Introduction:
Reph'idim is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It serves as a backdrop for key events that highlight God's provision and protection for His people.

Biblical References:
Reph'idim is primarily mentioned in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites camped at Reph'idim during their wilderness wanderings after leaving Egypt. The key passages include Exodus 17:1-16 and Exodus 19:2.

Geographical Context:
Reph'idim is situated in the Sinai Peninsula, though its exact location remains uncertain. It is described as a place where there was no water for the people to drink, which led to significant events that tested the faith and obedience of the Israelites.

Key Events:

1. Water from the Rock:
In Exodus 17:1-7, the Israelites, having journeyed from the Wilderness of Sin, camped at Reph'idim. They found themselves without water, leading to complaints against Moses. The people quarreled with Moses, expressing doubt and fear about their survival. In response, God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb with his staff, resulting in water flowing from the rock to quench the thirst of the people. This miraculous provision underscored God's faithfulness and care for His people despite their grumbling. The place was named Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling) because of the Israelites' contentious behavior.

Exodus 17:6 : "Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.

2. Battle with the Amalekites:
Reph'idim is also the site of the Israelites' first military encounter after leaving Egypt, as recorded in Exodus 17:8-16. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Reph'idim, prompting Moses to instruct Joshua to choose men and fight. During the battle, Moses stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed, but when he lowered them, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Aaron and Hur supported Moses' hands, ensuring victory for Israel. This event demonstrated the power of intercession and reliance on God's strength in battle.

Exodus 17:11-12 : "As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down."

Theological Significance:
Reph'idim serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision and the importance of faith and obedience. The events at Reph'idim highlight the Israelites' struggle with trust and reliance on God, as well as the necessity of leadership and intercession. The miraculous provision of water and the victory over the Amalekites underscore God's sovereignty and His commitment to His covenant people.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The events at Reph'idim occurred during the early stages of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, a formative period in their history. The challenges faced at Reph'idim reflect the broader theme of testing and reliance on God that characterizes the wilderness journey. The Amalekites, as descendants of Esau, represent a recurring adversary for Israel, symbolizing opposition to God's purposes.

Conclusion:
Reph'idim remains a testament to God's faithfulness and the lessons of trust and obedience that are central to the journey of faith. The events that transpired there continue to resonate as examples of divine provision and the power of prayerful intercession.

Concordance

Reph'idim (5 Occurrences)

Exodus 17:1
And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, by their stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and encamped in Rephidim; and there was no water for the people to drink.
(See RSV)

Exodus 17:8
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
(See RSV)

Exodus 19:2
And when they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mount.
(See RSV)

Numbers 33:14
And they journeyed from Alush, and pitched in Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.
(See RSV)

Numbers 33:15
And they journeyed from Rephidim, and pitched in the wilderness of Sinai.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus

Reph'idim (5 Occurrences)
Reph'idim. Rephidim, Reph'idim. Repiners . Multi-Version Concordance
Reph'idim (5 Occurrences). Exodus 17:1 And all the congregation ...
/r/reph'idim.htm - 7k

Rephidim (5 Occurrences)

/r/rephidim.htm - 11k

Repiners (1 Occurrence)

/r/repiners.htm - 6k

Resources

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