### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉsôwr**, represented by `{{H1308}}`, refers to **Besor, a stream of Palestine**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, and all occurrences are found within a single narrative in the book of 1 Samuel. Its meaning is tied directly to its role as a specific geographical location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1308}}` is used exclusively as a geographical marker for a **stream** `{{H5158}}`. The context is an event in the life of **David** `{{H1732}}` and his men. After their families were taken captive, David and six hundred men came to the **brook Besor** [[1 Samuel 30:9]]. The stream became a point of division, as two hundred men were so **faint** `{{H6296}}` that they could not **go over** `{{H5674}}` it and had to **abide** `{{H3427}}` behind while the rest continued the pursuit [[1 Samuel 30:10]]. Later, David returned to these men at the same location [[1 Samuel 30:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the events at the brook Besor:
* `{{H5158}}` **nachal** (a stream, especially a winter torrent): This is the common noun for the "brook" that `{{H1308}}` names. All three mentions of Besor refer to it as "the **brook** Besor" [[1 Samuel 30:9]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The central character in the narrative. The story at the brook Besor highlights his leadership as he makes a critical decision and later returns to his men ([[1 Samuel 30:10]], [[1 Samuel 30:21]]).
* `{{H6296}}` **pâgar** (to be faint): This word is key to the drama at the brook, describing the exhaustion of the two hundred men who were unable to cross, making the stream an impassable obstacle for them [[1 Samuel 30:10]].
* `{{H5674}}` **ʻâbar** (to cross over): This verb defines the action that separated David's company. The inability of a third of his force to **go over** the brook Besor marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit [[1 Samuel 30:10]].
### Theological Significance
Though a place name, the brook Besor has significant narrative weight.
* **A Place of Division and Testing:** The brook Besor marks a critical point where David's forces were divided. Two hundred **men** `{{H376}}` had to **abide behind** `{{H5975}}` because they were **faint** `{{H6296}}`, testing David's resolve as he **pursued** `{{H7291}}` with a smaller company [[1 Samuel 30:10]].
* **A Boundary of Human Limitation:** The narrative uses the brook to illustrate physical exhaustion. The inability to **go over** `{{H5674}}` the stream serves as a tangible symbol of human weakness at a critical moment [[1 Samuel 30:10]].
* **A Scene of Gracious Reunion:** Upon his return, David **came near** `{{H5066}}` to the men who had stayed at the brook Besor and **saluted** `{{H7592}}` them, inquiring of their **peace** `{{H7965}}` [[1 Samuel 30:21]]. The location is thus transformed from a point of separation into a site demonstrating leadership that values all members of the company.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H1308}}` **Bᵉsôwr** is a proper noun for a specific stream, its significance lies entirely within its narrative context. It is not just a detail on a map, but the backdrop for a story of human weakness, decisive leadership, and the principle of grace. The brook Besor serves as the location where David's company is tested and where his character as a leader who cares for all his **people** `{{H5971}}` is revealed [[1 Samuel 30:21]].
TRV