Ophni is a town mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments of the Israelites. It is located in the territory assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. The reference to Ophni can be found in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

· Joshua 18:24 : "Kephar-ammoni, Ophni, and Geba—twelve cities, along with their villages."

In this passage, Ophni is listed among the cities given to the tribe of Benjamin. The context of this verse is the delineation of the land inheritance for the Benjamites, which includes a total of twelve cities with their surrounding villages. Ophni's inclusion in this list signifies its importance as part of the Benjamite territory.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Ophni's exact location is not definitively known today, but it is understood to have been situated within the central highlands of ancient Israel, an area characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic significance. The region allotted to Benjamin was centrally located, bordered by the territories of Ephraim to the north and Judah to the south. This central positioning made the Benjamite cities, including Ophni, crucial for trade and defense.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique place in Israelite history. As the smallest of the tribes, Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors and played a significant role in various biblical narratives. The inclusion of Ophni in the Benjamite inheritance underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan.

Theologically, the division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a nation under His covenant. Each city and territory, including Ophni, represents a tangible manifestation of God's provision and the realization of His promises to His people.

Archaeological Insights:

While Ophni itself has not been conclusively identified in modern archaeology, the study of Benjamite sites provides valuable insights into the lifestyle and culture of the inhabitants during the biblical period. Excavations in the broader region have revealed fortified cities, agricultural practices, and artifacts that reflect the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Israelites.

Conclusion:

Ophni, as a city within the territory of Benjamin, contributes to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan as recorded in the Scriptures. Its mention in the Book of Joshua serves as a reminder of the intricate details of God's covenantal relationship with His people and the historical reality of the biblical narrative.Ophni

wearisomeness; folding together

Ophni

(mouldy), a town of Benjamin, mentioned in (Joshua 18:24) the same as the Gophna of Josephus a place which at the time of Vespasian's invasion was apparently so important as to be second only to Jerusalem. It still survives in the modern Jifna or Jufna , 23 miles northwest of Bethel.

Mouldy, a city of Benjamin (Joshua 18:24). OPHNI

of'-ni (ha-`ophni; Aphne): A place in the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:24). The modern Jifneh, in a fine vale West of the road to Nablus and 2 1/2 miles Northwest of Bethel, might suit as to position; but the change in the initial letter from `ain to jim is not easy. This is the Gophna of the rabbis (compare Josephus, Jewish Wars, III, iii, 5).

6078. Ophni -- a place in Benjamin
... 6077, 6078. Ophni. 6079 . a place in Benjamin. Transliteration: Ophni
Phonetic Spelling: (of-nee') Short Definition: Ophni. Word ...
/hebrew/6078.htm - 6kOphni (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OPHNI. of'-ni (ha-`ophni; Aphne): A place in
the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:24). ...Ophni (1 Occurrence). ...
/o/ophni.htm - 7k

Ophrah (9 Occurrences)

/o/ophrah.htm - 13k

Ophir (12 Occurrences)

/o/ophir.htm - 16k

Unwalled (39 Occurrences)
... unwalled places. (BBE). Joshua 18:24 And Chephar-Ammoni and Ophni and Geba;
twelve towns with their unwalled places; (BBE). Joshua 18 ...
/u/unwalled.htm - 17k

Geba (22 Occurrences)
... Geba (22 Occurrences). Joshua 18:24 Chephar Ammoni, Ophni, and Geba; twelve
cities with their villages. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/geba.htm - 17k

Gaba (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gaba (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:24 And Chepharhaammonai,
and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages: (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/g/gaba.htm - 6k

Chepharhaammonai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chepharhaammonai (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:24 And
Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages: (KJV). ...
/c/chepharhaammonai.htm - 6k

Chephar-ammoni (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chephar-ammoni (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:24 and
Chephar-ammoni, and Ophni, and Geba; twelve cities with their villages: (ASV BBE ...
/c/chephar-ammoni.htm - 7k

Chephar-haammonai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chephar-haammonai (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:24 and
Chephar-haammonai, and Ophni, and Geba: twelve cities and their hamlets; (DBY YLT). ...
/c/chephar-haammonai.htm - 6k

Chephar-ammonah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Chephar-ammonah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 18:24 and
Chephar-ammoni, and Ophni, and Geba; twelve cities with their villages: (See JPS). ...
/c/chephar-ammonah.htm - 6k

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