### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Bêyth Bârâh**, represented by `{{H1012}}`, translates as **house of (the) ford**. Defined as a place in Palestine, it appears 2 times across 1 unique verse in the biblical text. Its meaning is therefore entirely derived from a single, specific narrative event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only scriptural reference to `{{H1012}}` occurs during Gideon's{H1439} battle against the Midianites{H4080}. In a strategic move, Gideon sent{H7971} messengers{H4397} throughout mount{H2022} Ephraim{H669}, saying{H559}, "Come down{H3381} against{H7125} the Midianites{H4080}, and take{H3920} before them the waters{H4325} unto **Bethbarah**{H1012} and Jordan{H3383}" [[Judges 7:24]]. The men{H376} of Ephraim{H669} responded to this call, gathering together{H6817} and successfully taking{H3920} control of the specified waters, securing the strategic crossing point at **Bethbarah**{H1012}.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Beth-Barah's importance:
* `{{H1439}}` **Gidʻôwn** (feller (i.e. warrior)): As the Israelite leader, it was Gideon who identified Beth-Barah's strategic value and issued the command to capture it as part of his campaign against Midian [[Judges 7:24]].
* `{{H3383}}` **Yardên** (a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine): This river is mentioned in direct conjunction with Beth-Barah, defining the key waterway that the Ephraimites were ordered to control [[Judges 7:24]].
* `{{H3920}}` **lâkad** (to catch... capture or occupy): This verb describes the specific military action taken at Beth-Barah. The objective was not merely to reach the location, but to **take** or capture it, thereby cutting off the enemy.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1012}}` is found in its role within the larger narrative of God's deliverance of Israel.
* **A Point of Strategic Control:** The command to seize Beth-Barah highlights its importance as a military chokepoint. Controlling the "house of the ford" was a critical tactic in the victory over the Midianites{H4080}, a plan executed by Gideon{H1439} after the Spirit of the LORD came upon him [[Judges 6:34]].
* **A Marker of Obedience:** The account shows the men of Ephraim{H669} acting in unified obedience to Gideon's{H1439} command. Their successful capture of the waters at Beth-Barah and Jordan{H3383} demonstrates a faithful response to their leader's call [[Judges 7:24]].
* **A Landmark in Divine Victory:** Beth-Barah serves as a geographical footnote in the story of God delivering Israel. The LORD had promised Gideon that He had "delivered into your hand the host of Midian" [[Judges 7:15]], and the seizure of this location was an integral part of that fulfilled promise.
### Summary
In summary, **Bêyth Bârâh** `{{H1012}}` is a place name whose entire biblical identity is tied to its strategic function as the "house of the ford." Mentioned exclusively in [[Judges 7:24]], it was the location of a pivotal maneuver in Gideon's war against the Midianites. Although a minor detail, its capture by the men of Ephraim was a key component in the divinely orchestrated victory, illustrating themes of military strategy and faithful obedience.
TRV