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H886 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּאֵרֹת
Be'erot
Proper noun, feminine plural
wells, water springs

Definition

Be'erot was one of four Hivite cities that deceived Israel into a covenant (Joshua 9). Its name, meaning 'wells,' speaks of water in a dry land — life-sustaining, yet the city associated with deception. Later it becomes a Benjaminite town and the home of Rimmon, whose sons assassinated Ish-bosheth.

Usage & Theological Significance

The wells of Be'erot remind us that even seemingly life-giving sources can be tainted by deception. Water is a repeated biblical symbol for spiritual life (John 4:14), but counterfeit covenants lead to bondage. Israel's hasty treaty without seeking the Lord (Joshua 9:14) became a lesson: enquire of God before making binding agreements.

Key Verses

Joshua 9:17 And the people of Israel set out and reached their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.
2 Samuel 4:2 Now Saul's son Ish-bosheth had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon a man of Benjamin from Beeroth.
Joshua 9:14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD.
Ezra 2:25 The sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743.
Nehemiah 7:29 The men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743.

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