The Name of a Warrior and a Valley of Blessing
The name Beracah (Hebrew: Bĕrākāh) literally means “blessing,” “praise,” or “benediction.” The name appears in two distinct, historically important biblical contexts, connecting a dedicated warrior to a foundational event of national thanksgiving.
1. Beracah the Benjamite Warrior
The first person named Beracah appears in the historical lists of 1 Chronicles, identified as a mighty warrior who joined David while David was a fugitive hiding from King Saul at Ziklag. This group consisted of elite soldiers known for their skill and loyalty.
“And of the Benjamites, Saul’s brethren, there came some to David to the hold… And Beracah, and Jehu the Antothite,” (1 Chronicles 12:2-3, KJV)
- Significance of the Timing: Beracah’s decision to leave his own tribe (Saul’s tribe) and join David during his time of weakness demonstrates profound faith and foresight. He was choosing to align himself with God’s anointed future king, rather than the currently reigning, disobedient monarch. His name, “Blessing,” is a fitting description of a man whose loyalty brought strength and encouragement to David’s cause.
2. The Valley of Berachah (The Valley of Blessing)
The most famous scriptural use of the name is as the title of a specific location—the Valley of Berachah, or the Valley of Blessing. This valley, located near Tekoa in the wilderness of Judah, was the site of one of Israel’s most miraculous victories during the reign of King Jehoshaphat.
The context is found in 2 Chronicles 20:
- The Threat: Judah was confronted by a massive, combined army of Moabites, Ammonites, and others. Jehoshaphat, fearing the overwhelming force, sought the Lord through public fasting and prayer.
- The Prophecy: The Lord answered, commanding Judah not to fight, for “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15, KJV). They were instructed to go out, but merely to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
- The Deliverance: Jehoshaphat sent the singers and praisers of the Lord out before the army. As they began to praise God, the Lord caused the invading armies to turn on and destroy one another (2 Chronicles 20:22, KJV).
- The Celebration: After the enemy was totally defeated, the men of Judah spent three days gathering the immense spoil. On the fourth day, they gathered together in the valley to praise and bless the Lord for the victory He had won:
“Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.” (2 Chronicles 20:26, KJV)
A Lesson in the Power of Praise
The dual context of Beracah teaches a powerful lesson: both the individual warrior and the collective nation find their greatest strength and deliverance through praise and blessing. The name is an enduring testimony that when God’s people focus on blessing Him, He turns their battles into occasions for national rejoicing and spiritual enrichment.