This wall has been discovered by the engineers of the Palestine Exploration
Fund at the south-eastern angle of the temple area. It is 4 feet below the
present surface. In 2 Kings 5:24 this word is translated “tower” (R.V.,
“hill”), denoting probably some eminence near Elisha’s house.
- OPHIR (1.) One of the sons of Joktan (Genesis 10:29).
(2.) Some region famous for its gold (1 Kings 9:28; 10:11; 22:48; Job
22:24; 28:16; Isaiah 13:12). In the LXX. this word is rendered “Sophir,”
and “Sofir” is the Coptic name for India, which is the rendering of the
Arabic version, as also of the Vulgate. Josephus has identified it with the
Golden Chersonese, i.e., the Malay peninsula. It is now generally
identified with Abhira, at the mouth of the Indus. Much may be said,
however, in favour of the opinion that it was somewhere in Arabia.
- OPHNI mouldy, a city of Benjamin (Joshua 18:24).
- OPHRAH a fawn. 1 Chronicles 4:14. (1.) A city of Benjamin (Joshua
18:23); probably identical with Ephron (2 Chronicles 13:19) and Ephraim
(John 11:54).
(2.) “Of the Abi-ezrites.” A city of Manasseh, 6 miles south-west of
Shechem, the residence of Gideon (Judges 6:11; 8:27, 32). After his great
victory over the Midianites, he slew at this place the captive kings
(8:18-21). He then assumed the function of high priest, and sought to make
Ophrah what Shiloh should have been. This thing “became a snare” to
Gideon and his house. After Gideon’s death his family resided here till
they were put to death by Abimelech (Judges 9:5). It is identified with
Ferata.