Definition and Meaning:
The term "Berachah" is derived from the Hebrew word בְּרָכָה (berakah), meaning "blessing" or "praise." In the biblical context, it is used both as a proper noun and a common noun, signifying a place of blessing or a valley associated with divine favor and thanksgiving.

Biblical References:

1. Valley of Berachah:
The most notable mention of Berachah is found in 2 Chronicles 20:26. This valley is the site where King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah gathered to bless the Lord after their miraculous victory over the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. The text states: "On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Berachah to this day" . This event underscores the theme of divine intervention and the importance of gratitude in the life of the Israelites.

2. Berachah as a Person:
In 1 Chronicles 12:3, Berachah is listed as one of the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag. The passage reads: "Ahiezer was their chief, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu the Anathothite" . This reference highlights the loyalty and valor of those who supported David during his time of need.

Theological Significance:

· Divine Blessing and Human Response:
The Valley of Berachah serves as a powerful symbol of God's deliverance and the appropriate human response of praise and thanksgiving. It illustrates the biblical principle that victories and blessings are occasions for acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness.

· Community and Worship:
The gathering of the people in the Valley of Berachah emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and thanksgiving. It reflects the collective acknowledgment of God's hand in their lives and the importance of coming together to honor Him.

· Historical Context:
The events surrounding the Valley of Berachah occurred during the reign of Jehoshaphat, a king noted for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to lead Judah in righteousness. This context provides insight into the spiritual climate of the time and the role of leadership in guiding the people toward a proper relationship with God.

Cultural and Historical Insights:

· Location:
While the exact geographical location of the Valley of Berachah is not definitively known today, it is believed to be situated near Tekoa, south of Jerusalem. This area was part of the Judean wilderness, a region often associated with divine encounters and significant biblical events.

· Role in Israelite Worship:
The naming of the valley as "Berachah" reflects the ancient Israelite practice of commemorating significant events and places with names that capture the essence of God's actions and the people's response. Such naming served as a lasting reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of worship.

In summary, Berachah, whether as a place or a person, is intricately linked to themes of blessing, divine intervention, and the appropriate human response of praise and gratitude. The biblical accounts associated with Berachah continue to inspire believers to recognize and celebrate God's work in their lives.Berachah

blessing; bending the knee

Berachah

(blessing), a Benjamite who attached himself to David at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:3) (B.C. 1054.)

Berachah

Blessing, a beautiful valley between Tekoa and Etham, where Jehoshaphat and all Judah held a thanksgiving for their miraculous victory over the Moabites and Ammonites, 2 Chronicles 20:26.

Blessing.

(1.) A valley not far from Engedi, where Jehoshaphat overthrew the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:26). It has been identified with the valley of Bereikut. (R.V., "Beracah.")

(2.) One of the Benjamite warriors, Saul's brethren, who joined David when at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3).

1294. Berakah -- an Israelite, also a valley in Judah
... Berakah. 1295 . an Israelite, also a valley in Judah. Transliteration: Berakah
Phonetic Spelling: (ber-aw-kaw') Short Definition: Berachah. ... Berachah. ...
/hebrew/1294.htm - 6k

Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
... certain hollow place or valley, and blessed God for his power and assistance, from
which the place had this name given it, the Valley of [Berachah, or] Blessing ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 concerning jehoshaphat again.htm

Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
... work is objectionable to me!" And to this day the common Jewish proverb has it:
"Labour is no cherpah (disgrace)"; or again: "Melachah is berachah (Labour is ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 11 jewish views on.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
The Principal Works of St. Jerome. <. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Berachah (2 Occurrences)
... (2.) One of the Benjamite warriors, Saul's brethren, who joined David when at Ziklag
(1 Chronicles 12:3). Multi-Version Concordance Berachah (2 Occurrences). ...
/b/berachah.htm - 7k

Pools (15 Occurrences)
... fourth day after his victory over the Ammonites, etc., in the wilderness of Tekoa,
Jehoshaphat assembled his army in the valley of Berachah ("blessing"), and ...
/p/pools.htm - 13k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... of Esdraelon; the "valley of giants" (Joshua 15:8), usually translated "valley of
Rephaim" (2 Samuel 5:18); of Elah (1 Samuel 17:2), of Berachah (2 Chronicles ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

Beracah (2 Occurrences)
... BERACAH. be-ra'-ka (berakhah, "blessing," the King James Version Berachah): A Benjamite
who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:3). BERACAH, VALLEY OF. ...
/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

Berachiah (1 Occurrence)

/b/berachiah.htm - 6k

Antothite (3 Occurrences)
... 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 Berachah, and Jehu ...
/a/antothite.htm - 8k

Shemaab (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:3 The head 'is' Ahiezer, and Joash, sons of Shemaab the Gibeathite,
and Jeziel, and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth, and Berachah, and Jehu the ...
/s/shemaab.htm - 6k

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