### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7566}}` (רֶשֶׁף, *Resheph*) functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating a specific individual. Its base definition explicitly states it is "the same as רֶשֶׁף," pointing to its direct etymological connection with `{{H7565}}` (רֶשֶׁף, *resheph*), the common noun. This common noun carries a rich semantic range, primarily denoting "flame," "spark," "lightning bolt," or "burning arrow." It can also metaphorically signify "pestilence" or "plague," often conceived as a swift, destructive, and fiery affliction.
Therefore, while the semantic range of `{{H7566}}` itself is limited to "the person named Resheph," its underlying meaning is deeply rooted in concepts of intense heat, swiftness, and destructive power, whether natural (lightning) or divinely sent (pestilence). Names in ancient Israel often reflected circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or perceived characteristics. Thus, the name Resheph might have been given to a child born during a time of plague, or perhaps one whose parents hoped he would be a "flame" of vigor or swiftness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H7566}}` (רֶשֶׁף, *Resheph*) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 7:25]]: "And Rephah was his son, and Resheph his son, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son,"
In this solitary occurrence, Resheph is listed as a descendant in the genealogy of Ephraim, son of Joseph. He is positioned as the son of Rephah and the father of Telah. The context is purely genealogical, tracing the lineage of the tribe of Ephraim. As is common with many names in these extensive lists, no specific narrative, action, or character trait is attributed to Resheph. His significance lies primarily in his inclusion within the sacred lineage, serving as a link in the ancestral chain that culminates in more prominent figures of the tribe. The Chronicler's emphasis on these genealogies underscores the continuity of God's covenant people and their tribal identities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H7566}}` is its homonym and etymological root, `{{H7565}}` (רֶשֶׁף, *resheph*). This common noun features in various contexts:
* As "flame" or "spark": [[Job 5:7]] speaks of "sparks" (בְּנֵי רֶשֶׁף, sons of resheph) flying upward.
* As "burning arrow" or "fiery bolt": [[Psalm 78:48]] mentions God giving their cattle "to the pestilence" (לָרֶשֶׁף), implying a sudden, fiery affliction. [[Habakkuk 3:5]] describes pestilence going before God, and "burning coals" (רֶשֶׁף) following Him, depicting divine judgment.
* As "pestilence" or "plague": [[Deuteronomy 32:24]] refers to "burning heat" (וְרֶשֶׁף) and bitter destruction.
Beyond the immediate linguistic connection, the concept of "resheph" relates to broader biblical themes:
* **Divine Judgment:** The "burning arrow" or "pestilence" often serves as an instrument of God's judgment against sin or disobedience (e.g., [[Psalm 78:48]], [[Habakkuk 3:5]]).
* **Fire and Light:** As "flame," it connects to the broader biblical motif of fire as a symbol of God's presence (e.g., the burning bush, [[Exodus 3:2]]), His purifying power (e.g., [[Malachi 3:2]]), or His consuming wrath (e.g., [[Hebrews 12:29]]).
* **Swiftness/Intensity:** The imagery of lightning or a burning arrow conveys speed and overwhelming force.
It is also noteworthy that "Resheph" was the name of a Canaanite deity associated with plague and the underworld. While the biblical Resheph (`{{H7566}}`) is clearly an Israelite, the shared name form might reflect a cultural awareness or even a deliberate appropriation of a powerful ancient name, recontextualized within the lineage of God's people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7566}}` (רֶשֶׁף, *Resheph*) as a proper noun is primarily indirect, derived from its etymological root `{{H7565}}` and its placement within the divinely preserved genealogies. As an individual, Resheph holds no specific theological role or narrative in the biblical account; he is not presented as a prophet, king, or a figure of particular virtue or failing. His importance lies in his very existence as a link in the lineage of Ephraim, a prominent tribe descended from Joseph. This inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping and the divine preservation of the covenant line.
However, the underlying meaning of the name "Resheph" – "flame," "pestilence," "burning arrow" – carries profound theological weight. In a biblical worldview, such phenomena are often attributed to divine action. Pestilence is frequently depicted as an instrument of God's judgment or a consequence of sin ([[Exodus 9:15]], [[Numbers 14:12]]). Fire and lightning are manifestations of God's power and presence ([[Exodus 19:18]], [[Psalm 18:12-14]]). Thus, for an Israelite to bear a name rooted in such concepts could subtly evoke themes of divine power, judgment, or even a hope for a child to possess a "fiery" zeal for God, or to be a "swift arrow" in His service. While speculative for this specific individual, the very choice of such a name within a pious community suggests an awareness of the powerful and often dualistic nature of the divine, capable of both purifying fire and destructive judgment. Resheph's place in the genealogy reminds us that even seemingly minor figures are part of God's overarching plan and the unfolding of redemptive history.
### Summary
`{{H7566}}` (רֶשֶׁף, *Resheph*) is a proper noun, designating an Israelite ancestor in the tribe of Ephraim, appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 7:25]]. While the individual Resheph is a minor figure in a genealogical list, his name carries significant etymological weight. It is directly derived from `{{H7565}}` (רֶשֶׁף, *resheph*), a common noun meaning "flame," "spark," "lightning bolt," "burning arrow," and metaphorically, "pestilence" or "plague." This connection imbues the name with connotations of intense heat, swiftness, and destructive power, often associated with divine judgment or powerful natural phenomena in the biblical text. Although no specific narrative or theological role is ascribed to the person Resheph, his inclusion in the sacred lineage affirms the continuity of God's covenant people. The underlying meaning of his name subtly points to the broader biblical themes of God's sovereign power, His use of natural forces and afflictions, and the potential for a "fiery" disposition within His people.
TRV