What was Rephaims?

The Rephaims were a group of ancient people described in the Old Testament as giants who once inhabited the land of Canaan and surrounding regions. The Hebrew term Rephaim (רְפָאִים, rĕpā’îm) is often translated as “giants” or “mighty ones,” though its root may also be related to words denoting weakness or death, which has led to its occasional association with departed spirits in other contexts (Isaiah 14:9; Job 26:5). However, in historical and geographical passages, the Rephaims are clearly portrayed as a formidable, physical race of giant-like warriors.

The Rephaims first appear in Genesis 14:5, where they are listed among several groups defeated by a coalition of Mesopotamian kings during a punitive military campaign:

“In the fourteenth year, Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth Karnaim…” (Genesis 14:5, NIV)

Here, the Rephaims (Rephaites) are mentioned in connection with Ashteroth Karnaim, a region east of the Jordan River, likely within the area later occupied by Bashan. Their defeat underscores their historical presence and significance as one of the powerful peoples that preceded Israel in the Promised Land.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Genesis 14:5 – Rephaims defeated by the coalition of kings.

• Deuteronomy 2:10-11 – Describes the Rephaim as a tall people formerly dwelling in the land.

• Deuteronomy 3:11 – Og king of Bashan is described as a remnant of the Rephaim, with a massive iron bed.

• Joshua 12:4; 13:12 – The lands of the Rephaim are mentioned as regions conquered by Moses and later allotted to the tribes.

• 2 Samuel 5:18, 22; 23:13 – The “Valley of Rephaim” is mentioned in the context of David’s military victories.

• Isaiah 14:9 – Uses Rephaim in a poetic, possibly metaphorical sense to refer to departed spirits.

What Happened in the Bible?

In Genesis 14, the Rephaims are among the peoples subjugated during a military campaign by eastern kings led by Kedorlaomer. Their territory, Ashteroth Karnaim, was in the region of Bashan, an area later known for its fortified cities and giant inhabitants (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). The Rephaims were feared for their size and strength. Moses, in recounting the journey of Israel through the wilderness, mentions the Rephaims as part of the ancient population of Canaan, emphasizing that they were a strong and great people, like the Anakim, and that their defeat was part of God‘s providential clearing of the land for Israel.

Most notably, Og king of Bashan is identified as the last of the Rephaim. His massive bed—measuring approximately 13 feet long—is given as evidence of his giant stature (Deuteronomy 3:11). His defeat by Moses is a significant turning point in Israel’s conquest of Transjordan, symbolizing the Lord’s power over even the most intimidating foes.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The Rephaims, though ancient and foreign to modern culture, remind believers that God is sovereign over all human strength and dominion. Their defeat serves as a testimony to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, no matter how overwhelming the obstacles. For Christians, this points to the spiritual reality that God delivers His people from the giants they face—whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.

Their presence also teaches the importance of not fearing what appears unconquerable. Just as Israel overcame the giants not by their own might but through God’s power, so believers are to overcome spiritual strongholds through the strength of Christ.

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The conquest of the Rephaims, and particularly the defeat of Og, foreshadows the victory of Christ over the powers of darkness. Just as Og and the Rephaim represented terrifying opposition to God’s people, sin and death loom large over humanity. Yet Christ, the true Deliverer, conquers them not with human strength but through the power of His resurrection.

The Rephaims also serve as a contrast to the spiritual stature of Christ. Whereas the Rephaims were physically mighty but ultimately defeated, Jesus is spiritually mighty and eternally victorious. Their fall clears the way for God‘s kingdom—just as Christ clears the way for eternal life for those who believe.

Broader Biblical Themes

God’s Sovereignty Over Nations

The Rephaims were one of many peoples over whom God exercised complete sovereignty, using one nation to judge another and clearing the way for His covenant people.

The Promised Land as a Gift of Grace

The removal of the Rephaims illustrates that the Promised Land was not earned by Israel’s power, but given by grace. This anticipates the New Testament theme that eternal life is not earned but received by faith in Christ.

Spiritual Warfare

The Rephaims’ defeat prefigures the broader theme of spiritual warfare. Believers are engaged in a battle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. The example of God delivering His people from literal giants encourages trust in His ability to deliver from spiritual ones.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the story of the Rephaims help you understand God’s power over human strength?

2. What “giants” are you facing today that seem insurmountable?

3. How can remembering God’s victories in Scripture give you confidence in your present struggles?

4. What does the defeat of the Rephaims teach us about God‘s commitment to His promises?

5. In what ways does Jesus’ victory over sin and death reflect the spiritual conquest symbolized in Israel’s battles?

The story of the Rephaims—obscure as it may seem—testifies to the greatness of God and His faithfulness to His people. In their fall, we glimpse the triumph of God‘s purpose and the foreshadowing of Christ’s greater victory on the cross.