Overview:
Beroth is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments of the Israelites. It is one of the cities associated with the Gibeonites, a group that played a significant role in the early history of Israel's settlement in Canaan.

Biblical References:
Beroth is primarily mentioned in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 9:17, it is listed among the cities of the Gibeonites: "So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim." The Gibeonites, including the inhabitants of Beroth, deceived Joshua and the leaders of Israel into making a peace treaty with them by pretending to be from a distant land (Joshua 9:3-15).

Historical and Geographical Context:
Beroth is identified as one of the Hivite cities that formed a confederation with Gibeon. The Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites after hearing of their victories, resorted to deception to secure a treaty of peace. This treaty was honored by the Israelites despite the deception, due to the oath they had sworn before God (Joshua 9:18-20).

The city of Beroth is later mentioned in the context of the tribal allotments. It is included in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, as recorded in Joshua 18:25: "Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth." This indicates its location within the central highlands of Canaan, an area that became part of the inheritance of Benjamin.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
The account of Beroth and the Gibeonites highlights themes of covenant, deception, and divine providence. Despite the Gibeonites' deceit, the Israelites honored their covenant, demonstrating the importance of oaths and the fear of God in their dealings. This incident also illustrates God's sovereignty in using even the deceitful actions of men to fulfill His purposes, as the Gibeonites were later integrated into Israelite society and served in the tabernacle (Joshua 9:27).

The inclusion of Beroth in the tribal allotments of Benjamin signifies its integration into the Israelite nation. The city, along with its people, became part of the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan for His chosen people.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of Beroth is not definitively identified today, it is traditionally associated with the site of modern-day el-Bireh, located near Ramallah in the West Bank. Archaeological findings in the region provide insights into the ancient Canaanite and Israelite cultures, though specific evidence directly linked to Beroth remains limited.

Conclusion:
The account of Beroth in the Bible serves as a reminder of the complexities of Israel's conquest of Canaan and the intricate relationships between the Israelites and the indigenous peoples. It underscores the themes of covenant faithfulness and the overarching sovereignty of God in the history of His people.BEROTH

be'-roth (1 Esdras 5:19). See BEEROTH.

1266. beroth -- cypress or fir
... 1265, 1266. beroth. 1267 . cypress or fir. Transliteration: beroth Phonetic
Spelling: (ber-oth') Short Definition: cypresses. ... 1265, 1266. beroth. 1267 ...
/hebrew/1266.htm - 6k

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... Canaanites, and those Canaanites that dwelt in the plain country, with auxiliaries
out of the land of the Philistines, pitched their camp at Beroth, a city of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Beroth
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEROTH. be'-roth (1 Esdras 5:19). See BEEROTH. ...
/b/beroth.htm - 6k

Waters (386 Occurrences)
... Josephus says (Ant., V, i, 18) that the camp of the allies was at Beroth in upper
Galilee, and that Beroth was not far from Kadesh, which is upon the summit of ...
/w/waters.htm - 42k

Merom (2 Occurrences)
... Josephus says (Ant., V, i, 18) that the camp of the allies was at Beroth in upper
Galilee, and that Beroth was not far from Kadesh, which is upon the summit of ...
/m/merom.htm - 10k

Beeroth (7 Occurrences)
... be-e'-roth, be'-er-oth (be'eroth; Beroth): One of the cities of the Canaanites whose
inhabitants succeeded in deceiving Israel, and in making a covenant with ...
/b/beeroth.htm - 11k

Berothah (1 Occurrence)

/b/berothah.htm - 8k

Beroean (1 Occurrence)

/b/beroean.htm - 6k

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