Bicri is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the political turmoil during the reign of King David. He is identified as the father of Sheba, a Benjamite who led a rebellion against David. The name Bicri itself is of Hebrew origin, and while the Bible does not provide extensive details about Bicri's life or character, his mention is significant due to his son's actions.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Bicri is found in 2 Samuel 20:1, where his son Sheba is introduced: "Now a wicked man named Sheba son of Bicri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and said: 'We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!'" . This verse sets the stage for the rebellion led by Sheba, which posed a significant threat to the unity of Israel under David's rule.

Historical and Theological Context:

Bicri's mention in the Bible occurs during a period of significant unrest in Israel. After the death of Absalom, David's son who had previously led a rebellion against him, the kingdom was still fragile. Sheba's revolt, as the son of Bicri, represents the ongoing challenges to David's kingship and the tribal tensions within Israel. The tribe of Benjamin, to which Bicri and Sheba belonged, had historical ties to the previous king, Saul, which may have contributed to their dissent against David, who was from the tribe of Judah.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative:

The rebellion of Sheba, son of Bicri, is a critical event in the narrative of David's reign. It highlights the persistent division and the struggle for power within the nation of Israel. The Bible records that Sheba's insurrection was ultimately quelled by Joab, David's military commander, who pursued Sheba to the city of Abel Beth Maacah. The inhabitants of the city, seeking to avoid destruction, beheaded Sheba and threw his head over the wall to Joab, thus ending the rebellion (2 Samuel 20:22).

Lessons and Themes:

The account of Bicri and his son Sheba serves as a reminder of the challenges of leadership and the importance of unity among God's people. It underscores the consequences of rebellion and the need for loyalty to God's anointed king. The account also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty in establishing and maintaining the leadership of His chosen servants, despite human opposition and conflict.

In summary, while Bicri himself is a minor figure in the biblical text, his legacy through his son Sheba's actions provides insight into the political and spiritual dynamics of ancient Israel during King David's reign.Bicri (8 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 20:1
Now there happened to be there a base fellow, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the horn, and said: 'We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel.'
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2 Samuel 20:2
So all the men of Israel went up from following David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri; but the men of Judah did cleave unto their king, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 20:6
And David said to Abishai: 'Now will Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom; take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.'
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2 Samuel 20:7
And there went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand; so he smote him therewith in the groin, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. And Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 20:13
When he was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 20:21
The matter is not so; but a man of the hill-country of Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, even against David; deliver him only, and I will depart from the city.' And the woman said unto Joab: 'Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.'
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2 Samuel 20:22
Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. And he blew the horn, and they were dispersed from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.
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Bicri (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bicri (8 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 20:1 Now there
happened to be there a base fellow, whose name was Sheba ...
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Bid (35 Occurrences)

/b/bid.htm - 18k

Bichrites (1 Occurrence)

/b/bichrites.htm - 6k

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