Jump to: Topical • Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: In the context of the Bible, "Beer" is not a reference to the alcoholic beverage commonly known today, but rather a term used to denote a "well" or "spring" in Hebrew. The word "Beer" (בְּאֵר) is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to dig" or "to bore," indicating a place where water is drawn from the ground. Biblical References: The term "Beer" appears in several instances throughout the Old Testament, often as part of place names. These locations are significant in the narrative of the Israelites and their journey through the wilderness. 1. Beer in the Wilderness Journey: One notable mention of Beer is found in Numbers 21:16-18. Here, Beer is identified as a place where the Israelites camped during their wilderness journey. The passage states: "From there they went on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, 'Gather the people so that I may give them water.' Then Israel sang this song: 'Spring up, O well, all of you sing to it— the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank with their scepters and their staffs.'" (Numbers 21:16-18). This event highlights God's provision for His people, supplying them with water in a barren land. 2. Beer as a Place of Refuge: Another mention of Beer is found in Judges 9:21, where it serves as a place of refuge. After Abimelech's violent rise to power, Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal (Gideon), fled to Beer to escape Abimelech's wrath: "Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech." (Judges 9:21). This reference underscores the use of Beer as a safe haven during times of political turmoil. Theological Significance: The references to Beer in the Bible, while seemingly minor, carry theological significance. They serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and provision. In Numbers 21, the well at Beer is a testament to God's miraculous provision of water, a vital resource for survival, symbolizing His care and sustenance for His people. The song sung by the Israelites at Beer reflects a moment of communal worship and gratitude, acknowledging God's ongoing support during their journey. In Judges, Beer as a place of refuge for Jotham illustrates the theme of divine protection. Despite the chaos and danger posed by Abimelech's rule, Beer becomes a sanctuary, highlighting God's ability to provide safety and shelter in times of distress. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wells and springs were crucial for survival, especially in arid regions. They were often central to community life, serving as gathering places and sources of sustenance. The biblical mentions of Beer align with this cultural understanding, emphasizing the importance of water sources in the daily life and spiritual journey of the Israelites. Conclusion: While the term "Beer" may not be as prominent as other biblical locations, its appearances in Scripture are rich with meaning. They remind readers of God's provision, protection, and the centrality of water as a symbol of life and blessing in the biblical narrative. Topical Bible Verses Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Topicalbible.org Ephesians 5:18 Leviticus 10:9 Luke 21:34 Isaiah 5:22 Isaiah 5:11 Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BeerSmith's Bible Dictionary Beer(a well).
ATS Bible Dictionary BeerA well, 1. A station of the Hebrews in Moab, where God gave them water, Numbers 21:16-18; Isaiah 15:8. 2. A town in Judah, according to Eusebius and Jerome a few miles west of Jerusalem, near Beth-shemesh. Jotham took refuge there from his brother Abimelech, Jud 9:21. Easton's Bible Dictionary Well. (1.) A place where a well was dug by the direction of Moses, at the forty-fourth station of the Hebrews in their wanderings (Numbers 21:16-18) in the wilderness of Moab. (see WELL.) (2.) A town in the tribe of Judah to which Jotham fled for fear of Abimelech (Judges 9:21). Some have identified this place with Beeroth. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A fermented liquor made from any malted grain, but commonly from barley malt, with hops or some other substance to impart a bitter flavor.2. (n.) A fermented extract of the roots and other parts of various plants, as spruce, ginger, sassafras, etc. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEERbe'-er (be'er; phrear; Latin puteus = "well"): Strong's Hebrew 883. Beer Lachay Roi -- "well of the living One that sees me," a ...Beer Lachay Roi. 882, 883. Beer Lachay Roi. 884 . "well of the living One that sees me," a place in the desert. Transliteration ... /hebrew/883.htm - 6k 876. Beer -- "well," a place in the desert, also one in Palestine 879. Beer Elim -- "well of heroes," a city of Moab 1192. Baalath Beer -- "mistress of a well," a city in Simeon 884. Beer Sheba -- "well of seven," a place in the Negev 875. beer -- a well, pit 47. abbir -- mighty, valiant 4342. makbir -- abundance 1306. Birsha -- a king of Gomorrah 1269. Birzoth -- a descendant of Asher Library The Card Parties Chapter twenty-eight A Few Nights after This, Diamond Woke up Suddenly... List of Authorities Drunkenness. The Larger Part of Womankind, However, have had to Fight for ... Leaving Home Off Duty Thou Shalt not Steal. Trophies of Grace Thesaurus Beer (15 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEER. ... Multi-Version Concordance Beer (15 Occurrences). Genesis 16:14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. ... /b/beer.htm - 12k Beer-sheba (33 Occurrences) Beer-elim (1 Occurrence) Baalath-beer (2 Occurrences) Beer-lahai-roi (3 Occurrences) Beer-la'hai-roi (3 Occurrences) Baalath-beer-ramah (1 Occurrence) Ba'alath-beer (1 Occurrence) Beer-e'lim (1 Occurrence) Beer-la-hai-roi (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.org Beer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beer (15 Occurrences)Genesis 16:14 Genesis 24:62 Genesis 25:11 Numbers 21:16 Joshua 19:8 Judges 9:21 1 Samuel 1:15 Proverbs 20:1 Proverbs 31:4 Isaiah 15:8 Isaiah 24:9 Isaiah 28:7 Isaiah 29:9 Isaiah 56:12 Micah 2:11 Subtopics Beer: A Station of the Israelites Beer: A Town in the Territory of the Tribe of Judah Related Terms Beer-lahai-roi (3 Occurrences) Beer-la'hai-roi (3 Occurrences) Baalath-beer-ramah (1 Occurrence) Beer-la-hai-roi (1 Occurrence) Daughter-towns (17 Occurrences) Living-places (17 Occurrences) |