rā´fon ( Ῥαφειών , Rhapheiṓn ): The place where in his campaign East of Jordan Judas inflicted disastrous defeat on the host of Timotheus, the fugitives fleeing for refuge to the temple at Carnaim ( 1 Maccabees 5:37 ff; Ant. , XII , viii, 4). The same place is doubtless referred to by Pliny as "Raphana" ( NH , v. 1 6). It may possibly be represented by the modern Rāfeh , on the East of the pilgrimage road, about 17 miles North of Der‛ah , and 11 miles Northeast of Tell el - ‛Ash‛ary . It is a mile and a half North of Wâdy Kanawāt , which would thus be the "brook" mentioned in the narrative. It is perhaps far enough away from Carnaim, if this is rightly placed at Tell el - ‛Ash‛ary .
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More