Bible Dictionary
Rephaim, Valley of
The Valley of Rephaim lay near Jerusalem on the road toward Bethlehem. David defeated the Philistines there after seeking and receiving divine direction.
Definition
The Valley of Rephaim was a valley near Jerusalem on the southwest and west-southwest side of the city, along the route toward Bethlehem. It was occupied by the Philistines during their conflicts with David.
Biblical Usage
After receiving divine direction, David attacked and defeated the Philistines in the valley. When they rallied there again, he was warned by a divine oracle to attack from Gibeon, gaining a second victory and pursuing them toward Gezer.
Historical Background
The valley is now called el-Bukei’a. Its location near Jerusalem made it an important position controlling communication between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Josh. 15:8; 18:16, R.V.). When David became king over all Israel, the Philistines, judging that he would now become their uncompromising enemy, made a sudden attack upon Hebron, compelling David to retire from it. He sought refuge in “the hold” at Adullam (2 Sam. 5:17-22), and the Philistines took up their position in the valley of Rephaim, on the west and south-west of Jerusalem. Thus all communication between Bethlehem and Jerusalem was intercepted. While David and his army were encamped here, there occurred that incident narrated in 2 Sam. 23:15-17. Having obtained divine direction, David led his army against the Philistines, and gained a complete victory over them. The scene of this victory was afterwards called Baalperazim (q.v.). A second time, however, the Philistines rallied their forces in this valley (2 Sam. 5:22). Again warned by a divine oracle, David led his army to Gibeon, and attacked the Philistines from the south, inflicting on them another severe defeat, and chasing them with great slaughter to Gezer (q.v.). There David kept in check these enemies of Israel. This valley is now called el-Bukei’a.