Topical Encyclopedia Resheph is a figure mentioned in the Bible, often associated with pestilence, plague, or destruction. The name "Resheph" appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, and its interpretation has been the subject of scholarly discussion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, Resheph was also known as a deity associated with war and plague, particularly in Canaanite and Ugaritic mythology.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 32:24 : In the Song of Moses, Resheph is indirectly referenced as part of the calamities that will befall those who turn away from God. The verse states, "They will be wasted from hunger and ravaged by pestilence and bitter plague; I will send the fangs of wild beasts against them, with the venom of vipers that crawl in the dust." Here, "pestilence" and "plague" are often associated with the destructive forces that Resheph embodies. 2. Habakkuk 3:5 : This verse describes the power and majesty of God, with Resheph being part of the imagery used to convey divine judgment. "Plague went before Him, and pestilence followed in His steps." The mention of "plague" and "pestilence" aligns with the destructive nature attributed to Resheph. 3. Psalm 78:48 : In recounting the plagues of Egypt, the psalmist writes, "He gave over their cattle to the hail and their livestock to bolts of lightning." The term "bolts of lightning" is sometimes linked to Resheph, emphasizing his association with sudden and devastating destruction. Cultural and Historical Context: In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, Resheph was recognized as a deity of war and plague. In Ugaritic texts, Resheph is depicted as a warrior god, often wielding a bow and arrows, symbolizing his role in bringing disease and destruction. This cultural background provides insight into the biblical usage of Resheph as a metaphor for divine judgment and calamity. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the mention of Resheph in the Bible serves to underscore the sovereignty and power of God over all forces of destruction and chaos. While Resheph may have been revered as a powerful deity in neighboring cultures, the biblical narrative consistently portrays the God of Israel as supreme, with authority over all such entities. The use of Resheph in biblical texts highlights the futility of relying on foreign gods and emphasizes the need for faithfulness to the one true God. Conclusion: The figure of Resheph in the Bible, while not extensively detailed, serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the destructive consequences of turning away from God. Through the lens of biblical theology, Resheph's presence in the text reinforces the overarching theme of God's ultimate authority and the call for His people to remain steadfast in their devotion. Smith's Bible Dictionary Resheph(flame), a son of Ephraim. (1 Chronicles 7:25) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RESHEPHre'-shef (resheph, "flame" or "fire-bolt"): Personal name found in Phoenician as a divine name. In the Old Testament the name of a descendant of Ephraim, the eponym of an Ephraimite family or clan (1 Chronicles 7:25). Strong's Hebrew 7566. Resheph -- an Ephraimite... 7565, 7566. Resheph. 7567 . an Ephraimite. Transliteration: Resheph Phonetic Spelling: (reh'-shef) Short Definition: Resheph. Word ... /hebrew/7566.htm - 6k 7565. resheph -- flame 7529. retseph -- coal Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Thesaurus Resheph (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia RESHEPH. re'-shef (resheph, "flame" or "fire-bolt"): Personal name found in Phoenician as a divine name. ...Resheph (1 Occurrence). ... /r/resheph.htm - 7k Reside (17 Occurrences) Telah (1 Occurrence) Tahan (2 Occurrences) Rephah (1 Occurrence) Resh (1 Occurrence) Bolt (5 Occurrences) Coal (7 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Resheph (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 7:25 Subtopics Related Terms |
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