Topical Encyclopedia
Rephael is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His name, which means "God has healed" or "God heals," reflects a common theme in biblical nomenclature where names often signify divine attributes or actions.
Biblical References:Rephael is mentioned in
1 Chronicles 26:7, within the context of the genealogies and duties of the Levites. The passage reads: "The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers Elihu and Semachiah were also capable men."
Genealogical Context:Rephael is listed as one of the sons of Shemaiah, who was a descendant of Obed-edom. Obed-edom is a notable figure in the Bible, known for housing the Ark of the Covenant for three months, during which time the LORD blessed his household (
2 Samuel 6:11). The genealogical records in
1 Chronicles 26 highlight the descendants of Obed-edom, emphasizing their roles and responsibilities in the service of the temple.
Role and Significance:The mention of Rephael, along with his brothers, underscores the importance of the Levitical families in the administration and worship practices of ancient Israel. The Levites were set apart for specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple, and their genealogies are meticulously recorded to affirm their roles and responsibilities.
Rephael, as a descendant of Obed-edom, would have been part of the group responsible for guarding the gates of the temple, a task that required trustworthiness and dedication. The Chronicler's emphasis on the capabilities of these men suggests that Rephael and his brothers were recognized for their competence and reliability in fulfilling their duties.
Theological Implications:The name Rephael, meaning "God has healed," may carry theological significance, reflecting the belief in God's power to heal and restore. This is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where God is often depicted as a healer and restorer of His people. The presence of such a name within the Levitical genealogies may serve as a reminder of God's ongoing care and provision for His chosen servants.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near Eastern context, names were often imbued with meaning and could reflect the circumstances of a person's birth, the hopes of the parents, or attributes of the deity they worshiped. The name Rephael, therefore, not only identifies an individual within the Levitical lineage but also connects to the broader cultural practice of naming as a reflection of divine interaction with humanity.
Conclusion:While Rephael is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles highlights the importance of the Levitical families and their service to God. His name serves as a testament to the enduring belief in God's healing power and the faithfulness of those who served in His temple.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Rephaelthe physic or medicine of God
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Rephael(healed of God), son of Shemaiah, the first-born of Obed-edom. (1 Chronicles 26:7) (B.C. about 1015.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Healed of God, one of Shemaiah's sons. He and his brethren, on account of their "strength for service," formed one of the divisions of the temple porters (
1 Chronicles 26:7, 8).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
REPHAELre'-fa-el, ref'-a-el (repha'el, "God has healed"; Rhaphael): The eponym of a family of gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:7). The name occurs in Tobit and Enoch ("Raphael"); it probably belongs to a group of late formations. SeeGray, HPN, 225, 311.
Strong's Hebrew
7501.Rephael -- "God has cured," a Levite... 7500, 7501.
Rephael. 7502 . "God has cured," a Levite. Transliteration:
Rephael Phonetic Spelling: (ref-aw-ale') Short Definition:
Rephael.
...Library
Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... sequel. Of these 5 are specially mentioned, of whom four surrounded the
Throne of God: Michael, Gabriel,Rephael,and Uriel. But...
Thesaurus
Rephael (1 Occurrence)... 8). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
REPHAEL. re
... formations. See Gray, HPN,
225, 311. Multi-Version Concordance
Rephael (1 Occurrence). 1
...Reph'a-el (1 Occurrence)
Reph'a-el.Rephael, Reph'a-el. Rephah . Multi-Version Concordance Reph'a-el
(1 Occurrence).... (See RSV).Rephael, Reph'a-el. Rephah . Reference Bible.
Othni (1 Occurrence)
... Othni (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, andRephael,
and Obed, Elzabad, whose brothers were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah....
Obed (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, andRephael, and Obed, Elzabad,
whose brothers were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah....
Repetitions (1 Occurrence)
Elzabad (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, andRephael, and Obed, Elzabad,
whose brothers were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah....
Elza'bad (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, andRephael and Obed and Elzabad
his brethren, valiant men; Elihu also, and Semachiah. (See RSV)....
Eli'hu (11 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, andRephael and Obed and
Elzabad his brethren, valiant men; Elihu also, and Semachiah. (See RSV)....
Semachiah (1 Occurrence)
... Semachiah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, andRephael,
and Obed, Elzabad, whose brothers were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah....
Shemai'ah (38 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 26:7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, andRephael and Obed and
Elzabad his brethren, valiant men; Elihu also, and Semachiah. (See RSV)....
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