Bered is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. He is identified as a descendant of Ephraim, one of the sons of Joseph, who was a prominent patriarch in the history of Israel. The name Bered appears in the context of the lineage of Shuthelah, who was a son of Ephraim.

Genealogical Context

Bered is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 7:20-21, which provides a record of the descendants of Ephraim. The passage reads: "The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son" . This genealogical listing places Bered as a direct descendant of Shuthelah, making him part of the Ephraimite lineage.

Possible Identification with Becher

There is a scholarly suggestion that Bered may be the same individual as Becher, another descendant of Ephraim mentioned in the biblical genealogies. This identification is based on the similarities in the names and the context within the tribal records. Becher is listed in Numbers 26:35 as one of the sons of Ephraim: "These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: of Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan; of Becher, the Becherite clan; of Tahan, the Tahanite clan" . The potential conflation of Bered and Becher may arise from variations in the transmission of the genealogical records over time.

Tribal Significance

As a member of the tribe of Ephraim, Bered would have been part of one of the most significant tribes in the history of Israel. Ephraim, along with Manasseh, formed the house of Joseph, which held a prominent position among the tribes. The tribe of Ephraim played a crucial role in the leadership and military strength of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context

The genealogies in which Bered is mentioned serve not only as records of lineage but also as reflections of the cultural and historical context of the Israelite people. These genealogies were important for establishing tribal identities, inheritance rights, and social structures within the nation of Israel. The mention of Bered within these records underscores the continuity of the Ephraimite line and its contributions to the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes.

Conclusion

While the biblical text provides limited information about Bered beyond his genealogical placement, his inclusion in the records of Ephraim's descendants highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in the biblical narrative. The potential identification with Becher adds a layer of complexity to the understanding of these genealogical records, reflecting the intricacies of biblical history and tradition.Numbers 26:35
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
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