Ribai רִיבַי
Father of Ittai, one of David's mighty men
Who is Ribai in the Bible?
Ribai was the father of Ittai the Gibeathite, one of King David's mighty men mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:29 and 1 Chronicles 11:31. His son Ittai was from Gibeah in Benjamin and earned recognition as a valiant warrior in David's elite force of distinguished soldiers. While Ribai himself receives no further biblical description, his inclusion in the genealogy of one of David's most honored warriors suggests he was a man of significance whose son inherited or developed exceptional military prowess. The mighty men of David represented the kingdom's finest soldiers, known for their bravery and unwavering loyalty during a formative period in Israel's monarchy.
Biography
Ribai is mentioned in 2Sa.23.29 and 1Ch.11.31 as the father of Ittai the Gibeathite, who was one of David's mighty men. The mighty men were a group of elite warriors who served under King David and were renowned for their bravery, skill, and loyalty (2Sa.23.8-39; 1Ch.11.10-47). Ittai, the son of Ribai, was from Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin. He is listed among the mighty men, indicating that he was a valiant warrior who had distinguished himself in battle. The mention of Ribai as Ittai's father suggests that he was also a man of some importance or influence, as his son had risen to a prominent position in David's army. However, no further information is provided about Ribai himself in the biblical text.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 23:29
"Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites,"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 11:31
"Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites, Benaiah the Pirathonite,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | רִיבַי |