Lexical Summary Besor: Besor Original Word: בְּשׂוֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Besor From basar; cheerful; Besor, a stream of Palestine -- Besor. see HEBREW basar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from basar Definition a stream in Pal. NASB Translation Besor (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs בְּשׂוֺר proper name of brook in Philistine territory; always נַחַל הַבְּשׂוֺר 1 Samuel 30:9,10,21; ᵐ5 Βοσορ (1 Samuel 30:21 Βεανα, but ᵐ5L Βοσορ); modern Wady Razze (Gaza) according to GuérinJudée ii. 213; — it empties into sea SW of Gaza. (Connexion with above √ dubious) Topical Lexicon Name and Setting The brook called Besor is a seasonal watercourse (wadi) in the semi-arid south-western Judean wilderness. Flowing westward through the Negev and across the northern edge of the Philistine plain, it ultimately empties into the Mediterranean near modern Gaza. When rain is abundant the ravine becomes a rushing torrent; in the long dry months it is little more than a trickle amid a deep, winding bed. Thus it offered both life-giving refreshment and a formidable natural barrier. Occurrences in Scripture • 1 Samuel 30:9 All three references appear in the record of David’s pursuit of the Amalekite raiders who had sacked Ziklag. Historical Background: David at the Brook After discovering Ziklag burnt and their families taken captive, David and his six hundred men set out in rapid pursuit. Reaching Besor, the company met its first great test. Two hundred exhausted soldiers could go no farther, and the brook became a dividing line: “So David and the six hundred men with him went to the Brook Besor, where some stayed behind… But David pursued, he and four hundred men” (1 Samuel 30:9-10). When victory was secured, David returned to Besor, greeted the rear guard, and overruled the opinion of certain hard-hearted warriors who wished to deny them any portion of the spoil. He established a principle that became a standing ordinance in Israel: “The share of the one who goes down into battle will be the same as that of the one who remains with the supplies; they will share alike” (1 Samuel 30:24). Geographical and Strategic Significance 1. Natural Defense: The steep banks and sudden floods of a wadi like Besor could delay armies and protect flanks, explaining why fatigued men could safely remain there with the baggage. Spiritual and Ministerial Lessons • Valuing Every Role: Besor teaches that logistical support is as worthy of honor as front-line engagement. Later Scripture echoes the same truth—“the body is not comprised of one part, but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). Foreshadowing of Gospel Principles The brook bearing a name derived from the root for “news” or “tidings” subtly anticipates the good news that refreshes dry souls. Just as waters of Besor revived David’s company, “streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:6) point forward to the living water offered by Jesus Christ (John 4:10-14). Archaeological Notes Most scholars identify Besor with Wadi Gaza (Nahal Besor). Surveys reveal Iron Age fortifications and agricultural installations along its banks, consistent with the occupation and military activity implied in 1 Samuel 30. Practical Applications • Affirm back-line ministries—intercessors, administrators, supporters—ensuring they share in spiritual fruit. Related Biblical Streams of Support Joshua 15:4; Psalm 23:2; Isaiah 35:6-7; John 4:10-14; 1 Corinthians 12:14-26; 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; Philippians 4:15-17. The brook Besor, though mentioned only in a single narrative, continues to speak of just leadership, shared blessing, and the gracious refreshment God provides for every servant on the journey from loss to triumph. Forms and Transliterations הַבְּשֽׂוֹר׃ הַבְּשׂ֑וֹר הַבְּשׂ֔וֹר הבשור הבשור׃ hab·bə·śō·wr habbeSor habbəśōwrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 30:9 HEB: עַד־ נַ֣חַל הַבְּשׂ֑וֹר וְהַנּֽוֹתָרִ֖ים עָמָֽדוּ׃ NAS: to the brook Besor, [where] those left behind KJV: to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind INT: against to the brook Besor left remained 1 Samuel 30:10 1 Samuel 30:21 3 Occurrences |
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