### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **Bᵉʼêr ʼÊlîym**, represented by `{{H879}}`, is a place name meaning **well of heroes**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. As a proper noun, its significance is derived entirely from the specific context in which it is mentioned, which is a prophecy concerning the land of Moab.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H879}}` is in [[Isaiah 15:8]], within a prophecy of judgment against Moab. The verse describes a pervasive sorrow that spreads throughout the nation's territory. The passage states that "the **cry** is gone round about the borders of Moab; the **howling** thereof unto Eglaim, and the **howling** thereof unto **Beerelim**" [[Isaiah 15:8]]. Here, Beer-elim is identified as a specific location that will hear and participate in the lamentation covering the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Beer-elim is defined by the words surrounding it in its only appearance:
* `{{H2201}}` **zaʻaq** (a shriek or outcry): This word for **cry** signifies intense distress, as seen when the **cry** of Sodom and Gomorrah is described as "great" before their destruction [[Genesis 18:20]].
* `{{H3215}}` **yᵉlâlâh** (a howling): This term emphasizes a deep, animalistic sound of grief. It is used to describe the **howling** of shepherds when their pastures are spoiled by the LORD [[Jeremiah 25:36]].
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb** (Moab): This refers to the nation and territory descended from Lot. The prophecies frequently depict **Moab** as a nation facing judgment for its pride and opposition to God [[Jeremiah 48:26]].
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, bound, coast): This term denotes a boundary or territory. The **cry** against Moab extends to its very **borders**, indicating a complete and inescapable judgment [[Isaiah 15:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H879}}` is tied to its role within prophetic judgment.
* **Geographic Specificity of Judgment:** By naming specific, otherwise obscure places like Beer-elim, the prophecy emphasizes that God's judgment is not a vague concept but a tangible event that affects real locations and people. The **howling** reaches even this "well of heroes" [[Isaiah 15:8]].
* **A Landmark of Sorrow:** Beer-elim is immortalized not for any heroic deeds, as its name might suggest, but as a destination for the **cry** of a nation under divine sentence. It serves as a marker for the comprehensive reach of the lamentation over Moab.
* **Inescapable Consequences:** The mention of Beer-elim alongside the **borders** of Moab [[Isaiah 15:8]] illustrates that no part of the territory will be spared from the prophesied destruction and sorrow.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H879}}` **Bᵉʼêr ʼÊlîym** is a place name whose biblical significance is entirely contained within a single prophetic oracle. While its name means "well of heroes," it is not associated with heroism in scripture. Instead, it functions as a geographical pin-point in Isaiah's prophecy, demonstrating the thorough and inescapable nature of the judgment and sorrow that was to befall the nation of Moab.
TRV