37-40, Raphon is mentioned in the context of a battle between the forces of Judas Maccabeus and the army of Timotheus, a general of the Seleucid Empire. The passage describes how Judas and his men prepared for battle against a formidable enemy. The Berean Standard Bible does not include the Apocrypha, so a direct quotation from this translation is not available. However, the passage in other translations describes how Judas Maccabeus strategically engaged the enemy forces near Raphon, leading to a significant victory for the Jewish forces.

Geographical Significance

The exact location of Raphon is not definitively known, but it is believed to have been situated in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its strategic importance and was often a site of military engagements during the Hellenistic period. The mention of Raphon in the context of the Maccabean Revolt underscores its role as a battleground in the struggle against the Seleucid oppression.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Raphon and the Maccabean Revolt illustrates themes of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention. The victory at Raphon is seen as a testament to God's support for those who remain faithful to His commandments and resist assimilation into pagan cultures. The Maccabees' success is often interpreted as a fulfillment of God's promise to protect and preserve His chosen people, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Cultural and Religious Impact

The events surrounding Raphon and the Maccabean Revolt have had a lasting impact on Jewish culture and religious practice. The successful resistance against the Seleucids is commemorated annually during the festival of Hanukkah, which celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. This historical memory reinforces the importance of religious freedom and the enduring strength of faith in the face of adversity.

In summary, while Raphon is not a prominent location in the canonical Bible, its mention in the context of the Maccabean Revolt provides valuable insights into the historical and religious landscape of the time. The account of Raphon serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of faith and the enduring legacy of those who fight for their beliefs.Raphon

a city of Gilead, 1 Macc. 15:37 perhaps identical with Raphana, which is mentioned by Pliny as one of the cities of the Decapolis.

RAPHON

ra'-fon (Rhapheion): The place where in his campaign East of Jordan Judas inflicted disastrous defeat on the host of Timotheus, the fugitives fleeing for refuge to the temple at Carnaim (1 Maccabees 5:37;; Ant, XII, viii, 4). The same place is doubtless referred to by Pliny as "Raphana" (NH, v.16). It may possibly be represented by the modern Rafeh, on the East of the pilgrimage road, about 17 miles North of Der`ah, and 11 miles Northeast of Tell el-`Ash`ary. It is a mile and a half North of Wady Kanawat, which would thus be the "brook" mentioned in the narrative. It is perhaps far enough away from Carnaim, if this is rightly placed at Tell el-`Ash`ary.

W. Ewing

How Judas Subdued the Nations Round About; and How Simon Beat the ...
... of the Arabians, by the promise of rewards, to go with him in this expedition, and
came with his army beyond the brook, over against the city Raphon; and he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how judas subdued.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Hamatu is probably Hamath of the Gadarenes; Magato, the Maged of the Maccabees,
is possibly the present Mukatta; and Ono-Repha, Raphon, Raphana, Arpha of ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Raphon
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAPHON. ra'-fon (Rhapheion): The place where
in his campaign East of Jordan Judas inflicted disastrous ...
/r/raphon.htm - 7k

Raphaim

/r/raphaim.htm - 6k

Raphu (1 Occurrence)

/r/raphu.htm - 7k

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