Topical Encyclopedia Ephah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the sons of Midian. Midian himself was a son of Abraham through his wife Keturah, as recorded in Genesis 25:1-2: "Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah." Ephah, therefore, is a grandson of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, and is part of the broader narrative of the descendants of Abraham who settled in various regions.Genealogical Context Ephah is specifically mentioned in 1 Chronicles 1:33: "The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah." This genealogical listing places Ephah among the tribes that descended from Abraham but were distinct from the Israelites, as they were not descendants of Isaac, the child of promise. Geographical and Historical Significance The descendants of Ephah, along with the other sons of Midian, are believed to have settled in the region that came to be known as Midian, located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. This area is significant in biblical history, particularly in the narrative of Moses, who fled to Midian and married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian (Exodus 2:15-21). The Midianites, including the descendants of Ephah, were known for their nomadic lifestyle and their involvement in trade. Isaiah 60:6 makes a reference to the wealth of the region associated with Ephah: "Caravans of camels will cover your land—young camels of Midian and Ephah—all those from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD." This passage highlights the prosperity and the trading activities of the Midianites, suggesting that Ephah's descendants played a role in the economic exchanges of the ancient Near East. Cultural and Religious Influence The Midianites, including the descendants of Ephah, had interactions with the Israelites throughout biblical history. These interactions were sometimes peaceful, as in the case of Moses' marriage into a Midianite family, and sometimes hostile, as seen in the conflicts during the time of the Judges (Judges 6-8). The Midianites' religious practices were distinct from those of the Israelites, and they are often depicted in the Bible as worshippers of other gods, which led to conflicts with the Israelites who were called to worship Yahweh exclusively. Prophetic References The mention of Ephah in Isaiah 60:6 is part of a larger prophetic vision concerning the future glory of Zion. The passage envisions a time when the wealth of the nations, including the descendants of Ephah, will be brought to Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD. This prophetic imagery underscores the theme of the nations coming to acknowledge the God of Israel and participating in His redemptive plan. In summary, Ephah, as a son of Midian, represents a branch of Abraham's descendants who played a significant role in the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient Near East. His lineage is intertwined with the broader narrative of God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel, highlighting themes of kinship, conflict, and eventual reconciliation under God's sovereign plan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 25:4And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 1:33 Isaiah 60:6 Strong's Hebrew 5891. Ephah -- two Israelites, also a Midianite... Ephah. The same as eyphah; Ephah, the name of a son of Midian, and of the region settled by him; also of an Israelite and of an Israelitess -- Ephah. ... /hebrew/5891.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxv Letter Lxxix. To Salvina. The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Midianites? | GotQuestions.org How did the Israelites deny themselves in Leviticus 23:27? | GotQuestions.org Ephah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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