Reba
Who was Reba in the Bible?
One of the five Midianite kings who was defeated and executed by the Israelites during the final stages of the wilderness wanderings.
Reba was a king or high-ranking prince of Midian who lived during the late 15th or early 14th century BC. He is specifically identified in the biblical record as one of the five leaders of the Midianite confederation that opposed Israel during the era of the Exodus and the Wilderness wanderings. His reign and subsequent death occurred shortly before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
Historically, Reba's identity is tied to the shifting political landscape of the Transjordan region. While titled a 'king' in the book of Numbers, the book of Joshua further clarifies his status as a 'prince' or 'chief' who was a vassal of Sihon the Amorite. This indicates that Reba and his peers governed specific tribal territories within a larger regional power structure during a time of significant military upheaval in the Levant.
Background and Family
The biblical text provides no specific genealogical details regarding Reba’s ancestry, parents, or offspring. His name, Reba (רֶ֫בַע), literally translates to 'fourth' or 'square' in Hebrew, though its exact etymology within the Midianite dialect remains a matter of linguistic debate. He is consistently grouped with four other Midianite leaders: Evi, Rekem, Zur, and Hur. Together, these five men represented the political and military leadership of the Midianite tribes occupying the plateau regions east of the Jordan and the Dead Sea.
Major Life Events
Reba’s primary appearance in history is defined by the conflict between Israel and Midian. Following the incident at Peor, where Midianite and Moabite women led the Israelites into idolatry and sexual immorality, Moses was commanded by God to execute vengeance on the Midianites (Numbers 31:1-2). Reba was among the leadership targeted in this campaign.
According to Numbers 31:8, Reba and his four colleagues were slain in battle when an Israelite force of 12,000 men attacked the Midianite strongholds. The text notes that the prophet Balaam, who had previously attempted to curse Israel, was also killed alongside Reba.
Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. (Numbers 31:8)
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Reba’s political standing is further contextualized in the book of Joshua. He is described as a 'chief' (Hebrew: nesike) of Midian who lived in the land as a subordinate to Sihon, the Amorite king of Heshbon (Joshua 13:21). This suggests that while Reba held authority over his own people, he was part of a broader alliance or tributary system managed by the Amorites. His fate was inextricably linked to the fall of the Amorite kingdom; when Moses defeated Sihon, the Midianite princes under his protection likewise faced destruction.
Spiritual Significance
In the biblical narrative, Reba represents the physical and political obstacles that stood in the way of Israel’s occupation of the Promised Land. As a leader of Midian, he was part of a culture that posed both a military and a spiritual threat to the sanctity of the Israelite camp. His execution, alongside the other four kings, signifies the total removal of those who participated in the subversion of Israel’s covenant loyalty at Baal-Peor. The specific mention of his name in the territorial allotments of Joshua 13 serves as a historical reminder of the lands conquered and the divine judgment meted out against those who opposed the Exodus.
Reba’s theological significance lies in his role as a representative of the opposition to God's covenant people. His death serves as a fulfillment of divine judgment against the Midianite leaders who sought to corrupt Israel through the counsel of Balaam. His inclusion in the lists of Numbers and Joshua provides a historical anchor for the victory of the Israelites over the coalition of kings that attempted to bar their entry into Canaan.
Furthermore, the dual designation of Reba as both a 'king' and a 'prince' of Sihon highlights the complexity of regional politics in the Wilderness era. It underscores the biblical theme that even powerful local rulers were subject to the providential movements of the Exodus, regardless of their alliances or earthly status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Reba in the Bible?
Reba was one of the five kings or princes of Midian who was killed by the Israelites during a war commanded by Moses in the wilderness.
How did Reba die?
He was killed by the sword during the Israelite campaign against Midian, as recorded in Numbers 31:8.
Who were the other kings killed with Reba?
He was killed alongside four other Midianite leaders: Evi, Rekem, Zur, and Hur, as well as the prophet Balaam.
Was Reba a king or a prince?
The Bible uses both terms; Numbers 31:8 calls him a 'king' (melek), while Joshua 13:21 refers to him as a 'prince' or 'chief' (nasi) who was a vassal of Sihon the Amorite.
What tribe did Reba belong to?
Reba was a Midianite, belonging to the tribes descended from Midian, a son of Abraham and Keturah.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Numbers1
- Joshua1
Scripture References
All 2 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
Numbers · 1
- Numbers 31:8
Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword.
Joshua · 1
- Joshua 13:21
all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land.