The term "Eph'rathites" refers to the inhabitants or descendants of Ephrath, also known as Ephrathah or Bethlehem Ephrathah, a significant location in biblical history. Ephrath is often associated with the region around Bethlehem in Judah, and its people are mentioned in several key biblical narratives.

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. They entered the land of Moab and settled there." This passage introduces Elimelech and his family as Ephrathites, indicating their origin from Bethlehem in Judah. The narrative of Ruth highlights the significance of the Ephrathite lineage, as Ruth, a Moabite, becomes part of this family and ultimately an ancestor of King David.

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 well advanced in years." This verse identifies Jesse, the father of David, as an Ephrathite, underscoring the connection between the Ephrathites and the royal lineage of David. The association with Bethlehem is crucial, as it fulfills the prophecy concerning the birthplace of the Messiah.

3. 1 Chronicles 2:50-51 : "These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim, Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader." This genealogical record links the Ephrathites to Caleb and highlights their role in the establishment of Bethlehem, further emphasizing the importance of this lineage in Israel's history.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Ephrathites are historically significant due to their association with Bethlehem, a town that plays a pivotal role in biblical prophecy and history. 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 forth for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

Theologically, the Ephrathites are integral to the narrative of redemption and the unfolding of God's covenant promises. The lineage of David, an Ephrathite, is central to the messianic hope, as Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and establishing His eternal kingdom.

Cultural Context:

In the cultural context of ancient Israel, being identified as an Ephrathite would have signified a connection to a prominent and historically rich region. Bethlehem, as the city of David, held a place of honor and expectation, especially in light of the messianic prophecies. The Ephrathites, therefore, were not only part of a geographical identity but also a spiritual heritage that pointed to God's unfolding plan of salvation through the line of David.

In summary, the Ephrathites are a significant group within the biblical narrative, representing both a geographical and genealogical heritage that is deeply intertwined with the history of Israel and the fulfillment of God's redemptive promises through Jesus Christ.Eph'rathites (1 Occurrence)

Ruth 1:2
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem in Judah. And they came into the field of Moab, and continued there.
(See RSV)

Eph'rathites (1 Occurrence)
Eph'rathites. Ephrathites, Eph'rathites. Ephron . Multi-Version Concordance
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Ephron (13 Occurrences)

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Ephrathites (1 Occurrence)

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