Rephaim, Valley Of
LocationsGeographical Setting
A wadi running south from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, serving as a key route through the Judean hills.
What is the meaning of Rephaim, Valley Of in the Bible?
The Valley of Rephaim is a wadi located west and south of Jerusalem in the Judean hills. The name derives from the Rephaim, a group of ancient inhabitants mentioned in biblical texts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this valley clarifies the military strategies in 2 Samuel 5, where David defeats the Philistines by attacking from the balsam trees in the valley, demonstrating how geography influenced ancient warfare narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Rephaim, Valley Of (located near modern Wadi er-Rababi, south of Jerusalem) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Rephaim, Valley Of in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Rephaim, Valley Of clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Rephaim, Valley Of." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/rephaim-valley-of/