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.
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 H5375H3627 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.
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.
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 H5375H3627 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.
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.
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