Lexical Summary Beon: Beon Original Word: בְּעֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Beon Probably a contraction of Beyth Ba'al m'own; Beon, a place East of the Jordan -- Beon. see HEBREW Beyth Ba'al m'own NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably a short. form of Beth Definition a place E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Beon (1). Topical Lexicon Beon (Strong’s Hebrew 1194)Biblical Occurrence Beon is named once, in Numbers 32:3, as one of the settled towns east of the Jordan River that the tribes of Reuben and Gad desired for their large herds. They present these cities to Moses as evidence that “the land the LORD subdued before the congregation of Israel is suitable for livestock” (compare Numbers 32:4-5). Geographical Setting The town lay in the northern portion of Moab, in the rolling plateau that stretches eastward from the Jordan Valley. Its proximity to towns such as Nebo, Heshbon, and Dibon places it on the fertile Madaba Plain, an area watered by seasonal wadis and famed in antiquity for rich pasturelands. The elevation (approximately 800–900 m above sea level) afforded both moderate climate and natural defense. Historical Context within the Tribal Allotments After the victory over Sihon and Og (Numbers 21), the territory became available to Israel. Reuben and Gad requested this land, promising to help the rest of Israel conquer Canaan before settling permanently (Numbers 32:16-19). Their pledge was accepted, and Beon became part of the Transjordanian inheritance later ratified when Joshua assigned the regions east of the Jordan to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh (Joshua 13:15-23). Possible Identification with Baal-meon The appearance of Baal-meon in Numbers 32:38 and Joshua 13:17 has led many scholars to equate Beon with Baal-meon (also Beth-meon, Jeremiah 48:23). The omission of “Baal” in Numbers 32:3 may reflect the narrator’s avoidance of the idolatrous title before Israel formally occupied and renamed the site. If the two names are identical, Beon later became infamous for Moabite idolatry; yet at the moment of Israel’s request, the focus rests on agrarian utility rather than cultic history. Role in the Conquest Narrative Beon typifies the already-conquered territory that Israel held even before crossing the Jordan. Its mention underscores two themes: God’s faithfulness in granting land (Genesis 15:18) and Israel’s need for unity. Moses’ dialogue with Reuben and Gad warns against repeating the unbelief that once stalled entry into Canaan (Numbers 32:6-15). By agreeing to fight for their brethren, the eastern tribes turned a potential schism into a covenant-affirming commitment. Prophetic Overtones Later prophets pronounce judgment on Moab’s pride, and towns in the Beon-Baal-meon cluster figure prominently (Isaiah 15:2; Jeremiah 48:23). These oracles remind readers that possession of fertile land can tempt nations to self-reliance apart from the covenant LORD. For Israel, Beon thus serves as both blessing and caution: the land is good, but spiritual fidelity is essential. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Stewardship of God’s Provision. Beon illustrates how believers may rightly desire material resources—here, pasture for livestock—while still prioritizing the larger mission of God’s people (Numbers 32:20-22). Archaeological Perspective The site generally identified with Beon/Baal-meon is modern-day Khirbet Ma‘in or its immediate vicinity, approximately 10 km southwest of modern Madaba. Excavations have uncovered Iron Age fortifications, domestic structures, and ceramic assemblages consistent with ninth- to seventh-century BC occupation—periods that align with Moabite resurgence under King Mesha (reflected in the Mesha Stele). These findings corroborate the biblical portrayal of an agriculturally prosperous Moabite region later integrated, at least temporarily, into Israel’s sphere. Summary Though appearing only once by this name, Beon occupies a strategic place in the narrative of Israel’s settlement east of the Jordan. Its fertile fields illustrate divine provision; its linkage to Baal-meon highlights the perennial danger of idolatry; its role in tribal negotiations showcases covenantal unity. Thus, Beon stands as a minor yet instructive witness to the faithfulness and moral demands of the LORD who grants His people a place to dwell. Forms and Transliterations וּבְעֹֽן׃ ובען׃ ū·ḇə·‘ōn ūḇə‘ōn uveOnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 32:3 HEB: וּשְׂבָ֥ם וּנְב֖וֹ וּבְעֹֽן׃ NAS: Sebam, Nebo and Beon, KJV: and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, INT: Sebam Nebo and Beon 1 Occurrence |
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