Ber'acah
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Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Ber'acah" is derived from the Hebrew root "ברך" (barak), meaning "blessing" or "praise." It signifies a place of blessing or a valley of praise, reflecting its biblical significance.

Biblical References:
Ber'acah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of King Jehoshaphat's reign. The primary reference to Ber'acah is found in 2 Chronicles 20:26, where it is described as the Valley of Beracah.

Historical and Biblical Context:
The Valley of Beracah is notably associated with a miraculous victory granted by God to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. In 2 Chronicles 20, the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. In response, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord's guidance through prayer and fasting. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who assured the people that the battle belonged to God and that they would not need to fight.

Following this divine assurance, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the Lord as they went out before the army. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy forces, causing them to turn on each other and leading to their defeat. The Israelites found their enemies completely defeated without having to engage in battle themselves.

The people of Judah gathered in the Valley of Beracah to bless the Lord for the victory He had given them. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:26 , "On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Beracah to this day."

Theological Significance:
The account of Ber'acah underscores the power of faith, worship, and reliance on God in times of adversity. It illustrates the principle that God fights for His people when they trust in Him and seek His guidance. The Valley of Beracah serves as a testament to the importance of praise and thanksgiving in the life of believers, highlighting that victory and blessing come from the Lord.

Geographical Location:
The exact geographical location of the Valley of Beracah is not definitively known today. However, it is believed to be situated near Tekoa, south of Jerusalem, in the Judean wilderness. The historical and spiritual significance of the site remains a point of interest for biblical scholars and archaeologists.

Cultural and Liturgical Impact:
The account of Ber'acah has inspired numerous hymns, sermons, and teachings within the Christian tradition. It serves as a powerful reminder of the efficacy of prayer and praise, encouraging believers to trust in God's providence and deliverance. The narrative is often cited in discussions on spiritual warfare and the role of worship in overcoming life's challenges.
Concordance
Ber'acah (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 12:3
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Ber'acah (1 Occurrence)
Ber'acah. Beracah, Ber'acah. Bera'cah . Multi-Version Concordance
Ber'acah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer ...
/b/ber'acah.htm - 6k

Beracah (2 Occurrences)

/b/beracah.htm - 8k

Bera'cah (1 Occurrence)
Bera'cah. Ber'acah, Bera'cah. Berachah . Multi-Version Concordance Bera'cah
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Ber'acah, Bera'cah. Berachah . Reference Bible.
/b/bera'cah.htm - 6k

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