“The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord.” — Isaiah 60:6 (KJV)
The Identity of Ephah
The name Ephah (meaning “Gloom” or “Darkness”) appears in the Old Testament representing three distinct individuals and a significant biblical measurement. In the context of persons, Ephah is primarily recognized as a branch of the Abrahamic family tree through his second wife, Keturah.
1. Ephah: Son of Midian
The most prominent Ephah was the eldest son of Midian and a grandson of Abraham (Genesis 25:4).
- The Tribal Legacy: As the founder of a Midianite tribe, his descendants settled in the Arabian peninsula. They became known as a nomadic people, wealthy in livestock and integral to the trade routes of the ancient Near East.
- Prophetic Mention: Isaiah prophesied that the “dromedaries of Midian and Ephah” would one day bring gold and incense to Zion, signifying the eventual submission and worship of the Gentile nations to the King of Israel.
2. Ephah: Concubine of Caleb
In the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, an Ephah is mentioned as a concubine of Caleb (the son of Hezron).
- Her Progeny: She bore three sons: Haran, Moza, and Gazez (1 Chronicles 2:46). Her inclusion in the Chronicles highlights the expansion and complexity of the Davidic lineage within the tribe of Judah.
3. Ephah: Son of Jahdai
A third Ephah is listed as one of the six sons of Jahdai, who was also of the lineage of Caleb and the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:47). While little is recorded of his individual exploits, he remained a part of the registered “sons of Judah” who maintained the tribal inheritance.
The Measure of an Ephah
Beyond the individuals, the term Ephah is most frequently used in Scripture as a unit of dry volume (roughly equivalent to 3/5 of a bushel).
- The Standard of Justice: The Lord strictly commanded, “Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have” (Leviticus 19:36).
- The Vision of Wickedness: In a striking prophetic vision, Zechariah saw a woman sitting in the midst of an ephah, representing the “wickedness” of commerce and greed being removed from the land (Zechariah 5:6-11).
The Forensic Legacy
Whether as a tribe bringing tribute to the Messiah or a standard of measure for the marketplace, the name Ephah reminds the reader of stewardship. From the wealth of the Arabian dromedaries to the accuracy of the merchant’s grain, all things are to be “dedicated” (as the name Enoch suggested) to the glory of God and the service of His King.