Rabbah in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What is Rabbah?
RAB'BAH
(greatness). 1. The chief city and capital of the Ammonites. Jos 13:25. Its full name is "Rabbath of the children of Ammon." Deut 3:11. It is also called "Rabbath of the Ammonites." Eze 21:20. Greek and Roman writers call it "Philadelphia," a name given by Ptolemy Philadelphus, by whom it was rebuilt. Its modern name is Amman. Rabbath was situated in the valley of the upper Jabbok and between two mountains, about 22 miles east of the Jordan, 14 miles north-east of Heshbon, and 19 miles south-east of Es Salt. History. - Rabbah is first mentioned as the place of the "bed," or sarcophagus of Og, king of Bashan. Deut 3:11 Joab besieged it, and, by order of David Uriah was here slain. 2 Sam 11:1-17 Joab took the "city of waters" - that is probably, the lower city, through which the stream flowed - while the citadel held out until David came with reinforcements. 2 Sam 12:26-31; 1 Chr 20:1-3. Afterward, when David fled from Jerusalem to Mahanaim, a citizen of Rabbah gave him provisions. 2 Sam 17:27-29. At a later period the Ammonites regained their independence, but the overthrow of Rabbah was predicted. Jer 49:23; Eze 21:20; Eze 25:5; Am 1:14. Under the Ptolemies it continued to be a city of importance, having a garrison for repelling the attacks of Bedouins and it supplied water for travellers across the desert. In N.T. times Rabbah was one of the cities of Decapolis, under the name of "Philadelphia," and it continued as an important town until the fourth century, being the seat of a Christian bishopric; it was finally overthrown by the Saracens. Earthquakes have contributed to its ruin. Present Appearance. - The ruins of Rabbah are among the most imposing on the east side of the Jordan. Among them are those of a theatre - the largest known in Syria - capable of holding 6000 spectators, a smaller theatre, or odeum, baths, a beautiful Grecian temple, large basilicas, or Greek churches, a vast public building with arches still standing, and the citadel on a hill; the remarkable ruins are strewn over a space of several acres. Most of them, however, belong to the Graeco-Roman period. A paved Roman street is quite perfect, the wheel-ruts being distinctly visible. Eight Corinthian columns of the theatre remain. The coins of the city bear the image of Astarte and the word "Heracleion," from "Hercules," the idol which followed Moloch. Immense flocks and herds of the Arabs come to Rabbah for water and for shelter from the noonday heat, giving to the place the appearance and odor of a farm-yard, strikingly fulfilling the prophecy, "I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couching-place for flocks." Eze 25:4-5. 1. A town of Judah in the hill-country, noticed with Kirjath-jearim. Jos 15:60. Conder suggests that it may be identified with the present ruin Rubba, in the hills near Beit Jibrin.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'rabbah' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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