The identification of the beings known as “Rephaim” in biblical and ancient Near Eastern sources has caused much bewilderment throughout the years. Biblical dictionaries and encyclopedias usually provide two main meanings for the word: (1) ghosts or shades of the dead, and (2) a mythical and ancient race of giants. These meanings are mostly derived from the mentions of the Rephaim in the Bible.This is a good brief survey of what we know about the ancient Rephaim. I noted Dr. Yogev's 2021 book on them here. I have also posted on them myself now and then, recently here, and here. Also relevant: here. And for posts on the biblical giant Og, perhaps the best-known of the Rephaim, see here and links, notably here, here, and here.[...]
This BHD essay is timely, since I will soon have something new for you about the giants, including the Rephaim. Watch this space!
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