or בֵּרֹתַי; probably from בְּרוֹתlemma בֻּרוֹת first vowel, corrected to בְּרוֹת; cypress or cypresslike; Berothah or Berothai, a place north of Palestine; Berothah, Berothai.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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