Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References: Berothai is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 8:8. The Berean Standard Bible states: "And from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze." Historical Context: Berothai was a city under the control of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, during the reign of King David. Zobah was a significant Aramean kingdom located in the region of modern-day Syria. The city is noted for its wealth, particularly in bronze, which was a valuable resource in ancient times. The capture of Berothai by David is part of a broader narrative of his military campaigns to expand and secure the borders of Israel, as recorded in the books of Samuel. Geographical Location: The exact location of Berothai is not definitively known today. However, it is generally believed to have been situated in the region of Aram-Zobah, north of Israel. Some scholars suggest it may be identified with the ancient city of Berothah mentioned in Ezekiel 47:16, although this identification is not universally accepted. Theological Significance: The capture of Berothai and the acquisition of its bronze resources highlight the fulfillment of God's promises to David regarding the expansion and establishment of his kingdom. This event underscores the theme of divine favor and providence in David's reign, as God grants him victory over his enemies and the means to strengthen Israel. The wealth acquired from Berothai would have contributed to the prosperity and stability of David's kingdom, enabling further developments, including preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Cultural and Economic Impact: Bronze was a critical material in the ancient Near East, used for weapons, tools, and various artifacts. The acquisition of a large quantity of bronze from Berothai would have had significant economic implications for Israel, enhancing its military capabilities and trade potential. This resource influx would have also played a role in the cultural and artistic advancements during David's and Solomon's reigns, as seen in the elaborate construction projects and craftsmanship of the period. Related Entries: · David, King of Israel: The second king of Israel, known for his military conquests, leadership, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. · Hadadezer: King of Zobah, an adversary of David, whose defeat is recorded in the biblical narrative as part of David's military successes. · Zobah: An Aramean kingdom in the region of modern-day Syria, frequently mentioned in the context of David's military campaigns. Archaeological Insights: While direct archaeological evidence for Berothai has not been uncovered, the broader region of Aram-Zobah has yielded findings that provide context for the biblical narrative. Artifacts and inscriptions from neighboring sites offer insights into the political and economic landscape of the time, corroborating the existence of powerful city-states and the significance of metal resources in the region. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BerothaiInternational Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEROTHAHbe-ro'-tha (Ezekiel 47:16: berothah; Septuagint Codex Vaticanus, Abthera; or BEROTHAH 2Sa 8:8; berothai, where for mibberothai Septuagint reads ek ton eklekton poleon, "from the select cities"): Probably two forms of the same name. Ezekiel 47:16 places it on the ideal northern frontier of Israel, between Damascus and Hamath. According to 2 Samuel 8:8 it was a city of Hadadezer, king of Zobah. In the parallel passage (1 Chronicles 18:8) Cun is given in place of Berothai. Its site is unknown. Ewald connected it with Beirut (so also apparently H. P. Smith, ICC, "Samuel," 307), but Ezekiel's description excludes this view. Others have sought it in the Wady Brissa, in the East slope of Lebanon, North of Baalbec. A more plausible conjecture identifies it with Bereitan (Brithen), a village somewhat South of Baalbec (Baedeker, Pal3, 369). Possibly, however, the ideal northern frontier line should be drawn farther south. See HETHLON; ZEDAD; ZOBAH. Strong's Hebrew 1268. Berothah -- a place near Hamath... Berothah. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a place near Hamath NASB Word Usage Berothah (1). Berothah, Berothai. Or ... /hebrew/1268.htm - 6k 1307a. Berothay -- a city in Aram (Syria) 1307. Berothiy -- a city in Aram (Syria) Thesaurus Berothai (1 Occurrence)... be-ro'-tha (Ezekiel 47:16: berothah; Septuagint Codex Vaticanus, Abthera; or BEROTHAH 2Sa 8:8; berothai, where for mibberothai Septuagint reads ek ton eklekton ... /b/berothai.htm - 8k Berothah (1 Occurrence) Bero'thai (1 Occurrence) Quantity (18 Occurrences) Zobah (15 Occurrences) Tebah (2 Occurrences) Betah (1 Occurrence) Berytus Bero'thah (1 Occurrence) Chun (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Berothai (1 Occurrence)2 Samuel 8:8 Subtopics Related Terms |