Bethbarah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. The name "Bethbarah" is often understood to mean "house of crossing" or "place of crossing," which is indicative of its geographical and strategic significance in biblical narratives.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Bethbarah is found in Judges 7:24. In this passage, Gideon, a judge of Israel, calls upon the men of Ephraim to seize the waters of the Jordan River as part of a strategic military maneuver against the Midianites. The verse reads:

"Then Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, 'Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Bethbarah.' So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Bethbarah." (Judges 7:24)

This passage highlights Bethbarah's role as a critical point of control over the Jordan River, which was a significant natural barrier and a vital route for travel and military campaigns.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Bethbarah's exact location is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated near the Jordan River, possibly in the vicinity of the modern-day Wadi el-Far'ah. Its mention in the context of Gideon's campaign suggests that it was a ford or crossing point of strategic importance, allowing control over movements between the eastern and western sides of the Jordan.

The strategic significance of Bethbarah is underscored by its role in the narrative of Gideon's victory over the Midianites. By securing the fords of the Jordan, the Ephraimites effectively cut off the Midianites' escape route, contributing to the Israelites' triumph.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of Bethbarah in the Book of Judges illustrates themes of divine deliverance and the importance of obedience to God's commands. Gideon's leadership and the cooperation of the Ephraimites demonstrate how God can use His people to achieve victory against overwhelming odds. The capture of Bethbarah serves as a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to deliver Israel from its oppressors.

Bethbarah, therefore, is not only a geographical location but also a symbol of faith and divine intervention in the history of Israel. Its mention in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic obedience and the power of God to bring about His purposes through His chosen leaders and people.Bethbarah

(house of the ford), named only in (Judges 7:24) It derived its chief interest in the possibility that its more modern representative may have been Beth-abara, where John baptized. It was probably the chief ford of the district.

House of crossing, a place south of the scene of Gideon's victory (Judges 7:24). It was probably the chief ford of the Jordan in that district, and may have been that by which Jacob crossed when he returned from Mesopotamia, near the Jabbok (Genesis 32:22), and at which Jephthah slew the Ephraimites (Judges 12:4). Nothing, however, is certainly known of it. (see BETHABARA.) BETH-BARAH

beth-ba'-ra (beth barah; Baithera): Perhaps Beth-`abharu, the guttural being lost in copying. It is a ford which the Midianites were expected to pass in fleeing from Gideon. Messengers were therefore sent by Gideon to the Ephraimites bidding them "take before them the waters, as far as Beth-barah, even (the Revised Version, margin "and also") the Jordan" (Judges 7:24). "The waters" were the streams emptying themselves into the Jordan: "even the Jordan" is a gloss on "the waters." Between the Jordan and the modern Wady Fari`ah an enemy could be entrapped; it is therefore probable that Beth-barah was on that stream near its entrance into the Jordan.

See BETHABARA.

S. F. Hunter

Bethbarah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bethbarah (1 Occurrence). ... Then all the men of Ephraim gathered
themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. ...
/b/bethbarah.htm - 8k

Bethabara (1 Occurrence)
... It may be identical with Bethbarah, the ancient ford of Jordan of which the men
of Ephraim took possession (Judges 7:24). ... (see BETHBARAH.). Int. ...
/b/bethabara.htm - 10k

Beth-barah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-barah. Bethbarah, Beth-barah. Beth-bar'ah . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV JPS WBS YLT NAS). Bethbarah, Beth-barah. Beth-bar'ah . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-barah.htm - 8k

Midianites (30 Occurrences)
... 24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against
the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan ...
/m/midianites.htm - 21k

Beth-ba'al-me'on (1 Occurrence)
Beth-ba'al-me'on. Beth-baal-meon, Beth-ba'al-me'on. Bethbarah . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Beth-baal-meon, Beth-ba'al-me'on. Bethbarah . Reference Bible
/b/beth-ba'al-me'on.htm - 6k

Gideon (45 Occurrences)
... led by Zebah and Zalmunna. The superior force followed the river farther
south, toward the ford of Bethbarah. 7. Death of Oreb and ...
/g/gideon.htm - 36k

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