Beth-biri is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribe of Simeon. The name "Beth-biri" translates to "house of my creation" or "house of my making," reflecting the Hebrew roots of the term. This site is noted in the context of the territorial allotments given to the tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Reference:

Beth-biri is referenced in 1 Chronicles 4:31, which details the settlements of the descendants of Simeon. The verse states: "Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susim, Beth-biri, and Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David." . This passage is part of a larger genealogical record that outlines the inheritance and dwelling places of the Simeonites, who were one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The tribe of Simeon was initially allocated land within the territory of Judah, as described in Joshua 19:1-9. This arrangement was due to the relatively small size of Simeon's population, which necessitated their integration into the larger and more powerful tribe of Judah. Beth-biri, as one of the cities within this allotment, would have been situated in the southern part of ancient Israel, an area characterized by its semi-arid climate and pastoral landscape.

The mention of Beth-biri alongside other cities like Beth-marcaboth and Hazar-susim suggests that it was part of a network of settlements that supported the agricultural and pastoral lifestyle of the Simeonites. These cities served as centers for community life, trade, and worship, playing a crucial role in the sustenance and identity of the tribe.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Beth-biri in the biblical record underscores the importance of land and inheritance in the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The distribution of land among the tribes was not merely a matter of practical necessity but was deeply rooted in the divine promises made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each city and settlement, including Beth-biri, represented a tangible fulfillment of God's promises and a testament to His faithfulness.

Furthermore, the genealogical records, including the mention of Beth-biri, serve to affirm the historical continuity and identity of the Israelite tribes. They provide a link between the past and the present, reminding the descendants of their heritage and the divine providence that guided their ancestors.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence for Beth-biri remains limited, the study of similar sites in the region has provided valuable insights into the lifestyle and culture of the Simeonites during the biblical period. Excavations in the broader area of southern Judah have revealed artifacts and structures that reflect the agrarian and pastoral economy of the time, as well as the religious practices that were central to community life.

In summary, Beth-biri is a testament to the rich tapestry of Israel's tribal history, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of their journey as God's chosen people.BETH-BIRI

beth-bir'-i (the King James Version Beth-birei, beth-bir'-e-i) beth bir'i; oikos Braoumseoreim; 1 Chronicles 4:31 (called in Joshua 19:6, Beth-lebaoth, "abode of lions"): A site belonging to Simeon in the Negeb-unidentified.

1011. Beth Biri -- "house of a creative one," a place in Palestine
Beth Biri. 1010, 1011. Beth Biri. 1012 . "house of a creative one,"
a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Beth Biri Phonetic ...
/hebrew/1011.htm - 6kBethbiri
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BETH-BIRI. beth-bir'-i (the King James Version
Beth-birei, beth-bir'-ei) beth bir'i; oikos Braoumseoreim ...
/b/bethbiri.htm - 6k

Beth-biri (1 Occurrence)
Beth-biri. Bethbiri, Beth-biri. Bethcar . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS NAS RSV). Bethbiri, Beth-biri. Bethcar . Reference Bible.
/b/beth-biri.htm - 7k

Lebaoth (2 Occurrences)
... It is the same as Bethlebaoth of Joshua 19:6, which, by a clerical error appears
in 1 Chronicles 4:31 as "Beth-biri.". Multi-Version Concordance ...
/l/lebaoth.htm - 7k

Marcaboth (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:31 and at Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susim, and at BethBiri, and
at Shaaraim. These were their cities to the reign of David. ...
/m/marcaboth.htm - 6k

Beth-mar'caboth (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:31 and at Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susim, and at Beth-biri, and
at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. (See RSV). ...
/b/beth-mar'caboth.htm - 6k

Beth-marcaboth (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 4:31 and at Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susim, and at Beth-biri, and
at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. ...
/b/beth-marcaboth.htm - 7k

Bethcar (1 Occurrence)

/b/bethcar.htm - 7k

Biri (1 Occurrence)
... Biri (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:31 and at Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susim, and
at BethBiri, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities to the reign of David. ...
/b/biri.htm - 6k

Beth-lebaoth (1 Occurrence)
... in the territory of Simeon (Joshua 19:6). In 1 Chronicles 4:31 the name is given
as Beth-birei: the Revised Version (British and American) BETH-BIRI (which see ...
/b/beth-lebaoth.htm - 7k

Bethlebaoth (1 Occurrence)
... in the territory of Simeon (Joshua 19:6). In 1 Chronicles 4:31 the name is given
as Beth-birei: the Revised Version (British and American) BETH-BIRI (which see ...
/b/bethlebaoth.htm - 7k

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