Raphu is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is identified as a member of the tribe of Benjamin and is most notably recognized as the father of Palti, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan.

Biblical Reference:

· Numbers 13:9 : "from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti son of Raphu."

In the context of the narrative, Raphu's son, Palti, was chosen as a representative of the tribe of Benjamin to join the expedition into Canaan. This mission was a significant event in the history of the Israelites as they were on the brink of entering the Promised Land. The twelve spies were tasked with surveying the land and its inhabitants, assessing its resources, and reporting back to Moses and the Israelite community.

The account of the spies is a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey. While the majority of the spies, including Palti, returned with a report that incited fear and doubt among the people, only Joshua and Caleb brought back a message of faith and encouragement. This lack of faith among the ten spies, including Palti, led to severe consequences for the Israelites, resulting in their wandering in the wilderness for forty years.

Tribe of Benjamin:

Raphu's association with the tribe of Benjamin places him within one of the twelve tribes of Israel, each descending from the sons of Jacob. The tribe of Benjamin held a unique position among the tribes, being the smallest yet producing significant figures in Israel's history, such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The mention of Raphu, though brief, contributes to the larger narrative of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. His son Palti's involvement in the spying mission highlights the challenges of faith and obedience faced by the Israelites. The episode underscores the importance of trust in God's promises and the consequences of yielding to fear and disbelief.

Raphu's legacy, through his son, serves as a reminder of the critical role of leadership and the impact of individual actions on the community's destiny. The account of the spies, including Palti, is often referenced in discussions about faith, courage, and the importance of aligning with God's will despite daunting circumstances.Raphu

the father of Palti, the Benjamite spy. (Numbers 13:9) (B.C. before 1490.)

Healed, a Benjamite, whose son Palti was one of the twelve spies (Numbers 13:9). RAPHU

ra'-fu (raphu', "one healed"): The father of Palti, the spy selected from the tribe of Benjamin (Numbers 13:9).

7505. Raphu -- "cured," a Benjamite
... 7504b, 7505. Raphu. 7506 . "cured," a Benjamite. Transliteration: Raphu
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-foo') Short Definition: Raphu. Word ...
/hebrew/7505.htm - 6kRaphu (1 Occurrence)
...RAPHU. ra'-fu (raphu', "one healed"): The father of Palti, the spy selected from
the tribe of Benjamin (Numbers 13:9). ...Raphu (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/raphu.htm - 7k

Benjamin (167 Occurrences)
... of the tabernacle, their prince being Abidan the son of Gideoni (Numbers 2:22 f).
Benjamin was represented among the spies by Palti the son of Raphu; and at ...
/b/benjamin.htm - 50k

Raphon

/r/raphon.htm - 7k

Rapid (1 Occurrence)

/r/rapid.htm - 7k

Palti (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Palti (2 Occurrences). Numbers 13:9 Of the tribe of Benjamin,
Palti the son of Raphu. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/palti.htm - 7k

Tribe (250 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 13:9 Of the tribe of Benjamin,
Palti the son of Raphu. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tribe.htm - 45k

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