Rapha רָפָה

Male H7497A 2 books

Ancestor of Philistine giants; his descendants fought against David's warriors.

Who is Rapha in the Bible?

Rapha was the ancestor of several Philistine giants who opposed King David and his warriors during Israel's conflicts with the Philistines (2 Samuel 21, 1 Chronicles 20). These giants, known as descendants of the Rephaim, were renowned for their exceptional size and strength, and multiple members of Rapha's line engaged in combat with David's mighty men. Notable descendants included Ishbi-benob, who wielded a bronze spear and threatened David's life until Abishai intervened (2 Samuel 21:16), and a massive warrior with twelve digits, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, who was eventually killed by Jonathan son of Shimea (2 Samuel 21:20). Rapha's descendants serve as biblical examples of the physical obstacles David's forces overcame, demonstrating God's protection of David and his army against seemingly impossible odds.

Biography

Rapha is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21 and 1 Chronicles 20 as the ancestor of several Philistine giants who fought against King David and his mighty warriors. The name "Rapha" is used to describe these giants as descendants of the Rephaim, a people known for their great stature and strength (Deu.2.11, 20-21). In 2Sa.21.16, Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, wielded a bronze spear and threatened to kill David, but Abishai came to David's aid and killed the giant. Another descendant of Rapha, Saph (also called Sippai in 1Ch.20.4), was killed by Sibbecai the Hushathite (2Sa.21.18). In 2Sa.21.20 and 1Ch.20.6, another descendant of Rapha is described as a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. This giant was killed by Jonathan, the son of Shimea, David's brother (2Sa.21.21; 1Ch.20.7). These battles against the descendants of Rapha are summarized in 2Sa.21.22 and 1Ch.20.8, emphasizing that they were defeated by David and his servants. The mention of Rapha and his descendants highlights the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, as well as the bravery and skill of David and his warriors in facing and defeating these formidable enemies. The victory over the giants also demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the Israelites victory over their enemies and to establish David's kingdom.

Family

Offspring

In Scripture

2 biblical books

2 Samuel 4 verses

2 Samuel 21:16

"Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David."
2 Samuel 21:18

"Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha."
2 Samuel 21:20

"And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha,"
2 Samuel 21:22

"So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants."

1 Chronicles 3 verses

1 Chronicles 20:6

"And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha,"
1 Chronicles 20:8

"So these descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants."
1 Chronicles 20:4

"Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued."

Names & Aliases

Form	Language	Script
Named	Hebrew	רָפָה
Group	Hebrew	רְפָאִים