REPHAITES, REPHAIM
1. People of high stature; Already existing before Abraham, the Rephaim dwelt in Palestine and in the regions further east of the Jordan (Gen. 14:5; 15:20; Deut. 2:11, 20; 3:11; Josh. 17:15).
When the Hebrews entered Canaan, the survivors of the Rephaites apparently took refuge among the Philistines (2 Sam. 21:16, 18, 20, 21).
2. Valley near Jerusalem and Bethlehem (Ant. 7:4, 1; 2 Sam. 23:13, 14). The Valley of Rephaim extends southwest of Jerusalem and the Valley of Hinnom (Josh. 15:8; 18:16); she was very fertile (Is. 17:5); There is no doubt that the Rephaites had occupied it in ancient times. David defeated the Philistines twice at this place (2 Sam. 5:18-25; 23:13; 1 Chron. 11:15; 14:9).
It is probably the Bakã’ valley, which measures about 5 km in length. Located southwest of Jerusalem, it begins beyond the depression that borders the city to the south and west, and extends halfway to Bethlehem, sloping sharply to the west. It is a very rocky place, but fertile.