Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Reelias is a figure whose name does not appear directly in the canonical texts of the Bible. However, the name may be a variant or a transliteration error in some historical or apocryphal texts. In the context of biblical studies, it is important to explore the possible origins and connections of such names to better understand their significance and any potential link to biblical narratives. Possible Origins and Connections: The name "Reelias" could be a variant of "Elias," which is the Greek form of "Elijah," a prominent prophet in the Old Testament. Elijah is known for his zealous defense of the worship of Yahweh over the Canaanite deity Baal. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Elijah's ministry is marked by miraculous events, including the raising of the widow's son (1 Kings 17:17-24), the contest on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40), and his ascension into heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Biblical References: While "Reelias" itself is not found in the Berean Standard Bible, the figure of Elijah is extensively covered. For instance, in 1 Kings 18:21 , Elijah challenges the people of Israel: "Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people did not answer a word." Theological Significance: Elijah, and by extension any variant such as "Reelias," represents the prophetic tradition in Israel that calls the people back to covenant faithfulness. Elijah's life and ministry emphasize the power of God to intervene in history and the importance of fidelity to God's commandments. His role as a forerunner to the Messiah is highlighted in the New Testament, where John the Baptist is identified with Elijah (Matthew 11:14: "And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come."). Cultural and Historical Context: In the broader cultural and historical context, names like "Reelias" may appear in various apocryphal or pseudepigraphal writings, which were not included in the canonical Bible but were part of the religious literature of the time. These texts often expand on the accounts of biblical figures or introduce new characters that reflect the theological and moral concerns of their communities. Conclusion: While "Reelias" is not a name found in the standard biblical canon, its potential connection to Elijah invites further exploration of the prophetic tradition and its enduring impact on both Jewish and Christian thought. Elijah's legacy as a prophet who stood against idolatry and called for repentance continues to resonate in theological discussions and spiritual reflections. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia REELIASre-el'-i-as (Codex Alexandrinus Rheelias (Fritzschel); Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete, Boroleias; the King James Version Reelius): One of the "leaders" with Zerubbabel in the return from exile (1 Esdras 5:8, margin "Reelaiah"). It occupies the place of "Bigvai" in Ezra 2:2 Nehemiah 7:7, but in form it must be the equivalent of "Reelaiah" of Ezra and "Raamiah" of Nehemiah. It is perhaps a duplicate of "Resaias." Thesaurus Reelias... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia REELIAS. re-el'-i-as (Codex Alexandrinus Rheelias (Fritzschel); Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete ... /r/reelias.htm - 6k Reeling (2 Occurrences) Reeleth (2 Occurrences) Resaias Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |