### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bêyth hâ-ʼĔlîy**, represented by `{{H1017}}`, is a patrial term identifying an inhabitant of Bethel, or a **Bethelite**. This specific designation appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, in a single, significant verse. Its meaning is derived from "Bethel" and serves to connect an individual to that specific location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H1017}}` is to identify Hiel the **Bethelite** in the historical record [[1 Kings 16:34]]. In this passage, Hiel undertakes the rebuilding of Jericho `{{H3405}}`. This act of defiance came at a terrible price, fulfilling a specific curse spoken generations earlier by Joshua `{{H3091}}`. Hiel laid the foundation `{{H3245}}` of the city at the cost of his firstborn `{{H1060}}` son, Abiram, and set up its gates `{{H1817}}` at the cost of his youngest `{{H6810}}` son, Segub. The term **Bethelite** thus permanently links Hiel's identity to this tragic fulfillment of prophecy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding the context of this event:
* `{{H2419}}` **Chîyʼêl** (Hiel): This is the proper name of the man identified as the Bethelite, meaning "living of God." His actions are the focus of the verse in which `{{H1017}}` appears [[1 Kings 16:34]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root verb describes Hiel's forbidden act of rebuilding Jericho. The verse notes he did **build** `{{H1129}}` the city, which directly triggered the curse laid out by Joshua [[Joshua 6:26]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (word): The consequences Hiel the Bethelite suffered occurred "according to the **word** of the LORD" [[1 Kings 16:34]]. This connects his personal tragedy to the inescapable power of a divine decree.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1017}}` is tied entirely to its singular context, which illustrates several key principles:
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The experience of Hiel the **Bethelite** is a stark demonstration that the word `{{H1697}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` is binding across generations. The curse pronounced by Joshua was not an idle threat but an authoritative declaration that came to pass precisely as spoken [[Joshua 6:26]].
* **The Cost of Disobedience:** Hiel's act to **build** `{{H1129}}` Jericho, in direct opposition to a known curse, resulted in the loss of his firstborn `{{H1060}}` and youngest `{{H6810}}` sons. This serves as a powerful testament to the severe consequences of defying God's commands.
* **Divine Authority:** This event reinforces the authority of what God has **spoken** `{{H1696}}`. The fate of Hiel’s sons was not a coincidence but the direct result of a divine judgment set in motion centuries earlier, confirming that God will make good on what he has said [[Numbers 23:19]].
### Summary
In summary, while **Bêyth hâ-ʼĔlîy** `{{H1017}}` is one of the rarest terms in the Old Testament, its single appearance is pivotal. It attaches a specific identity, that of a **Bethelite**, to Hiel, whose story serves as a solemn historical marker. His life provides a clear and dramatic lesson on the enduring nature of God's word, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the grave cost of disobedience.
TRV