xlit Bᵉêrôth corrected to Bᵉʼêrôth; from the feminine plural of בְּאֵר, and the plural contraction of בֵּן, and יַעֲקָן; wells of (the) sons of Jaakan; Beeroth-Bene-Jaakan, a place in the Desert; Beeroth of the children of Jaakan.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Bᵉʼêrôth Bᵉnêy-Yaʻăqan**, represented by `{{H885}}`, literally means "wells of (the) sons of Jaakan." It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This term identifies a specific geographical location, "Beeroth-Bene-Jaakan, a place in the Desert," which serves as a landmark in the biblical narrative of Israel's wanderings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H885}}` is found in [[Deuteronomy 10:6]], where it marks a point of departure for the Israelites. The verse states that "the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera." This journey is immediately followed by a pivotal event in Israelite leadership: the death and burial of Aaron. The text continues by noting that at Mosera, Aaron's son, Eleazar, succeeded him and "ministered in the priest's office in his stead" [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the event associated with this location:
* `{{H5265}}` **nâçaʻ** (took their journey): This word describes the action of the Israelites leaving `{{H885}}`, meaning to "start on a journey." It establishes the location as a stop along their route [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
* `{{H4149}}` **Môwçêrâh** (Mosera): This is the destination of the journey from Beeroth-Bene-Jaakan and the place where Aaron died. It is defined as "a place in the Desert" [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
* `{{H175}}` **ʼAhărôwn** (Aaron): The first High Priest of Israel, whose death is recorded immediately after the journey from `{{H885}}` [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
* `{{H499}}` **ʼElʻâzâr** (Eleazar): Defined as "God (is) helper," he was Aaron's son who assumed the priesthood upon his father's death [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
* `{{H3547}}` **kâhan** (ministered in the priest's office): This verb signifies the official transfer of priestly duties to Eleazar, ensuring the continuation of the priesthood [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
### Theological Significance
While the location itself is not theologically developed, the events surrounding it carry significant weight.
* **A Landmark of Transition:** The journey from `{{H885}}` marks a crucial transition in Israel's history. It is the geographic starting point for the narrative sequence that concludes with the death `{{H4191}}` of Aaron `{{H175}}`, the leader of the first generation of priests [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
* **Continuity of the Priesthood:** The account demonstrates the seamless and divinely ordained transfer of the high priesthood from one generation to the next. The journey from Beeroth Bene-Jaakan leads directly to the moment Eleazar `{{H499}}` his son `{{H1121}}` assumes his father's holy office, ensuring that Israel `{{H3478}}` is not left without priestly leadership [[Deuteronomy 10:6]].
* **Wilderness Journey:** The mention of this location reinforces the theme of Israel's journey through the desert. It is one of several specific places noted in the wanderings, highlighting a period of complete dependence on God for guidance and order, including the succession of its leaders.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H885}}` **Bᵉʼêrôth Bᵉnêy-Yaʻăqan** is a place name whose sole biblical reference is in [[Deuteronomy 10:6]]. Its importance lies not in events that occurred there, but in its function as a geographical marker for a critical moment of transition. It pinpoints the departure for a journey that culminates in the death of Aaron and the orderly continuation of the Aaronic priesthood through his son Eleazar, underscoring the stability of God's covenant with Israel.
TRV