The term "Berothite" refers to an individual or group associated with the ancient city of Beeroth, one of the cities of the Gibeonite confederation. Beeroth is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan and is located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The Berothites are specifically mentioned in the context of King David's reign.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 4:2-3 : "Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding bands. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite from the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin, because the people of Beeroth fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day."

In this passage, the Berothites are identified as part of the tribe of Benjamin. The text highlights the historical context of Beeroth, noting that its inhabitants fled to Gittaim, where they lived as foreigners. This migration underscores the tumultuous period during the transition from Saul's reign to David's kingship.

2. 2 Samuel 23:37 : "Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah."

Here, Naharai the Beerothite is mentioned as the armor-bearer of Joab, David's military commander. This reference indicates the integration of Berothites into the military and administrative structures of David's kingdom, reflecting their loyalty and service to the king.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Beeroth was one of the four cities of the Hivite Gibeonites who, through deception, secured a treaty with Joshua and the Israelites (Joshua 9). Despite their initial deceit, the Gibeonites, including the Berothites, were integrated into Israelite society, serving as woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and the altar of the Lord (Joshua 9:27).

The Berothites' mention in the context of David's reign suggests their continued presence and influence within Israel. The narrative of Baanah and Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who assassinated Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, further illustrates the complex political dynamics of the time (2 Samuel 4:5-12). Their actions, though ultimately condemned by David, reflect the shifting allegiances and the struggle for power following Saul's death.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of the Berothites in the biblical narrative highlights themes of covenant, loyalty, and divine providence. Despite their initial deception, the Gibeonites, including the Berothites, were bound by a covenant with Israel, which was honored by God and the Israelites. This covenantal relationship underscores the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of breaking oaths, as seen in the later narrative of Saul's breach of the covenant, which brought a famine upon Israel (2 Samuel 21:1-14).

The Berothites' integration into Israelite society and their roles in David's administration reflect the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in using diverse peoples and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. Their account serves as a reminder of God's grace and the potential for redemption and service within His kingdom.BEEROTHITE; BEROTHITE

be-e'-roth-it, be'-er-oth-it (be'erothi; 2 Samuel 4:5, 9 2 Samuel 23:37; shortened form, 1 Chronicles 11:39).

See BEEROTH.

BEROTHITE

be'-roth-it.

See BEEROTHITE.

1307. Berothiy -- a city in Aram (Syria)
... 1306, 1307. Berothiy. 1307a . a city in Aram (Syria). Transliteration: Berothiy
Phonetic Spelling: (bay-ro-thee') Short Definition: Berothite. Berothite ...
/hebrew/1307.htm - 5k

1307b. Berothi -- inhab. of Berothah
... Berothi. 1308 . inhab. of Berothah. Transliteration: Berothi Short Definition:
Berothite. ... of Berothah NASB Word Usage Berothite (1). 1307a, 1307b. ...
/hebrew/1307b.htm - 5k

Berothite (1 Occurrence)
... BEEROTHITE; BEROTHITE. be-e'-roth-it, be'-er-oth-it (be'erothi; 2 Samuel 4:5, 9
2 Samuel 23:37; shortened form, 1 Chronicles 11:39). ...BEROTHITE. be'-roth-it. ...
/b/berothite.htm - 7k

Naharai (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Snorer, a Berothite, one of David's heroes, and
armour-bearer of Joab (1 Chronicles 11:39). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/n/naharai.htm - 7k

Zelek (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of
Joab the son of Zeruiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/zelek.htm - 7k

Nahrai (1 Occurrence)
... Nahrai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite,
the armorbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See JPS). ...
/n/nahrai.htm - 6k

Na'harai (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of
Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See RSV). Naharai, Na'harai. Naharaim . ...
/n/na'harai.htm - 6k

Berries (3 Occurrences)

/b/berries.htm - 7k

Be-er'oth (8 Occurrences)
... RSV). 1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the
armor bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See RSV). Ezra 2 ...
/b/be-er'oth.htm - 8k

Beerothite (4 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEEROTHITE; BEROTHITE. be-e'-roth-it, be'-er-oth-it
(be'erothi; 2 Samuel 4:5, 9 2 Samuel 23:37; shortened form, 1 Chronicles 11:39). ...
/b/beerothite.htm - 8k

Bero'thai (1 Occurrence)
Bero'thai. Berothai, Bero'thai. Berothite . Multi-Version Concordance
Bero'thai (1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Berothai, Bero'thai. Berothite . Reference
/b/bero'thai.htm - 6k

Armourbearer (14 Occurrences)
... and died. (KJV). 1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite,
the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, (KJV). ...
/a/armourbearer.htm - 11k

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