Beeri: A Hittite
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Beeri is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the patriarchal narratives. He is identified as a Hittite, a member of an ancient people who lived in the region of Canaan during the time of the patriarchs. The Hittites are frequently mentioned in the Bible as one of the groups inhabiting the land promised to the descendants of Abraham.

Biblical References:

Beeri is primarily known as the father of Judith, one of Esau's wives. In Genesis 26:34, the Berean Standard Bible states: "When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite." This passage highlights Beeri's role as a patriarch within the Hittite community and his connection to the family of Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Hittites were an influential group in the ancient Near East, known for their advanced civilization and interactions with other prominent cultures of the time, such as the Egyptians and the Assyrians. In the biblical narrative, the Hittites are often depicted as inhabitants of the land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham. The intermarriage between Esau and the Hittite women, including Beeri's daughter Judith, is portrayed as a source of grief for Isaac and Rebekah. Genesis 26:35 notes, "And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah."

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the marriage of Esau to Hittite women, including Beeri's daughter, is significant. It reflects Esau's disregard for the covenantal promises associated with his family lineage. The patriarchal narratives emphasize the importance of maintaining the purity of the covenant community, and Esau's marriages to foreign women are seen as a departure from this ideal. This act is often interpreted as a demonstration of Esau's impulsive nature and lack of spiritual discernment, contrasting with the covenantal faithfulness expected of the chosen line through Jacob.

Genealogical Significance:

Beeri's mention in the genealogical records underscores the interconnectedness of various peoples in the biblical narrative. While Beeri himself is not a central figure, his inclusion in the genealogy of Esau highlights the broader theme of intermarriage and its implications for the covenant community. The marriages of Esau to Hittite women serve as a narrative device to illustrate the challenges faced by the patriarchs in maintaining their distinct identity amidst the surrounding cultures.

In summary, Beeri the Hittite is a minor yet significant figure within the biblical narrative, primarily known as the father of Judith, one of Esau's wives. His mention in the Scriptures provides insight into the cultural and theological dynamics of the patriarchal period, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining covenantal faithfulness in a diverse and interconnected world.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 26:34
And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
882. Beeri -- "my well," the name of a Hittite, also of Hosea's ...
... Beeri. From 'er; fountained; Beeri, the name of a Hittite and of an Israelite --
Beeri. see HEBREW 'er. 881, 882. Beeri. 883 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/882.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xxxvi
... 26:34 the Canaanite wives bore the names, "Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite,"
and "Basemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite," whereas in Genesis 28 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Chapter xxvi
... When Esau was forty years old he married Judith, the daughter of Beeri, the Hittite,
and Basemath, the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and they were a grief of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... midst of Ephraim, another seer, this time a priest, Hosea, son of Beeri,** was never ...
had any cause to fear, but it would also bring back the Hittite kings to ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Resources
Summary of the Book of Hosea - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

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