The Hebrew word Bᵉʼêrâh, represented by H880, is a proper name defined as Beerah, an Israelite. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole usage identifies a specific individual within the genealogical records of Israel, placing him in a significant historical context.
The single biblical mention of H880 occurs in a genealogical list in the book of Chronicles. The verse states, "Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites" 1 Chronicles 5:6. This passage does not merely name Beerah but defines him by his lineage, his leadership role as a prince, and his tragic fate as a captive of the Assyrian empire.
Several related words in the verse provide crucial context for understanding Beerah's identity and situation:
- H5387 nâsîyʼ (an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist; captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour): This title establishes Beerah's high rank as a prince among his people, highlighting the significance of his capture.
- H7206 Rᵉʼûwbênîy (a Reubenite or descendant of Reuben): This word specifies Beerah's tribal affiliation, identifying him as a leader of the Reubenites.
- H1540 gâlâh (to denude... by implication, to exile... reveal): This verb describes the action taken against Beerah by the Assyrian king, that he was carried away captive, signifying his forced removal and exile.
- H1121 bên (a son): Beerah is identified as a son, placing him within a specific family line and emphasizing the genealogical purpose of the record 1 Chronicles 5:6.
- H8407 Tiglath Pilʼeçer (Tiglath-Pileser... an Assyryrian king): This is the proper name of the specific Assyrian king who exiled Beerah, grounding the event in a known historical period.
The historical significance of H880 is tied directly to the narrative of Israel's downfall.
- Leadership in Exile: Beerah's status as a prince H5387 of the Reubenites H7206 underscores the comprehensive nature of the Assyrian conquest. It demonstrates that the exile included not just the general populace but the tribal leadership itself.
- The Assyrian Conquest: The record of Beerah's captivity provides a personal illustration of the historical events carried out by Tilgathpilneser H8407, king H4428 of Assyria H804. His story is a concrete example of the policy of deportation that Assyria used to control conquered territories.
- Genealogical Record: Despite the national catastrophe of exile, the mention of Beerah H880 in the Chronicles shows the importance placed on preserving tribal lineage. His inclusion serves to document the fate of a key Reubenite leader.
In summary, H880 Bᵉʼêrâh is more than a name in a list. Its single appearance in scripture serves as a historical marker, providing a personal face to the national tragedy of the Assyrian exile. The verse encapsulates a story of lineage, leadership, and loss, tying a specific individual to the larger biblical narrative of judgment and the fall of the northern tribes of Israel.
TRV