### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉʼêrôthîy**, represented by `{{H886}}`, is a patrial term for **a Beerothite or inhabitant of Beeroth**. It is derived from the place name Beeroth `{{H881}}`. Appearing **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, this word serves to identify the specific geographical and tribal origin of several individuals in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H886}}` is used to provide crucial context for characters involved in the turbulent transition of power from King Saul to David. It identifies the brothers Rechab `{{H7394}}` and Baanah `{{H1196}}` as sons of Rimmon a **Beerothite** `{{H886}}` from the tribe of Benjamin `{{H1144}}` [[2 Samuel 4:2]]. As captains `{{H8269}}` for Saul's `{{H7586}}` son Ishbosheth `{{H378}}`, they murdered him in his house `{{H1004}}` [[2 Samuel 4:5]], an act for which David `{{H1732}}` later held them accountable [[2 Samuel 4:9]]. In a different context, Naharai `{{H5171}}` the **Beerothite** `{{H886}}` is named as the armourbearer `{{H5375}}``{{H3627}}` to Joab `{{H3097}}`, David's commander [[2 Samuel 23:37]]. Scripture also notes that the Beerothites `{{H886}}` fled `{{H1272}}` to Gittaim `{{H1664}}` and became sojourners `{{H1481}}` there [[2 Samuel 4:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the identity and context of a Beerothite:
* `{{H881}}` **Bᵉʼêrôwth** (wells; Beeroth, a place in Palestine): This is the place from which the term `{{H886}}` originates. It was a city reckoned `{{H2803}}` to the tribe of Benjamin [[2 Samuel 4:2]], establishing the geographical home of the Beerothites.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is central to the usage of `{{H886}}`, as it establishes lineage. Rechab and Baanah are the **sons** of Rimmon the Beerothite [[2 Samuel 4:2]], and Naharai the Beerothite served Joab, the **son** of Zeruiah `{{H6870}}` [[2 Samuel 23:37]].
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin): This specifies the tribal affiliation of the Beerothites mentioned in the context of Saul's house. Rimmon the Beerothite was of the children of **Benjamin** [[2 Samuel 4:2]], the same tribe as King Saul `{{H7586}}`.
### Theological Significance
While a simple identifier, `{{H886}}` carries weight by linking individuals to a specific heritage and role in pivotal events.
* **Context for Loyalty and Treachery:** The term is attached to figures on both sides of the conflict for the throne. Rechab and Baanah, as Beerothites from Saul's own tribe of Benjamin `{{H1144}}`, commit a treacherous act against Saul's son `{{H378}}` ([[2 Samuel 4:2]], 5). In contrast, Naharai the Beerothite `{{H886}}` is listed as a loyal armourbearer `{{H5375}}``{{H3627}}` in David's `{{H1732}}` army [[2 Samuel 23:37]].
* **Emphasizing Tribal Identity:** By specifying that these individuals are Beerothites, the narrative underscores the importance of tribal and geographical lineage in establishing a person's background and potential allegiances during a period of civil strife.
* **Illustrating Displacement:** The mention that the Beerothites `{{H886}}` fled `{{H1272}}` their home to become sojourners `{{H1481}}` in Gittaim `{{H1664}}` provides a glimpse into the instability and displacement that communities faced during this era [[2 Samuel 4:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H886}}` is more than just a label for an inhabitant of a town. It functions as a crucial descriptor, connecting individuals to the city of Beeroth `{{H881}}` and the tribe of Benjamin `{{H1144}}`. Its use in Scripture highlights how a person's origin provides essential context for their actions, whether those of treachery against the house of Saul or of faithful service in the army of David.
TRV