### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Beṭach**, represented by `{{H984}}`, identifies **a place in Syria**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name refers to a specific city that was part of the kingdom of Hadadezer and is mentioned in the context of King David's military campaigns.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{H984}}` is found in a narrative detailing King David's victories. The verse states, "And from **Betah**, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass" [[2 Samuel 8:8]]. In this context, **Beṭach** is listed as one of the cities belonging to `{{H1909}}` **Hădadʻezer**, a Syrian `{{H4428}}` **king**. The significance of its mention is tied to its capture by `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** and the vast amount of plunder seized from it.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the event involving **Beṭach**:
* `{{H1268}}` **Bêrôwthâh** (Berothah or Berothai): This is the companion city mentioned alongside **Beṭach** as another source of spoils for David's army [[2 Samuel 8:8]].
* `{{H1909}}` **Hădadʻezer** (Hadadezer, a Syrian king): He was the king whose cities, including **Beṭach**, were conquered by David, marking a significant defeat for a regional power [[2 Samuel 8:8]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): As the king of Israel, he is the central figure who `{{H3947}}` **took** the resources from **Beṭach** following his victory [[2 Samuel 8:8]].
* `{{H5178}}` **nᵉchôsheth** (brass): This is the specific material that was taken in great quantities from **Beṭach**, highlighting the city's value as a source of wealth [[2 Samuel 8:8]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H984}}` is rooted in its role within the account of David's expanding kingdom.
* **Source of Kingdom Wealth:** **Beṭach** is primarily noted as a source of "exceeding `{{H3966}}` much `{{H7235}}` brass `{{H5178}}`" for Israel. This plunder was a tangible result of military victory and contributed to the resources of David's kingdom [[2 Samuel 8:8]].
* **Marker of Military Conquest:** The capture of **Beṭach** serves as a specific piece of evidence for the success and scope of David's campaigns against foreign kings like `{{H1909}}` **Hădadʻezer** [[2 Samuel 8:8]].
* **Geographical Detail:** Mentioned as one of the "cities `{{H5892}}` of Hadadezer," **Beṭach** helps to geographically ground the narrative, providing a specific location for the events described in David's military history.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H984}}` **Beṭach** is not a term with deep theological layers but a specific geographical place name. Its importance in scripture is entirely historical, serving to document a key moment in the reign of King David. The mention of **Beṭach** underscores the extent of David's conquests and identifies it as a significant source of the material wealth that was brought into Israel during its period of expansion.
TRV