Lexical Summary Rephidim: Rephidim Original Word: רְפִידִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Rephidim Plural of the masculine of the same as rphiydah; ballusters; Rephidim, a place in the Desert -- Rephidim. see HEBREW rphiydah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raphad Definition a place in the desert NASB Translation Rephidim (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs רְפִידִים proper name, of a location station of Israel at Exodus (in P), Exodus 17:1; Exodus 19:2; רְמִּידִם Exodus 17:8; Numbers 33:14,15; Ραφιδειν. -אַרְמַּד. Topical Lexicon Location and Geography Rephidim lies in the wilderness corridor between the Desert of Sin and Mount Sinai, most plausibly in the Wadi Feiran system of the south-central Sinai Peninsula. The site is characterized by dry wadis, scattered palms, and granite outcroppings that could conceal springs or seepages—conditions that explain both Israel’s thirst and the later discovery of water when Moses struck the rock. Place in the Exodus Itinerary 1. Desert of Sin → Rephidim (Exodus 17:1) Numbers 33:14-15 confirms the single-stage move from Sin to Rephidim and the subsequent march to “the Wilderness of Sinai,” underscoring Rephidim as Israel’s final staging ground before receiving the Law. Water from the Rock: Testing and Provision At Rephidim the people “quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink’” (Exodus 17:2). The Lord responded, “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:6). The incident revealed: The Battle with Amalek: Spiritual Warfare Immediately after the provision of water, “Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim” (Exodus 17:8). Key features: The episode illustrates the inseparable link between divine enablement and human obedience in warfare, both physical and spiritual. Rephidim and the Sinai Covenant Exodus 19:2 states, “After they had set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain.” The narrative flow suggests Rephidim prepared the nation for covenant reception: first God’s gracious provision, then warfare training, finally covenant consecration. Theological Themes • Grace preceding Law: God meets needs and grants victory before formal legislation. Ministry Applications • Leaders must balance practical problem-solving (water) with spiritual stewardship (prayer). Historical and Archaeological Considerations Traditional identification centers on Wadi Feiran, near Jebel Tahuneh, where granite formations show water staining suggestive of ancient seepage. Alternative sites (e.g., Wadi Refayid) have been proposed, yet all plausible locations share three traits: proximity to the Sinai route, available though hidden water sources, and terrain suitable for open battle. Selected Cross-References Psalm 95:8-9 – The event becomes a cautionary paradigm for hardness of heart. Hebrews 3:7-19 – Rephidim (by the names Massah and Meribah) warns the church against unbelief. 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 – Paul applies the Rock motif to Christ and urges self-examination. Summary Rephidim stands as a pivotal waypoint where Israel learned that divine provision, victorious warfare, and covenant readiness are all inseparable gifts from the LORD who journeys with His people. Forms and Transliterations בִּרְפִידִ֔ים בִּרְפִידִ֔ם בִּרְפִידִֽם׃ ברפידים ברפידם ברפידם׃ מֵרְפִידִ֑ם מֵרְפִידִ֗ים מרפידים מרפידם bir·p̄î·ḏim bir·p̄î·ḏîm birfiDim birp̄îḏim birp̄îḏîm mê·rə·p̄î·ḏim mê·rə·p̄î·ḏîm merefiDim mêrəp̄îḏim mêrəp̄îḏîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 17:1 HEB: יְהוָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בִּרְפִידִ֔ים וְאֵ֥ין מַ֖יִם NAS: and camped at Rephidim, and there was no KJV: and pitched in Rephidim: and [there was] no water INT: of the LORD and camped Rephidim and there water Exodus 17:8 Exodus 19:2 Numbers 33:14 Numbers 33:15 5 Occurrences |
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