Beerelim
Jump to: Hitchcock'sSmith'sISBEEaston'sConcordanceThesaurusSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Beerelim" translates to "Well of Elim" or "Well of the Mighty Ones." The term "beer" in Hebrew means "well," and "elim" can refer to "mighty ones" or "terebinths," a type of tree. This name suggests a place of significance, possibly due to its association with water or notable events.

Biblical References:
Beerelim is mentioned in the Book of Isaiah, specifically in Isaiah 15:8, as part of a prophecy concerning Moab. The verse reads: "For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beerelim." This passage is part of a larger oracle against Moab, a nation often in conflict with Israel, highlighting the widespread lamentation and distress that would befall the region.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Beerelim is believed to be located in the territory of Moab, east of the Jordan River. The exact location is not definitively known, but it is thought to be near other Moabite cities mentioned in the same context, such as Eglaim. The mention of Beerelim in Isaiah suggests it was a place of some importance, possibly a settlement or a landmark known for its well.

Theological Significance:
The reference to Beerelim in Isaiah's prophecy underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Moab. The mention of specific locations like Beerelim serves to illustrate the extent of the calamity and the thoroughness of divine retribution. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to execute judgment according to His will.

Cultural and Symbolic Aspects:
Wells in ancient Near Eastern culture were vital for survival, serving as sources of water in arid regions. They were often associated with life, sustenance, and community gatherings. The mention of a well in the context of lamentation and judgment may symbolize the drying up of resources and the desolation that accompanies divine judgment.

Related Biblical Themes:
1. Judgment and Prophecy: The oracle against Moab, including the mention of Beerelim, is part of a broader biblical theme where prophets convey God's messages of warning and judgment to nations. This theme is prevalent throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament.

2. Divine Sovereignty: The prophecy concerning Moab, including the specific mention of Beerelim, highlights the belief in God's control over the fate of nations. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate authority of God in the affairs of the world.

3. Lamentation and Mourning: The wailing reaching Beerelim signifies deep sorrow and distress, a common motif in biblical literature when describing the consequences of sin and divine judgment.

Conclusion:
While Beerelim is only briefly mentioned in the Bible, its inclusion in the prophecy against Moab provides insight into the historical and theological context of the time. It serves as a testament to the far-reaching impact of God's judgments and the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern world.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Beerelim

the well of Elim, or of rains

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Beerelim

(well of heroes), a spot named in (Isaiah 15:8) as on the "border of Moab." (Numbers 21:16) comp. Numb 21:13

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Well of heroes, probably the name given to Beer, the place where the chiefs of Israel dug a well (Numbers 21:16; Isaiah 15:8).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BEER-ELIM

be-er-e'-lim (be'er 'elim; phrear tou Aileim, literally "well of Elim"): Probably lay to the North of Moab, answering to Eglaim in the South (Isaiah 15:8). It may possibly be identical with BEER (1); but there is no certainty.

Thesaurus
Beerelim (1 Occurrence)
... no certainty. Multi-Version Concordance Beerelim (1 Occurrence). Isaiah
15:8 For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab; the ...
/b/beerelim.htm - 7k

Be-er'ah (1 Occurrence)
Be-er'ah. Beerah, Be-er'ah. Beerelim . Multi-Version Concordance Be-er'ah
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Beerah, Be-er'ah. Beerelim . Reference Bible.
/b/be-er'ah.htm - 6k

Beer-elim (1 Occurrence)
Beer-elim. Beerelim, Beer-elim. Beer-e'lim . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (ASV
BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Beerelim, Beer-elim. Beer-e'lim . Reference Bible
/b/beer-elim.htm - 7k

Howling (11 Occurrences)
... (Root in YLT RSV). Isaiah 15:8 For the cry is gone round about the borders of Moab;
the howling thereof unto Eglaim, and the howling thereof unto Beerelim. ...
/h/howling.htm - 9k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Beerah: A Reubenite
Top of Page
Top of Page