from בָּשַׂר; cheerful; Besor, a stream of Palestine; Besor.
Transliteration:Bᵉsôwr
Pronunciation:bes-ore'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בְּשׂוֹר (Bᵉsôwr), Strong's number `{{H1308}}`, primarily designates a specific geographical feature: a wadi or stream in the southern region of ancient Judah. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the verb בָּשַׂר (bāśar), Strong's number `{{H1319}}`, which carries the core meaning "to bring good news," "to announce tidings," or "to be cheerful." While the noun itself refers to a physical location, its etymological root suggests a connection to concepts of joy, good tidings, or perhaps even the refreshing, life-giving nature of a perennial stream in an arid land. The name "Besor" itself might imply a place of refreshment, a "cheerful" or "good news" place, particularly in a context of weariness or desolation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The stream Besor is mentioned exclusively in the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, specifically in chapter 30. Its occurrences are limited to three verses: [[1 Samuel 30:9]], [[1 Samuel 30:10]], and [[1 Samuel 30:21]].
The context is crucial for understanding its significance. David and his 600 men are returning to Ziklag after being dismissed by the Philistine lords, only to find their city burned and their families taken captive by the Amalekites. David and his men are in deep distress. David, strengthened by the Lord, pursues the raiding party.
It is at the Wadi Besor that 200 of David's men, utterly exhausted from the relentless pursuit, are unable to cross. They remain behind with the baggage, while David and the remaining 400 continue the chase ([[1 Samuel 30:9-10]]). After successfully recovering all that the Amalekites had taken, David returns to the 200 men who had stayed at Besor. Here, a dispute arises among some of the victorious men, who argue that those who stayed behind should not share in the recovered spoil, but only receive their wives and children. David, however, issues a pivotal decree: "As his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike" ([[1 Samuel 30:21-24]]). This ruling, established at the Wadi Besor, became a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day forward.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to בְּשׂוֹר (Bᵉsôwr) is its verbal root, בָּשַׂר (bāśar), `{{H1319}}`, meaning "to bring good news" or "to announce joyfully." This root is foundational to understanding the potential layers of meaning in the name. Other related concepts include:
* **Streams and Water Sources:** The Bible frequently uses streams, wadis, and springs as metaphors for life, refreshment, divine provision, and boundaries (e.g., Nahal Mizraim, Wadi of Egypt).
* **Weariness and Exhaustion:** The condition of the 200 men at Besor highlights human limitation and the need for rest and compassion.
* **Division of Spoil:** This concept is central to the legal precedent set at Besor, relating to principles of justice, equity, and communal responsibility in warfare and beyond.
* **Leadership and Justice:** David's wise and compassionate judgment at Besor demonstrates a hallmark of his leadership, reflecting God's own character of justice and care for the vulnerable.
* **Communal Solidarity:** The ruling at Besor underscores the interconnectedness of the community, where even those unable to participate directly in a task are still valued members deserving of shared benefit.
### Theological Significance
The Wadi Besor, though a mere geographical marker, becomes the backdrop for a profound theological declaration by David. The name's etymological root, "good news" or "cheerful," stands in poignant contrast to the initial weariness and potential despair of the 200 men who could not cross. Yet, it is precisely at this place of human weakness that "good news" *does* emerge: the good news of a just and compassionate leader, and by extension, a just and compassionate God.
David's decree at Besor—that those who remained with the baggage should share equally with those who went to battle—is a testament to divine justice and mercy. It establishes a principle that values every member of the community, regardless of their physical capacity for direct engagement in conflict. This principle reflects God's care for the weak, the weary, and those who contribute in less visible ways. It counters a purely merit-based system, emphasizing grace and communal solidarity.
Theologically, Besor represents a place where human limitation meets divine principle, where a place of rest becomes a place of revelation concerning God's equitable nature. It foreshadows the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where every member, though different in function, is equally valued and shares in the blessings (cf. [[1 Corinthians 12:12-27]]). The "good news" of Besor, therefore, is not just about a military victory, but about the establishment of a righteous and inclusive community under God's appointed leader.
### Summary
The Wadi Besor (בְּשׂוֹר, `{{H1308}}`) is a stream in southern Judah, whose name is derived from the root meaning "to bring good news" or "to be cheerful." Its sole biblical appearance in 1 Samuel 30 marks it as the crucial location where 200 of David's exhausted men remained behind during the pursuit of the Amalekites. Upon David's victorious return, it was at Besor that he issued his landmark decree: all who participate in the mission, whether directly in battle or by supporting the camp, shall share equally in the spoil. This ruling, which became a lasting statute in Israel, profoundly underscores principles of communal equity, divine justice, and compassionate leadership, transforming a place of weariness into a source of enduring "good news" for the people of God.
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