Revealing The Identity Of The King Of Old, Lord Of The Rephaim
‘Lord of the Rephaim’ and ‘King of Old’ alludes to the identity of the King of the Rephaim, enigmatic beings that to this day are not fully understood. In the biblical tradition they are equated with the notorious Nephilim. Could one actually trace the identity of this king? The Rephaim are mentioned in biblical and Phoenician tradition as well as in the Ugarit texts, where they are called the Rephaim texts. These texts provide deeper insights into these much discussed beings. Once studied, however, the texts actually generate more questions than answers, many of them new and quite challenging.
Who is the King of Old of the Ugarit texts? (Francis Valadj/ Adobe Stock)
Scholars can to this day not agree on the nature of these beings. Some interpret the word, ‘Rephaim’, as “Healers”, others as “Princes” and still others as “Hale/Vigorous Ones” or “Heroes”. In keeping with the biblical tradition and the Amorite background of the texts, the current author is inclined to take the word, ‘Rephaim’, as having been derived from the Akkadian word, raba’um, meaning “to be large, great”, also the origin of the Amorite title, rabûm, meaning “chief, leader”. It could have referred to both living as well as deceased heroes. This interpretation stands in contrast with the one explaining the word as having been derived from the root rp, meaning “to heal”.
