Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Beracah" is derived from the Hebrew word "בְּרָכָה" (berakah), meaning "blessing" or "praise." This name is significant in biblical contexts, often associated with divine favor and thanksgiving.

Biblical References:

1. Valley of Beracah:
The most notable mention of Beracah is the Valley of Beracah, which is referenced in 2 Chronicles 20. This valley is the site where King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah gathered to bless the Lord after a miraculous victory over the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. The narrative describes how God set ambushes against the enemies of Judah, leading to their defeat without the need for battle by the Israelites. In gratitude, Jehoshaphat and his people assembled in the valley to praise God, hence the name "Valley of Beracah," meaning "Valley of Blessing."

2 Chronicles 20:26 : "On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Beracah to this day."

2. Beracah, the Person:
Beracah is also the name of a descendant of Benjamin, mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. He is listed among the sons of Shimei, a Benjamite, indicating his place within the tribe of Benjamin.

1 Chronicles 12:3 : "Ahiezer was the chief, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu the Anathothite."

Theological Significance:

The Valley of Beracah serves as a powerful symbol of God's deliverance and the importance of gratitude. The event underscores the biblical principle that victory and blessing come from the Lord, and it is fitting to respond with praise and thanksgiving. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's providence and to acknowledge His hand in their lives, especially in times of triumph.

The mention of Beracah as a descendant of Benjamin, though brief, situates him within the broader narrative of Israel's tribes, highlighting the interconnectedness of God's people and the importance of each individual's role within the community of faith.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The account of the Valley of Beracah is set during the reign of Jehoshaphat, a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and efforts to lead the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. This period was marked by political and military challenges, yet Jehoshaphat's reliance on God brought peace and prosperity to Judah. The Valley of Beracah thus represents a moment of divine intervention and communal worship, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, where public acts of worship and thanksgiving were integral to the community's relationship with God.

Application for Today:

The account of Beracah encourages modern believers to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to recognize God's blessings in their lives. It serves as a reminder that, in the face of overwhelming odds, faith and praise can lead to divine intervention and victory. The legacy of Beracah, both as a place and a person, invites Christians to reflect on their own heritage of faith and the ways in which they can contribute to the spiritual community.BERACAH

be-ra'-ka (berakhah, "blessing," the King James Version Berachah): A Benjamite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3).

BERACAH, VALLEY OF

be-ra'-ka, ber'-a-ka (the King James Version Berachah; `emeq berkhah; koilas eulogias): After the victory of Jehoshaphat and his people over Moab and Ammon, "On the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah (i.e. of blessing) unto this day" (2 Chronicles 20:26). In the Wady `Arrub there is a ruin called Breikut and the valley in its proximity receives the same name. This is on the main road from Hebron to Jerusalem and not far from Tekoa; it suits the narrative well (see PEF, III, 352).

E. W. G. Masterman

1294. Berakah -- an Israelite, also a valley in Judah
... Definition: Berachah. Word Origin from barak Definition an Isr., also a
valley in Judah NASB Word Usage Beracah (3). Berachah. The ...
/hebrew/1294.htm - 6kBeracah (2 Occurrences)
...BERACAH. be-ra'-ka (berakhah, "blessing," the King James Version Berachah): A Benjamite
who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3). BERACAH, VALLEY OF. ...
/b/beracah.htm - 8k

Bera'cah (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 20:26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley
of Beracah; for there they blessed the LORD; therefore the name of that place ...
/b/bera'cah.htm - 6k

Ber'acah (1 Occurrence)
Ber'acah. Beracah, Ber'acah. Bera'cah . Multi-Version Concordance Ber'acah
(1 Occurrence). ... Beracah, Ber'acah. Bera'cah . Reference Bible.
/b/ber'acah.htm - 6k

Praised (101 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 20:26 On the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of
Beracah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of that place was ...
/p/praised.htm - 36k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The depression formed by the meeting of two slopes on a flat roof.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BERACAH, VALLEY OF. be ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

Je'zi-el (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/j/je'zi-el.htm - 6k

Jeziel (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/j/jeziel.htm - 7k

Gibeathite (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/g/gibeathite.htm - 7k

Pelet (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the ...
/p/pelet.htm - 8k

Berachah (2 Occurrences)
... Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:26). It has been identified with the valley of Bereikut.
(RV, "Beracah."). (2.) One of the Benjamite warriors ...
/b/berachah.htm - 7k

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