The Hittites were one of the great ancient empires. The Rephaim were giants — the same peoples encountered later in Numbers 13 and Deuteronomy. Their listing here is not merely geographical; it signals the magnitude of the obstacles God's promise will overcome. Faith means trusting God's word over the size of the obstacle.
Memory phrase: No obstacle is bigger than God's promise.
Talk about it: The Rephaim were giants. Does knowing there are big obstacles ahead make a promise less believable, or can we still trust God?
Prayer: God, when the obstacles in front of me seem huge, help me remember that Your promise is bigger than any giant.