Rapha רָפָה

Male H7497A 2 books

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

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

"and Ishbibenob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of bronze in weight, he being armed with a new sword, thought he would kill David."
2 Samuel 21:18

"After this, there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was of the sons of the giant."
2 Samuel 21:20

"There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on every hand, and six toes on every foot, twenty four in count; and he also was born to the giant."
2 Samuel 21:22

"These four were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."

1 Chronicles 3 verses

1 Chronicles 20:6

"There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand, and six on each foot; and he also was born to the giant."
1 Chronicles 20:8

"These were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
1 Chronicles 20:4

"After this, war arose at Gezer with the Philistines. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued."

Names & Aliases

Form	Language	Script	Strong's
Named	Hebrew	רָפָה	H7497A
Group	Hebrew	רְפָאִים	H7497H