or בֵּרֹתַי; probably from בְּרוֹתlemma בֻּרוֹת first vowel, corrected to בְּרוֹת; cypress or cypresslike; Berothah or Berothai, a place north of Palestine; Berothah, Berothai.
Transliteration:Bêrôwthâh
Pronunciation:bay-ro-thaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1268}}`, *Bêrôwthâh* (also rendered *Bêrôthay*), designates a specific geographical location, a place name. Its etymology is generally understood to derive from a root related to "cypress" or "cypress-like" (compare with בְּרוֹת, *bĕrôth*, or בֻּרוֹת, *burôth*). This suggests the region may have been characterized by the presence of cypress trees. Geographically, it is consistently identified as a location situated north of ancient Palestine, serving as a significant marker in the biblical landscape. The dual transliterations, Berothah and Berothai, reflect minor textual variations for the same site.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1268}}` appears in two distinct contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its historical and prophetic significance:
1. **[[Ezekiel 47:16]]**: In this prophetic vision, *Berothah* (בֵּרוֹתָה) is named as a crucial point on the northern boundary of the land to be allotted to the twelve tribes of Israel in the eschatological age. The verse reads, "Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazar-hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran." Here, *Berothah* functions as a precise geographical marker, delineating the divinely ordained extent of the promised land. Its inclusion underscores the meticulous detail of God's plan for His people's inheritance. The context is purely geographical and serves to define the territorial limits of the future Israel.
2. **[[2 Samuel 8:8]]**: This historical account describes King David's military campaigns and his consolidation of power. The text states, "From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze." Here, *Berothai* (בֵּרֹתַי), a variant spelling of *Berothah*, is identified as one of the cities belonging to Hadadezer, king of Zobah, from which David plundered valuable resources. This occurrence places *Berothah* within the sphere of the Aramean kingdoms to the north of Israel, specifically in the context of David's expansion of the Israelite kingdom. The bronze taken from these cities was later used for the construction of the Temple, highlighting its role in the sacred history of Israel.
In both instances, *Berothah* is situated in the northern reaches of the Levant, affirming its consistent geographical placement. While one context is prophetic and the other historical, both underscore its importance as a known, identifiable location in the ancient Near East.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proposed etymological link of `{{H1268}}` to "cypress" (בְּרוֹת, *bĕrôth*) connects it to a broader category of trees and their symbolic significance in the biblical world. Cypress trees, known for their durability and aromatic wood, were often used in construction, including sacred structures. For instance, the cedars of Lebanon (אֶרֶז, *erez*, `{{H730}}`) were renowned for their use in the Temple, and other evergreens like cypress could symbolize strength, longevity, and divine provision. While *Berothah* is a place name, its etymological root subtly ties it to the natural world and the resources found within God's creation.
The concept of "boundaries" is central to its mention in Ezekiel, relating it to other geographical markers like Hamath (חֲמָת, `{{H2574}}`), Damascus (דַּמֶּשֶׂק, `{{H1834}}`), and Hauran (חַוְרָן, `{{H2356}}`). These terms collectively define the territorial limits of the promised land, a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch and prophetic literature. In 2 Samuel, its association with "cities of Hadadezer" (חֲדַדְעֶזֶר, `{{H2316}}`) links it to the broader theme of Israel's conquest and the expansion of the Davidic kingdom, fulfilling divine promises regarding the extent of their dominion.
### Theological Significance
While *Berothah* is primarily a geographical designation, its specific appearances in scripture carry profound theological weight.
First, in the book of Ezekiel, *Berothah*'s inclusion as a boundary marker for the eschatological land of Israel underscores the **divine sovereignty over territory and the meticulous nature of God's promises**. The detailed description of the land's borders is not merely geographical but theological, emphasizing that the land is a divine gift, precisely measured and allocated by God Himself. This vision reinforces the idea of an ordered creation and a divinely ordained inheritance for God's people, ensuring their security and dwelling place. It speaks to God's faithfulness in providing for His covenant people, even in the distant future.
Second, in 2 Samuel, *Berothah*'s mention in the context of David's conquests highlights the **fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant regarding the expansion of Israel's dominion**. David's victories over the Aramean kingdoms, including the capture of cities like *Berothah*, represent the historical realization of God's promise to make Abraham's descendants a great nation and to give them a vast land. The plundering of bronze from these cities, destined for the Temple, further sanctifies this historical event, showing how even military conquest can serve God's ultimate redemptive purposes. It demonstrates God's active involvement in the history of His people, empowering their leaders to achieve His will.
Thus, *Berothah*, though a minor place name, serves as a tangible point of reference for understanding God's faithfulness in both prophetic vision and historical fulfillment, linking divine promise, territorial inheritance, and the expansion of God's kingdom on earth.
### Summary
`{{H1268}}`, *Bêrôwthâh* (or *Bêrôthay*), is a Hebrew proper noun referring to a specific place located north of ancient Palestine, likely named for its association with cypress trees. It appears in the biblical narrative in two significant contexts. In [[Ezekiel 47:16]], *Berothah* functions as a precise geographical marker defining the northern boundary of the future land of Israel, emphasizing God's meticulous planning and sovereignty over His people's inheritance. In [[2 Samuel 8:8]], *Berothai* is identified as a city conquered by King David from Hadadezer, king of Zobah, from which valuable bronze was taken for the Temple. This occurrence highlights the historical expansion of the Davidic kingdom and the partial fulfillment of God's promises regarding land. Theologically, *Berothah* underscores God's precise control over territory and His faithfulness in bringing His covenant promises to fruition, both in prophetic vision and historical reality.
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