The term "Eph'rathite" refers to an individual originating from Ephrath, also known as Ephrathah or Ephratah, a region associated with Bethlehem in the territory of Judah. This designation is significant in biblical genealogies and narratives, highlighting the ancestral and geographical roots of key biblical figures.

Biblical References:

1. Ruth 1:2 : "The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah." This verse introduces Elimelech and his family as Ephrathites, establishing their origin from Bethlehem, a town with deep historical and prophetic significance.

2. 1 Samuel 17:12 : "Now David was the son of the Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons, and in the days of Saul, the man was old and advanced in years." Here, David, the future king of Israel, is identified as the son of an Ephrathite, linking him to the town of Bethlehem and fulfilling the prophetic lineage that would lead to the birth of Jesus Christ, as foretold in Micah 5:2.

3. 1 Chronicles 2:19, 24, 50 : These passages mention Ephrathah in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah, further emphasizing the importance of this region and its people in the lineage of Israel's kings and the Messiah.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The term "Eph'rathite" is not merely a geographical identifier but carries theological weight, especially in the context of messianic prophecy. Bethlehem Ephrathah is prophesied as the birthplace of the Messiah in Micah 5:2, which states, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

The Ephrathite lineage underscores God's sovereign plan in choosing Bethlehem as the birthplace of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. This connection between David and Jesus is central to Christian theology, as it fulfills Old Testament prophecies and establishes Jesus' rightful place in the Davidic line.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, one's tribal and familial origins were crucial for identity and inheritance. Being an Ephrathite from Bethlehem signified a connection to a rich heritage, as Bethlehem was not only the city of David but also a place of significant events in Israel's history, such as the account of Ruth and Boaz.

Conclusion:

The designation "Eph'rathite" serves as a reminder of God's providential guidance in history, orchestrating events and lineages to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Through the Ephrathites, particularly in the line of David, God prepared the way for the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ, affirming His promises and the continuity of His covenant with His people.Eph'rathite (1 Occurrence)

1 Samuel 17:12
Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons; and the man was an old man in the days of Saul, stricken in years among men.
(See RSV)

Eph'rathite (1 Occurrence)
Eph'rathite. Ephrathite, Eph'rathite. Ephrathites . Multi-Version Concordance
Eph'rathite (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David ...
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Ephrathite (3 Occurrences)

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Ephrathites (1 Occurrence)

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