The term "Ephrathites" refers to the inhabitants or descendants of Ephrath, also known as Ephrathah or Ephratah, a significant location in biblical history. Ephrath is often associated with Bethlehem, a town in the territory of Judah, which holds considerable importance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Ephrath and Bethlehem: Ephrath is frequently identified with Bethlehem, as seen in several scriptural passages. In Genesis 35:19 , it is recorded, "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)." This connection is further emphasized in the account of Ruth, where the lineage of King David is traced back to Bethlehem Ephrathah. Ruth 1:2 mentions, "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 of Judah."

2. Tribal Association: The Ephrathites are associated with the tribe of Judah, as Bethlehem is located within its territory. This connection is significant in the context of messianic prophecies, as the Messiah was foretold to come from Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 prophesies, "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."

3. Notable Ephrathites: The most notable Ephrathite is King David, who was born in Bethlehem. His lineage is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it establishes the Davidic line from which Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is descended. This is affirmed in the New Testament, where the genealogy of Jesus is traced back to David, emphasizing His rightful claim to the throne of Israel.

4. Cultural and Historical Context: The Ephrathites, as residents of Bethlehem, were part of a small but significant community within Judah. Bethlehem's role as the birthplace of David and later Jesus Christ elevates its status in biblical history. The Ephrathites, therefore, are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan as revealed in Scripture.

5. Ruth and the Ephrathites: The Book of Ruth provides a detailed account of an Ephrathite family, highlighting the themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes part of the Ephrathite community through her marriage to Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband, Mahlon. This union is pivotal in the genealogy of David, as Ruth becomes the great-grandmother of the future king.

Theological Implications

The Ephrathites, through their association with Bethlehem, play a crucial role in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The town's connection to the lineage of David and the birth of Jesus underscores the divine orchestration of history. The Ephrathites, therefore, are not merely a historical group but are emblematic of God's covenantal promises to His people, culminating in the advent of the Messiah.673. Ephrathi -- a descendant of Ephraim, also an inhabitant of ...
... desc. of Ephraim, also an inhab. of Ephrath NASB Word Usage Ephraimite (3),
Ephrathite (1), Ephrathites (1). Ephraimite, Ephrathite. ...
/hebrew/673.htm - 6k

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... His name Elimelech, his eldest son Was called Mahlon, t'other Chilion, His wife
was Naomi, Ephrathites they were: They went to Moab and continued there: Where ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Ephrathites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ephrathites (1 Occurrence). Ruth 1:2 The name of
the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and ...
/e/ephrathites.htm - 6k

Eph'rathites (1 Occurrence)
Eph'rathites. Ephrathites, Eph'rathites. Ephron . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Ephrathites, Eph'rathites. Ephron . Reference Bible.
/e/eph'rathites.htm - 6k

Chilion (3 Occurrences)
... kil'-i-on (kilyon, "pining," "wasting away"): One of the two sons of Elimelech and
Naomi, "Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem-judah" (Ruth 1:2). With ...
/c/chilion.htm - 8k

Kilion (3 Occurrences)
... Ruth 1:2 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 Bethlehem Judah. ...
/k/kilion.htm - 7k

Naomi (25 Occurrences)
... Ruth 1:2 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 Bethlehem Judah. ...
/n/naomi.htm - 17k

Na'omi (21 Occurrences)
... Ruth 1:2 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 Bethlehem Judah. ...
/n/na'omi.htm - 11k

Wife's (21 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/w/wife's.htm - 12k

Eph'rathite (1 Occurrence)
Eph'rathite. Ephrathite, Eph'rathite. Ephrathites . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Ephrathite, Eph'rathite. Ephrathites . Reference Bible.
/e/eph'rathite.htm - 6k

Elimelech (6 Occurrences)
... Ruth 1:2 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 Bethlehem Judah. ...
/e/elimelech.htm - 10k

Elim'elech (6 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/e/elim'elech.htm - 8k

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