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.
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.
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.
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.
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