The Hebrew name Bên, represented by H1122, identifies a specific Israelite. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole appearance places this individual within a list of Levites assigned to a specific duty.
The only mention of H1122 occurs in the context of organizing the Levites for service. Bên is listed among his brethren of the second degree, a group assigned as porters 1 Chronicles 15:18. This roster was created as part of the preparations for bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, placing Bên among those with specific responsibilities in the tabernacle worship.
Several other individuals and roles are mentioned alongside Bên, providing context for his position:
- H251 ʼâch (brother): This term defines the relationship between Bên and the others in the group, identifying them as kindred Levites appointed together 1 Chronicles 15:18.
- H4932 mishneh (second): This word designates the rank of the group Bên belonged to, classifying them as being of the "second degree" in the Levitical order 1 Chronicles 15:18.
- H7778 shôwʻêr (porter): This specifies the duty assigned to Bên and his associates, indicating they served as doorkeepers or porters 1 Chronicles 15:18.
- H2148 Zᵉkaryâh (Zechariah): Meaning "Jah has remembered," Zechariah is a prominent Levite listed with Bên in the same company of porters 1 Chronicles 15:18.
While the name Bên itself does not carry significant theological weight, its context within the biblical record highlights several principles:
- Inclusion in Sacred Duty: The presence of Bên in the roster demonstrates that every individual has a specific, recorded role in the service of God. His inclusion is part of the sacred history of those assigned to minister before the ark 1 Chronicles 15:18.
- Order in Worship: The careful listing of individuals like Bên and their classification emphasizes the importance of order and structure in corporate worship.
- Collective Service: Bên is mentioned only as part of a collective of brethren. This underscores the communal nature of worship, where many individuals work together to fulfill a shared purpose.
In summary, Bên H1122 refers to a specific Israelite whose single biblical mention is within a formal list of Levites. The significance of Bên is not found in a broad, abstract meaning but in his representation of the individual's role within the larger, divinely ordered structure of worship. His inclusion in the record serves as a testament to the importance of each person's contribution to the community of God's people.
TRV