The Rephaim are a mysterious group mentioned several times in the Bible, most prominently in the Old Testament. Based on biblical descriptions, they seem to have been a race of giants who lived in the Promised Land prior to the arrival of the Israelites. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about the Rephaim:
Etymology of the Name
The name “Rephaim” comes from a Hebrew root meaning “giant” or “weak/powerless one.” This name underscores their towering stature and eventual downfall before the advancing Israelites. Some Bible translations render the name as “Rephaites” or “Rephaims.” They are also referred to in the Bible as “Emim” (Deuteronomy 2:10-11).
Origin and Lineage
Genesis 14:5 lists the Rephaim among the peoples living in the region of Ashteroth Karnaim who joined forces against an invasion, indicating they were well-established in Canaan long before Abraham arrived. They may have been descended from nephilim, the “fallen ones” born from the forbidden union of angels and humans according to Genesis 6:1-4. This would account for their superhuman size and battle prowess.
Physical Characteristics
The most defining trait of the Rephaim was their enormous stature. Deuteronomy 2:10-11, 20-21 describes them as being strong, numerous, and “tall as the Anakites,” a reference to another race of giants. King Og of Bashan, the last Rephaite ruler, had an iron bed over 13 feet long according to Deuteronomy 3:11. This emphasizes how the dreaded warriors were literally head and shoulders above their opponents on the battlefield.
Lands and Cities
The Rephaim occupied parts of Moab and Ammon east of the Jordan River. They controlled important cities like Ashteroth Karnaim (Genesis 14:5). Other cities associated with Rephaim include Ham, Shaveh Kiriathaim, and Rehob (Genesis 14:5; Joshua 17:15; 2 Samuel 20:8). The valley west of Jerusalem was named after them – the Valley of Rephaim (Joshua 15:8). Og’s kingdom was based in Bashan.
Status and Influence
The Rephaim held great influence in the ancient Near East. As warriors they were feared and gained notoriety for being undefeated in battle. Their intimidating presence caused dread among their enemies, including the Moabites and Edomites who would pass on stories about them to future generations (Deuteronomy 2:10-11, 20-21). As city rulers, they controlled key trade routes and tributaries.
Military Prowess
The Rephaim were renowned as mighty warriors, described as “strong” and “numerous” (Deuteronomy 2:10-11). Their advantage in battle was their towering height combined with skills and weapons. Being giants, they could easily overwhelm opponents on the field. They were able to forge iron weapons and implements as evidenced by Og’s large iron bed (Deuteronomy 3:11).
Clashes With Other Peoples
During Abraham’s rescue mission to save his nephew Lot, the Rephaim forces joined the armies of several kingdoms that fought against him and his men in the Valley of Siddim (Genesis 14:5-7). This invasion was defeated by Abraham and allies. Later, when the Moabite King Eglon expanded his empire, he conquered the Rephaim, further diminishing their holdings (Deuteronomy 2:9-11).
Downfall at the Hands of Israel
The final destruction of the dwindling Rephaim came during the Israelite conquest of Canaan following the Exodus from Egypt. The Israelites defeated King Og and his army and took over their lands (Numbers 21:33-35). Some scattered remnants of the Rephaim remained, like the giants encountered by Caleb according to Joshua 15:13-14. But as a people, nation and military force, they perished.
Rephaim Legacy and Descendants
Although the Rephaim dominance came to an end, their legacy lived on in regional place names and through their genetic offshoots. The Valley of Rephaim near Jerusalem preserved their memory. More significantly, some of their descendants emerged later as troublesome foes like the Anakim giants, including Goliath whom David slew (2 Samuel 21:15-22). Og was apparently the last “pureblooded” Rephaite ruler.
Rephaim Spirits and the Afterlife
After their physical defeat and extinction, the Rephaim are depicted as restless spirits of the dead in Sheol or the grave. Several poetic references describe dead Rephaim spirits stirring from Sheol to meet arriving human spirits (Proverbs 2:18; 9:18; 21:16; Isaiah 14:9; 26:14,19). This may echo ancient beliefs about deceased warrior giants continuing to haunt the living from beyond.
Rephaim Mentioned by Name in the Bible
Several individual Rephaim are identified by name in Scripture. These include:
- Og – King of Bashan who slept on an iron bed due to his giantism (Deuteronomy 3:11)
- Nephilim – Product of angel/human mixing according to Genesis 6:4
- Anak – Forefather of the Anakite giants who lived in Hebron (Numbers 13:22)
- Ahiman, Talmai, Sheshai – Sons of Anak who dwelt in Hebron and were defeated by Caleb (Numbers 13:22; Joshua 15:14; Judges 1:10)
- Goliath – Philistine giant from Gath, around 9 feet tall, who was slain by David (1 Samuel 17)
Rephaim References in Books of Moses
Here are some of the key Rephaim passages in the Torah:
- Genesis 14:5 – Rephaim listed among peoples defeated by Abraham’s army
- Genesis 15:18-21 – God promises Abraham that his descendants will conquer their lands
- Deuteronomy 2:10-11 – Moses recounts the people called Emim, tall as Anakim, who dwelt in Moab
- Deuteronomy 2:20-21 – Moses speaks of the Zamzummim, also giants like the Anakim, who lived in Ammon
- Deuteronomy 3:11-13 – Moses describes defeating Og king of Bashan, the last of the Rephaim
References in the Books of History
Key Rephaim passages in the historical books include:
- Joshua 12:4 – Og king of Bashan, one of the remnant of the Rephaim
- Joshua 13:12 – Israel instructed to defeat remnants of the Rephaim
- Joshua 15:8 – Reference to the Valley of Rephaim southwest of Jerusalem
- Joshua 17:15 – Some Rephaim remained among Canaanites in the valley
- 2 Samuel 5:18, 22 – Philistines deploy in the Valley of Rephaim against David
- 2 Samuel 23:13 – David’s warriors defeat Philistines in the Valley of Rephaim
- 1 Chronicles 11:15 – Repeat of passage describing David’s battle against Philistines in the valley
- 1 Chronicles 20:4 – Details of war against the giant descendants of Rapha
Mentions in Wisdom Literature
The Rephaim appear in several poetic passages:
- Job 26:5 – Dead Rephaim tremble under the waters in Sheol
- Psalm 88:10 – The dead, including Rephaim, rise to meet God
- Proverbs 2:18 – Sensual woman’s house leads down to the Rephaim
- Proverbs 21:16 – Straying from right path will rest with the Rephaim
- Proverbs 9:18 – Folly’s guests are headed to the depths of Sheol and the Rephaim
- Isaiah 14:9 – Sheol stirs to meet arriving king of Babylon, including the Rephaim
Prophecies Against the Remnant of Rephaim
The prophets pronounced oracles against the few Rephaim survivors:
- Isaiah 17:5 – Judgment against Israel will cut off harvest like reaping valley of Rephaim
- Isaiah 26:14, 19 – The dead Rephaim will not live, nor rise from the grave
Rephaim Summary
In summary, the Rephaim were a formidable race of giant warriors who dominated parts of Canaan until being defeated and displaced by the Israelites. As inhabitants of the afterlife, they served as poetic symbols of fallen enemies and the power of death and Sheol. While physical giants, their memory lives on as spiritual beings who succumb to divine judgment.
