The Hebrew word Bêrôwthâh, represented by H1268, refers to a place north of Palestine. It is also found in the form Berothai. The term is probably derived from a word meaning "cypress or cypresslike." It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses, identifying a specific location mentioned in the Old Testament.
In the biblical narrative, H1268 is used to pinpoint geographical locations. In Ezekiel's vision of the land's future borders, Berothah is listed as a landmark situated between the border H1366 of Damascus H1834 and the border H1366 of Hamath H2574 Ezekiel 47:16. Separately, as Berothai, it is identified as one of the cities H5892 belonging to Hadadezer H1909, a Syrian king H4428. From this location, king H4428 David H1732 took H3947 exceeding H3966 much H7235 brass H5178 after a military victory 2 Samuel 8:8.
Several related words clarify the context surrounding Bêrôwthâh H1268:
- H1732 Dâvid (David): Defined as "loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse," this name identifies the Israelite king who conquered Berothai. He is shown as king H4428 David H1732 coming before the LORD after receiving a covenant promise 2 Samuel 7:18.
- H1909 Hădadʻezer (Hadadezer): Meaning "Hadad (is his) help; Hadadezer, a Syrian king," this identifies the ruler whose cities, including Berothai, were captured by David 2 Samuel 8:8. One account notes that David H1732 defeated Hadadezer H1909 as the latter went to recover his border 2 Samuel 8:3.
- H5178 nᵉchôsheth (brass): This word for "copper" or "brass" specifies the valuable resource taken from Berothai. Besides the spoils of war, it is the material used by Moses to create the serpent of brass H5178 in the wilderness Numbers 21:9.
The theological weight of H1268 is tied to the events and prophecies associated with it.
- Spoils of Victory: Berothai is noted as a source of "exceeding much brass" 2 Samuel 8:8, which David H1732 took H3947 from the cities of Hadadezer H1909. This event highlights God's role in granting victory to His anointed king and providing the resources necessary for His kingdom.
- Prophetic Borders: The mention of Berothah in Ezekiel's vision is significant for its role in defining the future inheritance of Israel Ezekiel 47:16. It serves as a marker for the divinely appointed border H1366, illustrating God's sovereignty over the land and His promise to restore His people.
- Royal Dominion: The capture of Berothai H1268 is part of a larger narrative where king H4428 David H1732 extends his rule over foreign lands. The Syrians of Damascus H1834, for example, became servants to David H1732 2 Samuel 8:6, demonstrating the establishment of David's kingdom.
In summary, Bêrôwthâh H1268 is a geographical name identifying a location north of Palestine. Though appearing only twice, it is significant in two distinct contexts: first, as one of the conquered cities of Hadadezer H1909 from which king H4428 David H1732 secured vast amounts of brass H5178, and second, as a landmark in the prophetic description of Israel's future borders. It thus serves as a tangible point in both the historical record of David's expanding kingdom and the prophetic hope of a restored Israel.
TRV