Ophrah is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, located within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The name "Ophrah" is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "fawn" or "dust," which may reflect the characteristics or the environment of the area.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 18:23 · Ophrah is listed among the towns in the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin. The verse states: "Avvim, Parah, Ophrah," indicating its inclusion in the territorial boundaries assigned to Benjamin. This listing underscores its significance as part of the tribal allotments during the division of the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership.

2. 1 Samuel 13:17 · The city is indirectly referenced during the account of Saul's conflict with the Philistines. The passage describes a raiding party from the Philistine camp: "And raiders went out of the Philistine camp in three companies. One company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual." This mention suggests that Ophrah was strategically located and possibly vulnerable to external threats during the period of the judges and early monarchy.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Ophrah's precise location is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the central highlands of ancient Israel, within the boundaries of Benjamin's territory. The region was characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic position, which played a role in the various military and political events recorded in the biblical narrative.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

As a city within Benjamin's territory, Ophrah would have been part of the broader cultural and religious life of the Israelite tribes. The tribe of Benjamin held a unique position among the tribes of Israel, being the smallest tribe and yet producing significant figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel. The inclusion of Ophrah in the biblical record highlights the comprehensive nature of the tribal allotments and the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theologically, the mention of cities like Ophrah in the biblical text serves to affirm the historical reality of the Israelite settlement in Canaan and the faithfulness of God in establishing His people in the land He promised to their forefathers. The detailed recording of these cities underscores the importance of land and place in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Conclusion:

Ophrah, as a city within the territory of Benjamin, contributes to our understanding of the geographical and historical landscape of ancient Israel. Its mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, is part of the larger tapestry of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan for His people.Joshua 18:23
And Avim, and Pharah, and Ophrah,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 13:17
And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual:
Nave's Topical Index

The Israelites
... as the rest of his brethren; no territory was assigned ... Judah, and it was only in
the city of Laish ... mixed Hebrew and Canaanite inhabitants of Ophrah and Shechem ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... was in Shechem."** He dwelt at Ophrah, in the ... of Simeon in the reduction of the city
of Zephath ... obtaining, for a lengthened period, any extension of territory. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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