ophrah Summary and Overview

a fawn. 1 Chr. 4:14. (1.) A city of Benjamin (Josh. 18:23); probably identical with Ephron (2 Chr. 13:19) and Ephraim (John 11:54). (2.) "Of the Abi-ezrites." A city of Manasseh, 6 miles south-west of Shechem, the residence of Gideon (Judg. 6:11; 8:27, 32). After his great victory over the Midianites, he slew at this place the captive kings (8:18-21). He then assumed the function of high priest, and sought to make Ophrah what Shiloh should have been. This thing "became a snare" to Gideon and his house. After Gideon's death his family resided here till they were put to death by Abimelech (Judg. 9:5). It is identified with Ferata.

(fawn). 1. A town in the tribe of Benjamin. #Jos 18:23; 1Sa 13:17| Jerome places it five miles east of Bethel. It is perhaps et-Taiyibeh, a small village on the crown of a conspicuous hill, four miles east-northeast of Beitin (Bethel). 2. More fully, OPHRAH OF THE ABIEZRITES, the native place of Gideon #Jud 6:11| and the scene of his exploits against Baal, ver. #Jud 6:24| his residence after his accession to power ch. #Jud 9:5| and the place of his burial in the family sepulchre. ch. #Jud 8:32| It was probably In Manasseh, ch. #Jud 6:15| and not far distant from Shechem, #Jud 9:1,5| 3. The son of Meonothai. #1Ch 4:14|

OPH'RAH (female fawn), the son of Meonothai. 1 Chr 4:14.

1. In Benjamin (Joshua 18:23; 1 Samuel 13:17). Jerome makes it five miles E. of Bethel. Probably the same as Ephron. (See EPHRON; EPHRAIM.) Taiyibeh is now on its site. 2. Ophrah of the Abiezrites, Gideon's place of birth (Judges 6:11-24; Judges 8:32; Judges 9:5), residence, and burial. He put the ephod here which he had adorned with the Midianites' gold, and to it all Israel resorted in pilgrimage for worship, a spiritual "whoring" (Judges 8:27). In Manasseh, not far from Shechem (Judges 9:1; Judges 9:5). Now Erfai (Van de Velde); Erafa (Schwartz). Epher a head of Manasseh probably gave the name (1 Chronicles 5:24), migrating there with Abiezer and Shechem (Numbers 26:30; Joshua 17:2). 3. 1 Chronicles 4:14, "Meonothai begat (or else founded) Ophrah" of Judah.