Reba
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Topical Encyclopedia
Reba is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. He is identified as one of the five Midianite kings who were defeated and slain by the Israelites during their wilderness journey under the leadership of Moses. The account of Reba is brief but significant, as it highlights the Israelites' conquest over the Midianites, who were adversaries of Israel at that time.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 31:8 : "Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword."

In this passage, Reba is listed among the five kings of Midian who were killed by the Israelites. The context of this event is the divine command given to Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for their role in leading the Israelites into sin at Peor, as described in Numbers 25. The Midianites, through the counsel of Balaam, had enticed the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, provoking God's anger.

The defeat of the Midianite kings, including Reba, was part of a larger campaign where the Israelites, under God's directive, executed judgment on the Midianites. This victory was significant for the Israelites as it demonstrated God's continued support and protection over His chosen people, as well as His intolerance for idolatry and immorality.

Historical and Theological Context:

The Midianites were a nomadic people who lived in the region east of the Jordan River. They were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). Despite their distant kinship with the Israelites, the Midianites often found themselves in conflict with them.

Theologically, the account of Reba and the other Midianite kings serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's will and leading His people astray. It underscores the theme of divine justice and the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. The narrative also illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises to protect and guide the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land.

Cultural and Moral Lessons:

From a cultural perspective, the account of Reba and the Midianite kings reflects the ancient Near Eastern context of tribal warfare and alliances. It also highlights the role of leadership and the impact of leaders' decisions on their people.

Morally, the account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the influence of ungodly counsel. It emphasizes the need for discernment and obedience to God's word, as well as the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity.

In summary, Reba's mention in the Bible, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that illustrates God's sovereignty, justice, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for His people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Reba

the fourth; a square; that lies or stoops down

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Reba

(four), one of the five kings of the Midianites slain by the children of Israel when Balaam fell. (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:21) (B.C. 1450.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fourth, one of the Midianite chiefs slain by the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:21).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
REBA

re-bek'-a (rebha`, "fourth part"; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Rhobe; Codex Alexandrinus Rhebek): One of the five chieftains of Midian who were slain by the Israelites, under Moses (Numbers 31:8 Joshua 13:21). Like his comrades, he is termed a "king" in Numbers, but a "chief" or "prince" in Joshua.

Strong's Hebrew
7254. Reba -- a king of Midian
... 7253, 7254. Reba. 7255 . a king of Midian. Transliteration: Reba Phonetic
Spelling: (reh'-bah) Short Definition: Reba. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/7254.htm - 6k

7252. reba -- lying down
... 7251, 7252. reba. 7253 . lying down. Transliteration: reba Phonetic Spelling:
(reh'-bah) Short Definition: down. ... 7251, 7252. reba. 7253 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/7252.htm - 5k

7253. reba -- fourth part, four sides (pl.)
... 7252, 7253. reba. 7254 . fourth part, four sides (pl.). Transliteration: reba
Phonetic Spelling: (reh'-bah) Short Definition: sides. ... 7252, 7253. reba. 7254 ...
/hebrew/7253.htm - 6k

7251. raba -- to square
... at all fours" (or possibly the reverse is the order of deriv.); compare arba');
properly, to be four (sided); used only as denominative of reba'; to be ...
/hebrew/7251.htm - 6k

Library

How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them.
... Evi, Zur, Reba, Hur, and Rekem, who was of the same name with a city, the chief
and capital of all Arabia, which is still now so called by the whole Arabian ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how the hebrews.htm

Thesaurus
Reba (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:21). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. REBA. re-bek'-a ... in Joshua.
Multi-Version Concordance Reba (2 Occurrences). Numbers 31:8 They ...
/r/reba.htm - 7k

Zur (9 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi,
and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also ...
/z/zur.htm - 10k

Rekem (6 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi,
and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also ...
/r/rekem.htm - 11k

Evi (2 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi,
and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also ...
/e/evi.htm - 7k

Mid'ian (47 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:8 And they slew the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi,
and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian; Balaam also ...
/m/mid'ian.htm - 20k

Midian (60 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi,
and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also ...
/m/midian.htm - 32k

Hur (17 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi,
and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian: Balaam also ...
/h/hur.htm - 14k

Tableland (8 Occurrences)
... of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the
chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the princes of ...
/t/tableland.htm - 8k

Table-land (8 Occurrences)
... of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the
chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the princes of ...
/t/table-land.htm - 9k

Reassured (1 Occurrence)

/r/reassured.htm - 6k

Resources
Who was Hur in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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