CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Beth-Barah</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/b/beth-barah.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/judges/7-24.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/beth-barah.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Beth-Barah</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/b/bethbarah.htm" title="Bethbarah">◄</a> Beth-Barah <a href="/topical/b/beth-bar'ah.htm" title="Beth-bar'ah">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Etymology and Meaning:</b> <br>The name "Beth-barah" is derived from Hebrew, where "Beth" means "house" and "Barah" is often understood to mean "ford" or "crossing." Thus, Beth-barah can be translated as "house of the ford" or "house of crossing."<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b> <br>Beth-barah is mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in <a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24</a>. The passage describes a strategic moment during the time of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows: "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 Beth-barah.' So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah."<br><br><b>Historical and Geographical Context:</b> <br>Beth-barah is believed to have been located near the Jordan River, serving as a significant crossing point. Its strategic importance is highlighted in the narrative of Gideon's battle against the Midianites. By controlling the fords of the Jordan at Beth-barah, the Israelites were able to cut off the retreat of the Midianite forces, leading to a decisive victory.<br><br>The exact location of Beth-barah is not definitively known today, but it is generally thought to be in the region of the Jordan Valley. Some scholars suggest it may be near the modern site of Beit Harah, although archaeological evidence is limited.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b> <br>Beth-barah's mention in the context of Gideon's victory underscores themes of divine deliverance and strategic wisdom granted by God. Gideon's leadership, under divine guidance, demonstrates how God empowers His chosen leaders to achieve victory against overwhelming odds. The capture of Beth-barah and the surrounding waters illustrates the importance of faith and obedience in securing God's promises.<br><br><b>Cultural and Religious Insights:</b> <br>In the broader narrative of the Book of Judges, Beth-barah represents a moment of unity and collective action among the tribes of Israel, particularly the tribe of Ephraim. This cooperation is a recurring theme in the history of Israel, where unity under God's command leads to triumph over adversaries.<br><br>Beth-barah also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring sovereignty of God. The victory at Beth-barah is not merely a military success but a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b> <br>While Beth-barah is a minor geographical reference in the Bible, its role in the account of Gideon highlights the intersection of faith, leadership, and divine intervention. It serves as a testament to the power of God working through His people to achieve His purposes, even in seemingly insurmountable situations.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Beth-Barah</span><p>the chosen house<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>House of crossing, a place south of the scene of Gideon's victory (<a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24</a>). 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 (<a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Genesis 32:22</a>), and at which Jephthah slew the Ephraimites (<a href="/judges/12-4.htm">Judges 12:4</a>). Nothing, however, is certainly known of it. (see <a href="../b/bethabara.htm">BETHABARA</a>.) <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">BETH-BARAH</span><p>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" (<a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24</a>). "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.<br><br>See <a href="../b/bethabara.htm">BETHABARA</a>.<br><br>S. F. Hunter<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/1012.htm"><span class="l">1012. <b>Beth Barah</b> -- "place of ford," a place in Palestine</span></a><br><b>Beth Barah</b>. 1011, 1012. <b>Beth Barah</b>. 1013 . "place of ford," a place<br> in Palestine. Transliteration: <b>Beth Barah</b> Phonetic Spelling <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1012.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/b/bethbarah.htm"><span class="l"><b>Bethbarah</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> probable that <b>Beth</b>-<b>barah</b> was on that stream near its entrance into the Jordan. See<br> BETHABARA. SF Hunter. Multi-Version Concordance <b>Bethbarah</b> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bethbarah.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/beth-barah.htm"><span class="l"><b>Beth</b>-<b>barah</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>Beth</b>-<b>barah</b>. <b>Bethbarah</b>, <b>Beth</b>-<b>barah</b>. Beth-bar'ah . Easton's Bible Dictionary <b>...</b><br> (ASV JPS WBS YLT NAS). <b>Bethbarah</b>, <b>Beth</b>-<b>barah</b>. Beth-bar'ah . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/beth-barah.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bethabara.htm"><span class="l">Bethabara (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> It may be identical with <b>Bethbarah</b>, the ancient ford of Jordan of which the men<br> of Ephraim took possession (Judges 7:24). <b>...</b> (see <b>BETHBARAH</b>.). Int. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bethabara.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/barah.htm"><span class="l">Barah (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against<br> Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as <b>Beth</b><b>Barah</b>, even the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/barah.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/capture.htm"><span class="l">Capture (53 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> hath sent Gideon into all the hill-country of Ephraim, saying, 'Come down to meet<br> Midian, and capture before them the waters unto <b>Beth</b>-<b>Barah</b>, and the Jordan <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/capture.htm - 23k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm"><span class="l">Gideon (45 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The superior force followed the river farther south, toward the ford of <b>Bethbarah</b>. <b>...</b><br> This they did, defeating the enemy at <b>Beth</b>-<b>barah</b> and slaying the princes <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gideon.htm - 36k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm"><span class="l">Midianites (30 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, come down against<br> the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto <b>Bethbarah</b> and Jordan <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/midianites.htm - 21k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/summoned.htm"><span class="l">Summoned (103 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against<br> Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as <b>Beth</b><b>Barah</b>, even the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/summoned.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/beth.htm"><span class="l">Beth (115 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against<br> Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as <b>Beth</b><b>Barah</b>, even the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/beth.htm - 40k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/assembled.htm"><span class="l">Assembled (186 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 7:24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down<br> against the Midianites, and take before them the waters to <b>Beth</b>-<b>barah</b> and Jordan <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/assembled.htm - 36k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Russia-end-times.html">Does the Bible say anything about Russia in relation to the end times? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/tribe-of-Naphtali.html">What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bethel-in-the-Bible.html">What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Beth-barah (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24</a></span><br />And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill-country of Ephraim, saying, Come down against Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as <span class="boldtext">Beth-barah</span>, even the Jordan. So all the men of Ephraim were gathered together, and took the waters as far as <span class="boldtext">Beth-barah</span>, even the Jordan. <br /><span class="source">(ASV JPS WBS YLT NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/beth-barah.htm">Beth-Barah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/beth-barah--a_place_east_of_the_jordan_river.htm">Beth-Barah: A Place East of the Jordan River</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beth-barah.htm">Beth-barah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mid'ianites.htm">Mid'ianites (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seize.htm">Seize (91 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seized.htm">Seized (118 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bethbasi.htm">Bethbasi</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/e'phraim.htm">E'phraim (146 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/b/bethbarah.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Bethbarah"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Bethbarah" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/b/beth-bar'ah.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Beth-bar'ah"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Beth-bar'ah" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>