The term "Beriite" refers to the descendants or people associated with Beriah, a name found in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. The name Beriah is mentioned in several contexts, primarily within the tribes of Ephraim and Asher.

1. Beriah of Ephraim:

In the tribe of Ephraim, Beriah is noted as a son of Ephraim, the son of Joseph. The account of Beriah is found in 1 Chronicles 7:20-23. This passage recounts a tragic event where the sons of Ephraim were killed by the men of Gath, who came down to raid their livestock. In response to this loss, Ephraim had another son, whom he named Beriah, because "disaster had come upon his house." The name Beriah itself is thought to mean "in trouble" or "with a disaster," reflecting the circumstances of his birth.

1 Chronicles 7:23 states: "Then he slept with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. So he named him Beriah, because disaster had come upon his house."

2. Beriah of Asher:

Another Beriah is mentioned as a descendant of Asher, one of the sons of Jacob. This Beriah is listed among the sons of Asher in the genealogical records. In 1 Chronicles 7:30-31, Beriah is noted as one of the sons of Zophah, who was a descendant of Asher. The lineage of Asher is significant as it highlights the tribal divisions and inheritances among the Israelites.

1 Chronicles 7:30-31 records: "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah. Their sister was Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith."

3. Significance in Israelite History:

The Beriites, as descendants of Beriah, would have been part of the larger tribal structure of Israel. The tribes of Ephraim and Asher each played unique roles in the history of Israel. Ephraim, as a leading tribe in the northern kingdom, held significant influence, while Asher was known for its rich land and resources.

The mention of Beriah in these genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative. It also reflects the themes of loss and redemption, as seen in the account of Ephraim's son, where a new life emerges from a time of sorrow.

4. Theological Reflections:

From a theological perspective, the account of Beriah in the tribe of Ephraim can be seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and the continuation of His promises despite human suffering and loss. The naming of Beriah serves as a reminder of the trials faced by the patriarchs and their descendants, yet also points to the hope and restoration that God provides.

The Beriites, therefore, represent both a historical and spiritual lineage within the broader narrative of the people of Israel, illustrating the complexities of human experience intertwined with divine providence.1284. Berii -- descendant of Beriah
... of Beriah NASB Word Usage Beriites (1). Beerites. Patronymically from Briy'ah; a
Beriite (collectively) or descendants of Beriah -- Beerites. see HEBREW Briy'ah ...
/hebrew/1284.htm - 6kBeriite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Beriite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:44 Of the children
of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family ...
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Beri'ah (10 Occurrences)
Beri'ah. Beriah, Beri'ah. Beriite . Multi-Version Concordance Beri'ah (10
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Beriah, Beri'ah. Beriite . Reference Bible.
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Beriites (1 Occurrence)

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