Beth Ophrah, also referred to simply as Ophrah, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily associated with the tribe of Benjamin and is noted for its connection to significant biblical events and figures.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 6:11, 24 · Beth Ophrah is prominently mentioned in the narrative of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. The angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon at Ophrah, which belonged to his father Joash the Abiezrite. It was here that Gideon was called to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon built an altar to the LORD at this location, naming it "The LORD Is Peace." The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites" (Judges 6:11).

2. Judges 8:27, 32 · After his victory over the Midianites, Gideon made an ephod from the gold he had collected, which he placed in Ophrah. Unfortunately, this ephod became a snare to Gideon and his family, as it led Israel into idolatry. The BSB records: "Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household" (Judges 8:27).

3. Judges 9:5 · Following Gideon's death, his son Abimelech went to Ophrah and killed his seventy brothers, the sons of Gideon, on one stone, except for Jotham, the youngest, who escaped. This act of treachery was part of Abimelech's attempt to establish himself as king. The BSB states: "He went to his father’s house in Ophrah and killed his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself" (Judges 9:5).

Historical and Theological Significance:

Beth Ophrah holds historical significance as the home of Gideon, one of the most notable judges of Israel. The events that transpired in Ophrah highlight themes of divine calling, faith, and the consequences of idolatry. Gideon's initial encounter with the angel of the LORD at Ophrah marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as it led to the deliverance of the Israelites from Midianite oppression.

Theologically, Beth Ophrah serves as a reminder of the dangers of turning away from God. Gideon's ephod, intended as a memorial of God's deliverance, became an object of idolatry, illustrating how even well-intentioned actions can lead to spiritual downfall if not aligned with God's commandments.

Location:

The exact location of Beth Ophrah is not definitively known today, but it is traditionally identified with a site in the region of Manasseh, within the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. Its association with Gideon and the Abiezrites suggests it was a place of some prominence during the period of the judges.

Beth Ophrah's narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the perils of idolatry, serving as a timeless lesson for believers.