Lexical Summary Berith: Covenant Original Word: בְּרִית Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Berith The same as briyth; Berith, a Shechemitish deity -- Berith. see HEBREW briyth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originshort. form of Baal Definition a Shechemite deity. Topical Lexicon Entry: בְּרִית (Strong’s Hebrew 1286, “Berith”)Canonical Occurrence Judges 9:46 records the leaders of Shechem taking refuge “in the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.” This single use of Strong’s 1286 presents the word not as the general term “covenant” (Strong’s 1285) but as a proper name for a local deity or sanctuary—literally “God of the Covenant.” Historical Context Shechem lay at a strategic crossroads in central Canaan and possessed deep covenant associations stretching back to Abraham (Genesis 12:6-7) and Joshua (Joshua 24:25-28). After Gideon’s death, however, the city lapsed into idolatry, elevating Baal-berith (Judges 8:33; 9:4) and El-berith. The titles suggest that the inhabitants attempted to appropriate the revered idea of covenant while emptying it of its biblical substance, blending Canaanite polytheism with memories of Yahweh’s dealings. Theological Significance 1. Perversion of Covenant Language By naming an idol “God/Lord of the Covenant,” Shechem’s population affirmed the concept’s importance yet distorted its content. Scripture frequently warns that covenant vocabulary divorced from fidelity to the true God becomes blasphemous (Deuteronomy 29:18-20; Jeremiah 11:10). 2. Covenant Faithfulness versus Syncretism Gideon had reminded Israel, “The LORD will rule over you” (Judges 8:23), but within one generation the nation embraced a counterfeit covenant deity. The episode underscores that covenant loyalty demands exclusive allegiance (Exodus 20:3-5). 3. Divine Judgment Abimelek, empowered by funds from the temple of Baal-berith, later destroyed the very leaders who sought safety in El-berith’s stronghold (Judges 9:46-49). The narrative demonstrates that false covenants collapse under God’s sovereign justice (compare Isaiah 28:15-18). Implications for Biblical Theology • Old Testament covenants (Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) depend entirely on the character of Yahweh. Attempts to attach the covenant ideal to any other “god” are judged as treason against the true Sovereign. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Guarding Terminology Churches must ensure that cherished biblical words—grace, faith, covenant—retain their scriptural meaning and are not co-opted by cultural or religious syncretism. 2. Exclusive Allegiance Leaders are warned against financing or endorsing ventures that compromise biblical covenant truth, lest they repeat Shechem’s downfall. 3. Refuge in the True Covenant The men of Shechem trusted stone walls and a false deity; believers are called to seek refuge in the risen Christ, “the mediator of a better covenant” (Hebrews 8:6). Christological Fulfillment Where El-berith represented a counterfeit “god of the covenant,” Jesus Christ stands as the incarnate Covenant-Keeper. His atoning death both satisfies the demands of the old covenants and inaugurates the everlasting one (Jeremiah 32:40). In Him the covenant ideal finds its pure and final expression; every competitor is exposed as an idol. Forms and Transliterations בְּרִֽית׃ ברית׃ bə·rîṯ beRit bərîṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 9:46 HEB: בֵּ֖ית אֵ֥ל בְּרִֽית׃ KJV: of the house of the god Berith. INT: of the temple of the god Berith |
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