After seeing Noga Harauveni’s research, with archaeological evidence that Rachel’s tomb is in Binyamin, it seems that there are many traditional interpreters who explain it this way, as well. The name “Efrat” which is identified with Bet Lechem in Judah, according to this, refers to the area of the Ephraim tribe and not to Efrat near Hebron. Or according to another interpreter – to the Euphrates River in Binyamin! This explanation – as we will see – fits very well with the verses in the Book of Nehemiah that mention Bet Lechem in the list of cities of Binyamin!
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