Topical Bible: Rabbah: Also Called Rabbath: Bedstead of the Giant Named Og, Kept At

◄ Rabbah: Also Called Rabbath: Bedstead of the Giant Named Og, Kept At ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Overview:
Rabbah, also known as Rabbath, was the capital city of the Ammonites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The city is notable for its strategic location and its involvement in various biblical narratives. It is situated east of the Jordan River, in the region that is present-day Amman, Jordan.

Biblical References:
Rabbah is mentioned several times in the Bible, primarily in the context of military campaigns and territorial disputes. One of the earliest references is found in Deuteronomy 3:11, which notes the bedstead of Og, king of Bashan, being kept in Rabbah: "For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. Indeed, his bedstead was an iron bedstead. It is in Rabbah of the Ammonites. Its length is nine cubits, and its width four cubits, according to the standard cubit" . This passage highlights the city's significance as a repository of historical artifacts and its connection to the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants.

Historical Significance:
Rabbah's strategic importance is underscored by its repeated mention in the context of military campaigns. In 2 Samuel 11:1, King David sends Joab and the Israelite army to besiege Rabbah: "In the spring, at the time when kings march out to war, David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah, but David remained in Jerusalem" . This siege is notably linked to the narrative of David and Bathsheba, as it was during this campaign that David committed adultery with Bathsheba.

The city's capture is detailed in 2 Samuel 12:26-29, where Joab sends messengers to David, urging him to come and claim the victory: "Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress. Then Joab sent messengers to David to say, 'I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city. Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troops, besiege the city, and capture it. Otherwise, I will take the city myself, and it will be named after me.' So David assembled all the troops and went to Rabbah; he fought against it and captured it" .

Cultural and Theological Context:
Rabbah's role in biblical history is not only military but also cultural. The city was a center of Ammonite power and culture, often in conflict with Israel. The Ammonites, descendants of Lot, were frequently at odds with the Israelites, and Rabbah served as a focal point for these tensions.

Theologically, Rabbah represents the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His use of Israel to execute judgment on surrounding peoples. The capture of Rabbah and the defeat of the Ammonites are seen as part of God's plan to establish Israel in the Promised Land and to demonstrate His power and justice.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological efforts have uncovered significant remains in the area of ancient Rabbah, providing insights into its historical and cultural context. These findings include fortifications, water systems, and artifacts that align with biblical descriptions, further corroborating the city's importance in ancient Near Eastern history.

In summary, Rabbah, or Rabbath, stands as a testament to the complex interplay of history, culture, and theology in the biblical narrative. Its mention in the context of the bedstead of Og and its role in Israel's military campaigns highlight its enduring significance in the biblical account.

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Deuteronomy 3:11
For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.
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