Topical Encyclopedia Ephratah, also spelled Ephrath or Ephrathah, is a significant biblical location and name with rich historical and theological implications. It is primarily associated with the region around Bethlehem and is mentioned in several key biblical passages.Biblical References and Significance: 1. Genesis 35:16, 19 : Ephrath is first mentioned in the context of Rachel's death. As Jacob and his family journeyed from Bethel, Rachel went into labor and gave birth to Benjamin. Tragically, she died during childbirth and was buried on the way to Ephrath, which is identified as Bethlehem: "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." 2. Ruth 4:11 : Ephrathah is referenced in the blessing given to Ruth by the elders at the city gate of Bethlehem. They express their hope that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah, who built the house of Israel, and that she would prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem: "May you have standing in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem." 3. 1 Chronicles 2:19, 24, 50 : Ephrathah is also mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. Caleb, the son of Hezron, is said to have had a wife named Ephrath, who bore him Hur. This connection further ties the name Ephrathah to the lineage of Judah and the heritage of Bethlehem. 4. Micah 5:2 : Perhaps the most significant prophetic reference to Ephrathah is found in the book of Micah, where it is foretold that a ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem Ephrathah: "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." This prophecy is widely recognized as a messianic prediction, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Theological Implications: Ephrathah holds a place of prominence in biblical theology due to its association with Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David and, more importantly, Jesus Christ. The prophetic significance of Micah 5:2 underscores the divine plan for the Messiah to emerge from this seemingly insignificant town, highlighting God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, Ephrathah was a region within the tribal territory of Judah. Its mention alongside Bethlehem suggests it may have been a district or a notable family within the area. The dual reference to Ephrathah and Bethlehem in various texts indicates the close relationship between the two, with Ephrathah often serving as a more ancient or formal designation for the region. Conclusion: Ephrathah's biblical mentions, particularly in relation to Bethlehem, underscore its importance in the narrative of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan. From the burial place of Rachel to the prophetic birthplace of the Messiah, Ephrathah is woven into the fabric of biblical history, symbolizing both heritage and hope. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary EphratahEphrath, abundance; bearing fruit Easton's Bible Dictionary Fruitful. (1.) The second wife of Caleb, the son of Hezron, mother of Hur, and grandmother of Caleb, who was one of those that were sent to spy the land (1 Chronicles 2:19, 50). (2.) The ancient name of Bethlehem in Judah (Genesis 35:16, 19; 48:7). In Ruth 1:2 it is called "Bethlehem-Judah," but the inhabitants are called "Ephrathites;" in Micah 5:2, "Bethlehem-Ephratah;" in Matthew 2:6, "Bethlehem in the land of Judah." In Psalm 132:6 it is mentioned as the place where David spent his youth, and where he heard much of the ark, although he never saw it till he found it long afterwards at Kirjath-jearim; i.e., the "city of the wood," or the "forest-town" (1 Samuel 7:1; Comp. 2 Samuel 6:3, 4). Strong's Hebrew 672. Ephrath -- an Israelite woman, also the name of several ...... NASB Word Usage Ephrath (5), Ephrathah (5). Ephrath, Ephratah. ... 132:6) perhaps for Ephraim; also of an Israelitish woman -- Ephrath, Ephratah. see HEBREW parah. ... /hebrew/672.htm - 6k Library And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands ... The Incarnation and Birth of Christ The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. God his Own Interpreter. The Mourner's Creed. Following the Star. Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim. Psalm 132 Thesaurus Ephratah (5 Occurrences)... 35:16, 19; 48:7). In Ruth 1:2 it is called "Bethlehem-Judah," but the inhabitants are called "Ephrathites;" in Micah 5:2, "Bethlehem-Ephratah;" in Matthew 2:6 ... /e/ephratah.htm - 9k Caleb-Ephratah (1 Occurrence) Ephrath (9 Occurrences) Caleb (39 Occurrences) Forest (67 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Ephrathite (3 Occurrences) Ephrata (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ephratah (5 Occurrences)Ruth 4:11 1 Chronicles 2:50 1 Chronicles 4:4 Psalms 132:6 Micah 5:2 Subtopics Ephratah: Also Called Ephrath: The Ancient Name of Beth-Lehem-Judah Ephratah: Second Wife of Caleb, Mother of Hur Related Terms Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
    |