The Hebrew word Bᵉʼêrîy, represented by H882, means fountained. It is used as a proper name for two individuals in the Old Testament: one a Hittite, and the other an Israelite. The name appears 2 times in 2 unique verses, serving primarily to establish paternal lineage.
In the biblical narrative, H882 identifies the fathers of two very different figures. The first mention is in the patriarchal accounts, where Beeri is identified as a Hittite H2850 and the father of Judith H3067, who became one of Esau's wives Genesis 26:34. The second Beeri is an Israelite, identified as the father of the prophet Hosea H1954, to whom the word H1697 of the LORD H3068 came during the reigns of the kings H4428 of Judah H3063 and Israel H3478 Hosea 1:1.
The name Beeri is contextually linked to several key figures and terms that define relationships and identity:
- H1954 Hôwshêaʻ (deliverer): Beeri is the father of this major prophet, establishing the human lineage through which God's word H1697 was delivered to Israel Hosea 1:1.
- H2850 Chittîy (Hittite): This term identifies the first Beeri's ethnicity, placing him among the Canaanite peoples and establishing his daughter's marriage to Esau H6215 as a union with a non-Israelite Genesis 26:34.
- H1121 bên (son): This foundational word for kinship is used to connect Beeri to his son, the prophet Hosea, signifying his role in the lineage of Israel Hosea 1:1.
- H1323 bath (daughter): This term establishes Beeri the Hittite's relationship to Judith, one of the wives H802 whom Esau H6215 took H3947 Genesis 26:34.
Though appearing rarely, the name H882 carries narrative weight by highlighting specific familial lines and their significance.
- Prophetic Authority: By identifying Beeri as the father of Hosea, the text grounds the divine word of the LORD in a specific historical and familial context, affirming the prophet's Israelite heritage Hosea 1:1.
- Patriarchal Connections: The mention of Beeri the Hittite is crucial in the Genesis narrative, as it details the lineage of Esau and his decision to take wives from the people of the land, a choice that contrasts with the path of his brother Jacob Genesis 26:34.
- Contrast in Lineage: The two uses of Beeri present a notable contrast: one man is the father of a prophet within the covenant community of Israel, while the other is a Hittite whose daughter marries into the line of Esau, which was often in conflict with Israel.
In summary, H882 is a specific proper name whose importance lies in the figures it connects to. While its direct meaning is "fountained," its function in scripture is to be a source of identity for two individuals on very different sides of the biblical story. The name Beeri serves as a genealogical marker that links the world of the patriarchs with the era of the prophets, providing context for both the family of Esau and the ministry of Hosea.
TRV