### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7254}}` (רֶבַע, Rebaʻ) is a proper noun, referring exclusively to an individual. Its semantic range is therefore limited to its identity as a person. Specifically, Reba was one of the five kings or princes of Midian, a prominent leader among a people often in conflict with ancient Israel. While the base definition notes it is "the same as רֶבַע," implying a connection to `{{H7253}}` (meaning "a fourth part" or "crouching place"), for a proper noun, the core meaning is simply the person designated by that name. Any etymological link to a common noun would be a linguistic observation rather than defining the proper noun's direct semantic range.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Rebaʻ appears in two significant passages within the Hebrew Bible, both detailing the consequences of the Midianites' opposition to Israel.
1. **[[Numbers 31:8]]**: Here, Reba is listed among the five kings of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba) who were slain by the Israelites during a punitive expedition. This military action was commanded by Yahweh through Moses, serving as divine retribution for Midian's role in the Baal Peor incident (cf. Numbers 25), where Midianite women enticed Israelite men into idolatry and sexual immorality. The context is one of holy war and swift judgment against those who led God's people astray. The execution of these kings signifies a decisive victory for Israel and the implementation of God's righteous wrath.
2. **[[Joshua 13:21]]**: Reba is again mentioned alongside the same four Midianite kings. This reference occurs within the description of the land inheritance allotted to the tribe of Reuben, specifically noting that these kings were "princes of Midian, who were dwelling in the land." Their inclusion here serves as a historical marker, reiterating their defeat and underscoring the extent of Israel's conquest and the fulfillment of God's promise to give them the land. It solidifies the historical reality of their demise and the transfer of their territory into Israelite possession.
In both contexts, Reba is presented not as an individual with a detailed personal narrative, but as a representative figure of Midianite leadership, whose fate serves a larger theological purpose within Israel's redemptive history.
### Related Words & Concepts
Directly related to `{{H7254}}` are the names of the other four Midianite kings mentioned alongside Reba: Evi, Rekem, Hur, and Zur. These individuals are inextricably linked in the biblical narrative as co-conspirators and co-recipients of divine judgment.
Broader related concepts include:
* **Midianites**: The people group to which Reba belonged, frequently depicted as antagonists or tempters of Israel throughout their history.
* **Baal Peor**: The specific idolatrous and immoral incident that precipitated the divine judgment leading to Reba's demise.
* **Divine Judgment**: The theological concept exemplified by the destruction of Reba and the Midianite kings, demonstrating God's justice against sin and rebellion.
* **Holy War (Herem)**: The nature of the Israelite campaign against Midian, executed under divine command as a form of consecration to God through destruction of the enemy.
* **Covenant Faithfulness**: Israel's obedience in carrying out the command against Midian underscores the importance of their faithfulness to God's covenant.
* **Territorial Inheritance**: The mention of Reba in Joshua's account reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness in granting Israel the promised land, including the territories of their defeated enemies.
Linguistically, while the proper noun's meaning is simply the person, its connection to `{{H7253}}` (רֶבַע) meaning "a fourth part" or "crouching place" is noted by the lexicon, suggesting a possible etymological root, though its specific application to a person's name remains speculative.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Reba, though he is a minor figure, is profound. His existence and, more importantly, his demise, serve as a powerful testament to several core biblical truths:
1. **God's Justice and Retribution**: Reba's execution, along with the other Midianite kings, is a clear demonstration of God's unwavering justice. It illustrates that sin, particularly idolatry and leading God's people astray, incurs severe divine wrath. This act underscores the holiness of God and His intolerance for spiritual defilement.
2. **The Seriousness of Idolatry**: The Midianites' role in the Baal Peor apostasy was a direct assault on Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Reba's death serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate consequences for those who promote or participate in false worship and immorality.
3. **God's Faithfulness to Israel**: The victory over Midian, including the death of Reba, was a divine act of deliverance for Israel, protecting them from further spiritual corruption and demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant promises. It affirmed His power to defend His people and to fulfill His plan for their settlement in the land.
4. **Symbol of Defeated Opposition**: Reba, as one of the Midianite kings, represents the forces that oppose God's people and His divine will. His defeat is symbolic of God's ultimate triumph over all enemies of righteousness, ensuring the progress of His redemptive plan.
### Summary
`{{H7254}}` (רֶבַע, Rebaʻ) is the name of one of the five Midianite kings who were slain by the Israelites under Moses' command. Mentioned in [[Numbers 31:8]] and [[Joshua 13:21]], Reba's death was an act of divine judgment against Midian for their role in enticing Israel into idolatry at Baal Peor. As a proper noun, his semantic range is limited to his identity as a historical figure. Theologically, Reba's fate underscores God's unwavering justice against sin, the severe consequences of idolatry, and His faithfulness in protecting and delivering His covenant people. Reba stands as a minor but significant figure whose demise powerfully illustrates God's righteous wrath and His ultimate victory over all opposition.
TRV