What Was Ophrah in the Bible?
Ophrah is a name associated with two distinct locations in the Bible, each holding significant historical and theological importance. The first Ophrah is linked to the tribe of Benjamin, and the second is associated with the tribe of Manasseh and the story of Gideon, one of Israel’s judges.
Ophrah of Benjamin
A Town in Benjamin’s Territory
Ophrah is mentioned in Joshua 18:23 as one of the towns allotted to the tribe of Benjamin during the division of the Promised Land. This town’s name means “fawn” or “gazelle” in Hebrew, highlighting its probable pastoral and serene setting.
Joshua 18:23 (ESV)
“Avvim, Parah, Ophrah…”
A Site of Judgment
Ophrah is also referenced in Micah 1:10, where it is called Beth-le-aphrah, meaning “house of Aphrah.” The prophet Micah uses this name in a wordplay to pronounce judgment on the cities of Judah for their sins and idolatry.
Micah 1:10 (ESV)
“Tell it not in Gath; weep not at all; in Beth-le-aphrah roll yourselves in the dust.”
Ophrah of Manasseh
Gideon’s Hometown
The second Ophrah is associated with the tribe of Manasseh and is notably the hometown of Gideon, one of Israel’s judges. This Ophrah, belonging to the clan of Abiezer, serves as a significant backdrop for Gideon’s calling and his subsequent actions as a leader of Israel.
Judges 6:11 (ESV)
“Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites.”
Gideon’s Altar
After being called by God, Gideon built an altar to the Lord in Ophrah, symbolizing his commitment to worship and obedience.
Judges 6:24 (ESV)
“Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites.”
Gideon’s Victory and Refusal of Kingship
Following his victory over the Midianites, the Israelites wanted to make Gideon their king. However, Gideon refused, recognizing that God alone is the rightful king of Israel, demonstrating his humility and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
Judges 8:23 (ESV)
“Gideon said to them, ‘I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.'”
Gideon’s Death
Gideon’s death and burial in Ophrah underscore his lifelong faithfulness and the significant role this town played in his story.
Judges 8:32 (ESV)
“And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, at Ophrah of the Abiezrites.”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Trusting in God’s Calling
Gideon’s story in Ophrah reminds modern Christians to trust in God’s calling, even when it seems daunting. Just as Gideon was called to lead Israel against overwhelming odds, believers today are called to trust in God’s plans and purposes for their lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Humility and Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty
Gideon’s refusal to become king demonstrates the importance of humility and recognizing God’s sovereignty. Christians are reminded to give God the glory and authority in their lives, understanding that all power and leadership ultimately belong to Him.
James 4:10 (ESV)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
The Consequences of Ambition
The story of Abimelech, Gideon’s son, who sought kingship through violence, serves as a warning against unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power for selfish reasons. This cautionary tale highlights the destructive consequences of seeking personal glory over God’s will.
Judges 9:5 (ESV)
“And he went to his father’s house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Faithfulness in Calling
The story of Gideon’s call at Ophrah reflects God’s faithfulness in calling individuals for His purposes. God meets us where we are, often in unexpected ways, to fulfill His plans.
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
God’s Peace and Assurance
Gideon’s construction of an altar and naming it “The Lord Is Peace” in Ophrah shows that God provides peace and assurance in our calling. Despite the challenges we face, God’s presence brings peace.
John 14:27 (ESV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Christ as the Ultimate Judge and Deliverer
Gideon’s role as a judge and deliverer points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Judge and Deliverer. Just as Gideon delivered Israel from the Midianites, Jesus delivers us from sin and death.
Romans 6:23 (ESV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jesus’ Humility
Gideon’s humility in refusing kingship mirrors the humility of Christ, who, though being in the form of God, humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. This ultimate act of humility provides salvation for all who believe.
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV)
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Conclusion
Ophrah, both as a town in Benjamin and the hometown of Gideon, holds significant biblical importance. The stories associated with Ophrah provide valuable lessons for modern Christians about trusting in God’s calling, practicing humility, and recognizing the dangers of unchecked ambition. These narratives also highlight the faithfulness of God in calling and equipping His people, and they point forward to the ultimate deliverance and humility exemplified in Jesus Christ. By reflecting on the events that took place in Ophrah, believers are encouraged to deepen their trust in God, embrace humility, and follow Christ’s example in their daily lives.