Ribai
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Topical Encyclopedia
Ribai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of King David's reign. He is identified as the father of Ittai, one of David's mighty warriors. The name Ribai is of Hebrew origin, and while the meaning of the name is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, it is often associated with strength or greatness, reflecting the valor of his son.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 23:29 : "Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites." This verse is part of a passage listing David's mighty men, a group of elite warriors who played a crucial role in his military campaigns. Ittai, the son of Ribai, is noted among these valiant men, indicating Ribai's connection to the tribe of Benjamin and the town of Gibeah.

2. 1 Chronicles 11:31 : "Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite." This verse parallels the account in 2 Samuel, reaffirming Ittai's lineage and his father's name, Ribai. The Chronicles account serves to emphasize the importance of these warriors in the establishment and defense of David's kingdom.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Ribai's mention in the Bible, though brief, places him within the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Benjamites were known for their skill in battle, and Gibeah, Ribai's hometown, was a significant location within the tribal territory. Gibeah is historically noted as the hometown of King Saul, Israel's first king, which adds a layer of historical significance to Ribai's lineage.

The inclusion of Ribai's son, Ittai, among David's mighty men highlights the importance of familial and tribal connections in the ancient Israelite society. These connections often determined one's role and status within the community, especially in military and political contexts.

Theological Significance:

While Ribai himself is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his mention underscores the broader biblical theme of God's providence and the establishment of David's kingdom. The mighty men, including Ittai, played a pivotal role in supporting David, whom God had chosen to lead Israel. Ribai's lineage, therefore, is part of the divine narrative that unfolds throughout the books of Samuel and Chronicles, illustrating God's faithfulness to His promises and His people.

In summary, Ribai's legacy is primarily seen through his son Ittai, whose valor and loyalty contributed to the strength and success of King David's reign. The brief mention of Ribai in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of individuals and families in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ribai

strife

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
RIBAI

ri'-ba-i, ri'-bi (ribhay; Septuagint Rheiba, with variants): A Benjamite, the father of ITTAI (which see), one of David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:29 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:31).

Strong's Hebrew
7380. Ribay -- a Benjamite
... 7379, 7380. Ribay. 7381 . a Benjamite. Transliteration: Ribay Phonetic Spelling:
(ree-bah'-ee) Short Definition: Ribai. Word ... 2). Ribai. ...
/hebrew/7380.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Ribai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia RIBAI. ri'-ba-i, ri'-bi (ribhay ... Chronicles 11:31).
Multi-Version Concordance Ribai (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23 ...
/r/ribai.htm - 7k

Ithai (2 Occurrences)
... Ithai (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (See NIV). ...
/i/ithai.htm - 7k

Ri'bai (1 Occurrence)
... Ribai, Ri'bai. Ribband . ... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (See RSV). ...
/r/ri'bai.htm - 6k

Ittai (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai
of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/i/ittai.htm - 12k

Benjaminites (32 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the
son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin; (See RSV). ...
/b/benjaminites.htm - 16k

Gib'e-ah (45 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son
of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin; (See RSV). ...
/g/gib'e-ah.htm - 19k

Rib (5 Occurrences)

/r/rib.htm - 11k

Gibeah (52 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai
of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV ...
/g/gibeah.htm - 30k

Netoph'ah (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son
of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin; (See RSV). ...
/n/netoph'ah.htm - 7k

Netophathite (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai
of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV ...
/n/netophathite.htm - 9k

Resources
Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Ribai (2 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 23:29
Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 11:31
Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Ribai

Ribai or Ribai

Ribai: Father of Ittai

Related Terms

Ribai (2 Occurrences)

Ribband (1 Occurrence)

Rib
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