The Hebrew name Beraʻ, represented by H1298, identifies a Sodomitish king. Of uncertain derivation, this name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, tying the figure exclusively to a single event.
In the biblical narrative, Beraʻ H1298 is introduced as the king H4428 of Sodom H5467. His sole appearance occurs in the context of a conflict where he and other local kings "made war" H4421. This alliance included Beraʻ alongside Birsha, king of Gomorrah; Shinab, king of Admah; Shemeber, king of Zeboiim; and the king of Bela Genesis 14:2.
Several related words provide context for the world in which Beraʻ lived and ruled:
- H1306 Birshaʻ (with wickedness): This is the name of the king of Gomorrah H6017 who is listed as an ally of Beraʻ in the war described in Genesis 14:2.
- H5467 Çᵉdôm (burnt district): The city-state ruled by Beraʻ, identified as Sodom. Scripture later references its overthrow by the LORD Genesis 19:24.
- H4428 melek (a king): This title is applied to Beraʻ and the other rulers in his coalition, designating their status as monarchs Genesis 14:2.
- H4421 milchâmâh (a battle): This term defines the central event where Beraʻ is mentioned, the war that he and his allies participated in Genesis 14:2.
The theological weight of H1298 is indirect, derived entirely from the king's association with his city.
- Representation of Wickedness: As the king of Sodom H5467, Beraʻ is the leader of a city later described by its pride and iniquity, becoming a symbol of sin Ezekiel 16:49.
- Participant in Earthly Conflict: The mention of Beraʻ is confined to his role in a human war H4421 among kings of the plain, highlighting a moment of worldly power struggles Genesis 14:2.
- Association with Divine Judgment: Although Beraʻ is not mentioned during Sodom's destruction, his rule over the city connects him to its fate. Sodom H5467 and Gomorrah H6017 are remembered as places that the LORD overthrew Amos 4:11.
In summary, H1298 is the proper name Beraʻ, a figure whose identity is entirely contained within a single verse. As the king H4428 of Sodom H5467, he is a minor character in a worldly war H4421 Genesis 14:2. His lasting significance is not personal but positional, as the leader of a city that scripture uses as a powerful emblem of wickedness and divine overthrow.
TRV