from the plural of בֵּן and יַעֲקָן; sons of Yaakan; Bene-Jaakan, a place in the Desert; Bene-jaakan.
Transliteration:Bᵉnêy Yaʻăqân
Pronunciation:ben-ay' yah-ak-awn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בְּנֵי יַעֲקָן (Bᵉnêy Yaʻăqân, `{{H1142}}`) is a compound proper noun, literally translating to "sons of Yaakan." It is derived from the plural form of בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`), meaning "son" or "sons," and the personal or tribal name יַעֲקָן (Yaʻăqân, `{{H3292}}`). As a geographical designation, it refers to a specific place in the wilderness traversed by the Israelites during their exodus. The name implies that the location was either founded by, inhabited by, or associated with a tribal group or family descended from an individual named Yaakan. Its semantic range is thus primarily geographical, denoting a specific encampment or area, while secondarily carrying the historical implication of its association with a particular lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Bᵉnêy Yaʻăqân (Bene-Jaakan) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings:
1. **Numbers 33:31-32**: "They journeyed from Hor-hagidgad and encamped at Jotbathah. They journeyed from Jotbathah and encamped at Abronah." (This is incorrect, I need to check the actual verses for H1142. The Strong's definition states "Bene-jaakan, a place in the Desert". Let me re-check the occurrences for H1142).
*Correction*:
The occurrences are in Numbers 33:31 and Deuteronomy 10:6.
1. **Numbers 33:31-32**: "And they journeyed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan. And they journeyed from Bene-jaakan, and pitched in Hor-hagidgad." [[Numbers 33:31-32]]
In this passage, Bene-jaakan is listed as one of the stations in the itinerary of the Israelites, immediately following Moseroth (or Mosera) and preceding Hor-hagidgad. This systematic listing in Numbers 33 provides a chronological and geographical record of the forty-two encampments, emphasizing God's meticulous guidance of His people through the wilderness.
2. **Deuteronomy 10:6**: "And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead." [[Deuteronomy 10:6]]
This verse presents a slightly different sequence and detail. Here, the journey is described as being "from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera." The significant detail is the mention of Aaron's death at Mosera, which immediately follows this leg of the journey. The phrase "Beeroth of the children of Jaakan" (literally "wells of the sons of Jaakan") suggests that this location was characterized by the presence of wells or springs, a crucial resource in the arid wilderness. This implies a place of vital sustenance for the traveling multitude. The discrepancy in the sequence of stations between Numbers 33 and Deuteronomy 10 has been a subject of scholarly discussion, often understood as either different itineraries (perhaps for different groups or during different phases) or a summary/thematic presentation in Deuteronomy focusing on key events like Aaron's death. Regardless, both passages firmly establish Bene-jaakan as a significant landmark in the wilderness journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of Bᵉnêy Yaʻăqân are בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`), "son," and יַעֲקָן (Yaʻăqân, `{{H3292}}`), a proper noun. The concept of "sons of" is common in Hebrew nomenclature, often denoting tribal affiliation, lineage, or the inhabitants/descendants of a particular individual. Other related concepts include:
* **Wilderness Wanderings:** The entire context of H1142 is the forty-year journey of Israel through the desert, a period of divine testing, provision, and formation.
* **Encampments/Stations:** Bene-jaakan is one of many listed stopping points (e.g., Moseroth, Hor-hagidgad, Jotbathah), each representing a stage in God's leading.
* **Water Sources:** The mention of "Beeroth" (wells) in [[Deuteronomy 10:6]] links Bene-jaakan to the vital theme of divine provision of water in the desert, a recurring motif throughout the Exodus narrative.
* **Leadership Succession:** The proximity to Mosera, where Aaron died and Eleazar took over the priesthood, connects Bene-jaakan to the theme of continuity of divine leadership and covenant.
### Theological Significance
While Bene-jaakan is primarily a geographical marker, its inclusion in the biblical narrative carries theological weight.
1. **Divine Guidance and Providence:** As a specific station on the wilderness itinerary, Bene-jaakan underscores the meticulous and purposeful guidance of God over His people. Every step of their journey, even through desolate lands, was orchestrated by Him, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The presence of "wells" at Beeroth of Bene-jaakan further highlights God's practical provision for their physical needs.
2. **A Place of Transition:** In [[Deuteronomy 10:6]], Bene-jaakan is linked to the journey to Mosera, where Aaron, the high priest, died. This connection imbues the location with a sense of transition and the passing of the old generation. It serves as a subtle reminder of the mortality of even divinely appointed leaders and the ongoing, unwavering nature of God's plan through successive generations and leadership.
3. **Historical Veracity:** The detailed listing of encampments, including lesser-known places like Bene-jaakan, lends historical credibility to the biblical account of the Exodus. It grounds the theological narrative in tangible, albeit ancient, geographical realities, affirming the historical nature of God's interaction with Israel.
4. **Journey of Faith:** The wilderness journey, with its various stations like Bene-jaakan, symbolizes the life of faith—a pilgrimage marked by dependence on God, periods of rest and provision, and movement towards a promised destination.
### Summary
Bᵉnêy Yaʻăqân (`{{H1142}}`), literally "sons of Yaakan," is a geographical place name in the ancient Near East, specifically identified as a station during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It appears in the itineraries of [[Numbers 33:31-32]] and [[Deuteronomy 10:6]]. In Deuteronomy, it is notably referred to as "Beeroth of the children of Jaakan," suggesting a location with significant water sources. Theologically, Bene-jaakan serves as a testament to God's precise guidance and unwavering provision for His people during their forty-year journey. Its proximity to Mosera, the site of Aaron's death, subtly links it to themes of leadership transition and the continuity of God's covenant purposes through changing generations, affirming the historical reality and divine superintendence of Israel's formative pilgrimage.
TRV