Ephrain is a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament. It is often associated with the region of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. The name "Ephrain" itself is sometimes considered a variant or a specific site within the larger territory of Ephraim. The tribe of Ephraim was one of the two sons of Joseph, the son of Jacob, and was blessed by Jacob before his death (Genesis 48:14-20).

Biblical References:

1. 2 Chronicles 13:19 : "Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured some cities from him: Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephrain, along with their villages." This passage highlights Ephrain as a city captured by Abijah, the king of Judah, during his conflict with Jeroboam, the king of Israel. The capture of Ephrain, along with other cities, signifies a strategic victory for Abijah in the ongoing struggle between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Ephrain is believed to be located within the central highlands of ancient Israel, in the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The region of Ephraim was known for its fertile land and strategic position, making it a significant area in the history of Israel. The tribe of Ephraim played a prominent role in the history of the northern kingdom of Israel, often being a leading tribe due to its size and influence.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Ephrain in the context of Abijah's campaign against Jeroboam underscores the ongoing conflict between the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel. This period in Israel's history is marked by political and religious turmoil, as the kings of Judah and Israel vied for power and sought to establish their dominance. The capture of cities like Ephrain by Abijah is seen as a momentary triumph for the kingdom of Judah, reflecting the divine favor that the biblical narrative often attributes to the Davidic line of kings.

Cultural and Religious Insights:

The tribe of Ephraim, and by extension locations like Ephrain, holds a significant place in the cultural and religious identity of Israel. Ephraim was often seen as a symbol of strength and leadership among the tribes. The blessings pronounced by Jacob over Ephraim and his brother Manasseh (Genesis 48) are seen as prophetic, indicating the future prominence of their descendants.

In summary, Ephrain, as mentioned in the Bible, is a city within the territory of Ephraim, captured by Abijah during his reign. Its mention in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the complex history and the divine providence that the people of Israel believed guided their national account.Ephrain

(hamlet), a city of Israel which Judah captured from Jeroboam. (2 Chronicles 13:19) It has been conjectured that this Ephrain or Ephron is identical with the Ephraim by which Absalom's sheep-farm of Baal-hazor was situated; with the city called Ephraim near the wilderness in which our Lord lived for some time; and with Ophrah, a city of Benjamin, apparently not far from Bethel. But nothing more than conjecture can be arrived at on these points.

EPHRAIN

e'-fra-in (2 Chronicles 13:19), the Revised Version (British and American)

EPHRON, which see.

6085. Ephron -- a Hittite, also a mountain and a place in Isr.
... Ephron, Ephrain. From the same as Epher; fawn-like; Ephron, the name of a Canaanite
and of two places in Palestine -- Ephron, Ephrain (from the margin). ...
/hebrew/6085.htm - 6kEphrain (1 Occurrence)
...EPHRAIN. e'-fra-in (2 Chronicles 13:19), the Revised Version (British and American)
EPHRON, which see. Multi-Version Concordance Ephrain (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/ephrain.htm - 7k

Jesha'nah (2 Occurrences)
... 13:19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with the
towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the ...
/j/jesha'nah.htm - 7k

Ephramite (1 Occurrence)

/e/ephramite.htm - 6k

E'phraim's (6 Occurrences)
E'phraim's. Ephraim's, E'phraim's. Ephrain . Multi-Version Concordance E'phraim's
(6 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Ephraim's, E'phraim's. Ephrain . Reference ...
/e/e'phraim's.htm - 7k

Abi'jah (26 Occurrences)
... 13:19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with the
towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the ...
/a/abi'jah.htm - 12k

Jerobo'am (92 Occurrences)
... 13:19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with the
towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the ...
/j/jerobo'am.htm - 32k

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