Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Beeroth" is derived from the Hebrew word "Be'er," meaning "wells." This suggests that the location was known for its wells, which were vital sources of water in the arid regions of ancient Israel. Biblical References: Beeroth is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of territorial descriptions and historical narratives. It is one of the cities of the Gibeonites, who famously deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them. This account is found in Joshua 9:17: "So the Israelites set out and went to the cities of Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim." In the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, Beeroth is listed as part of the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. Joshua 18:25-28 includes Beeroth in the list of cities belonging to Benjamin: "Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, Mizpah, Kephirah, Mozah, Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah, Zelah, Haeleph, the Jebusite city (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath—fourteen cities, along with their villages." Historical Context: Beeroth was one of the four Hivite cities that formed a confederation with Gibeon, Kephirah, and Kiriath Jearim. The Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites after hearing of their victories, resorted to deception to secure a treaty of peace. Despite the deceit, the Israelites honored the treaty due to their oath before God, as recounted in Joshua 9. Notable Figures: Beeroth is also mentioned in the context of King David's reign. Two of Saul's captains, Baanah and Rechab, who were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, are noted for their treacherous act of murdering Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as recorded in 2 Samuel 4:2-6. This act was intended to curry favor with David, but it was met with condemnation and punishment. Archaeological and Geographical Considerations: The exact location of ancient Beeroth is not definitively known today, but it is generally associated with the modern village of el-Bireh, located near Ramallah in the West Bank. This identification is based on historical and geographical correlations with biblical descriptions. Cultural and Theological Significance: Beeroth's inclusion in the narrative of the Gibeonite deception highlights themes of covenant faithfulness and the importance of oaths made before God. The Israelites' adherence to their treaty with the Gibeonites, despite the latter's deceit, underscores the biblical principle of honoring one's word, especially when it involves a vow to the Lord. The account of Baanah and Rechab serves as a moral lesson on the consequences of treachery and the sanctity of God's anointed leaders. David's response to the murder of Ish-bosheth reflects his respect for God's chosen king and his commitment to justice, even when it might have been politically advantageous to act otherwise. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BeerothSmith's Bible Dictionary Beeroth(wells), one of the four cities of the Hivites who deluded Joshua into a treaty of peace with them. (Joshua 9:17) It is now el-Bireh , which stands about 10 miles north of Jerusalem. Easton's Bible Dictionary BeerothWells, one of the four cities of the Hivites which entered by fraud into a league with Joshua. It belonged to Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). It has by some been identified with el-Bireh on the way to Nablus, 10 miles north of Jerusalem. Beeroth of the children of Jaakan (Deuteronomy 10:6). The same as Bene-jaakan (Numbers 33:31). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEEROTHbe-e'-roth, be'-er-oth (be'eroth; Beroth): One of the cities of the Canaanites whose inhabitants succeeded in deceiving Israel, and in making a covenant with them (Joshua 9:3). Apparently they were Hivites (Joshua 9:7). The occasion on which the Beerothites fled to Gittaim where they preserved their communal identity is not indicated. The town was reckoned to Benjamin (2 Samuel 4:2 f). Eusebius, Onomasticon places it under Gibeon, 7 Roman miles from Jerusalem on the way to Nicopolis (Amwas). If we follow the old road by way of Gibeon (el-Jib) and Bethhoron, Beeroth would lie probably to the Northwest of el-Jib. The traditional identification is with el-Bireh, about 8 miles from Jerusalem on the great north road. If the order in which the towns are mentioned (Joshua 9:17; Joshua 18:25) is any guide as to position, el-Bireh is too far to the Northwest. The identification is precarious. To Beeroth belonged the murderers of Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 4:2), and Naharai, Joab's armor-bearer (2 Samuel 23:37 1 Chronicles 11:39). It was reoccupied after the Exile (Ezra 2:25 Nehemiah 7:29). BEEROTH BENE-JAAKAN ben'-e-ja'-a-kan (be'eroth bene ya`aqan; the Revised Version, margin "the wells of the children of Jaakan"): A desert camp of the Israelites mentioned before Moserah (Deuteronomy 10:6). In Numbers 33:31, 32 the name is given simply "Bene-jaakan," and the situation after Moseroth. Strong's Hebrew 881. Beeroth -- "wells," a place in Palestine... Beeroth. 882 . "wells," a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Beeroth Phonetic Spelling: (be-ay-rohth') Short Definition: Beeroth. ... NASB Word Usage Beeroth (5) ... /hebrew/881.htm - 6k 885. Beeroth Bene-yaaqan -- "wells of (the) sons of Jaakan," a ... 886. Beerothi -- inhab. of Beeroth Library Appendices The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Beeroth (7 Occurrences)...Beeroth. Wells, one of the four cities of the Hivites which entered by fraud into a league with Joshua. ...Beeroth of the children of Jaakan. ... /b/beeroth.htm - 11k Beeroth-benejaakan (1 Occurrence) Beeroth-bene-jaakan (1 Occurrence) Be-er'oth (8 Occurrences) Bene-jaakan (3 Occurrences) Kephirah (4 Occurrences) Beerothite (4 Occurrences) Chephirah (4 Occurrences) Chephi'rah (4 Occurrences) Jearim (19 Occurrences) Resources Who were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beeroth (7 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 10:6 Joshua 9:17 Joshua 18:25 2 Samuel 4:2 2 Samuel 4:3 Ezra 2:25 Nehemiah 7:29 Subtopics Beeroth of the Children of Jaakan Beeroth: A City of the Hivites Beeroth: A Station of the Israelites--Aaron Died At Related Terms |
    |