Joshua 18:27
And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Many small settlements in Benjamin's territory remain archaeologically unidentified. Ancient cities often had brief existence, destroyed by war or abandoned due to economic changes. These three names survive only in this biblical list.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God sees your hidden faithfulness encourage service in obscure places?
- What biblical figures or cities barely mentioned still played crucial roles in God's plan?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah—Three obscure cities with little biblical mention. Rekem shares a name with a Midianite king (Numbers 31:8) and an individual (1 Chronicles 2:43-44). Irpeel and Taralah remain unidentified. Their obscurity reminds us that most faithful service occurs in forgotten places.
God's kingdom isn't built by celebrities but by countless obscure servants whose names only God remembers. These cities housed families who raised children, worked fields, and worshiped at Shiloh. Their quiet faithfulness mattered as much as the dramatic conquests. True greatness is hidden (Matthew 6:3-4).