Ophrah is a significant location in the biblical narrative, primarily known as the home of Gideon, one of the major judges of Israel. This city is situated within the territory allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. The historical and theological importance of Ophrah is primarily derived from its association with Gideon and the events that transpired there, as recorded in the Book of Judges.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Ophrah is first mentioned in the context of Gideon's calling and subsequent actions as a judge of Israel. In Judges 6:11, the Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon at Ophrah, where he is threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. This encounter marks the beginning of Gideon's mission to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Then the Angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites" (Judges 6:11).

Ophrah is also the site where Gideon destroys the altar of Baal and cuts down the Asherah pole, an act of defiance against the idolatry that had permeated Israelite society. This event is recorded in Judges 6:25-27, where Gideon, under divine instruction, takes ten of his servants and carries out this task at night due to fear of his family and the townspeople.

Gideon's Family and Legacy

Ophrah is identified as the home of Gideon's family, specifically the Abiezrites, a clan within the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon's father, Joash, is mentioned as the owner of the land where the Angel of the LORD appeared. After Gideon's successful campaigns against the Midianites, he returns to Ophrah, where he makes an ephod from the spoils of war. This ephod, however, becomes a snare to Gideon and his family, as it leads Israel into idolatry (Judges 8:27): "Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household."

Gideon's legacy in Ophrah is further complicated by the actions of his son Abimelech, who, after Gideon's death, kills his seventy brothers in a bid for power, except for Jotham, the youngest, who escapes. Abimelech's violent rise to power and subsequent downfall are chronicled in Judges 9, highlighting the turbulent period following Gideon's leadership.

Archaeological and Geographical Considerations

The exact location of Ophrah remains uncertain, though it is generally believed to have been situated in the central region of ancient Israel, within the boundaries of the tribe of Manasseh. Some scholars suggest a possible identification with the modern site of et-Taiyibeh, though definitive archaeological evidence is lacking.

Ophrah's role in the biblical narrative underscores the themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of idolatry. As the backdrop for Gideon's divine calling and subsequent actions, Ophrah serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of fidelity to His commandments.Judges 6:11,24
And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 8:27,32
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare to Gideon, and to his house.
Nave's Topical Index

Judges 9:5
And he went to his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being three score and ten persons, on one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The walls of the city fell of themselves at the ... or sell them some portion of their
territory; others would ... The latter were people of Ophrah,*** brethren of a ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org

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