Topical Encyclopedia Berothah is a location mentioned in the Bible as part of the northern boundary of the land of Canaan. It is referenced in the context of the territorial descriptions given to the Israelites. The mention of Berothah is found in the book of Ezekiel, which provides a prophetic vision of the land allocations for the tribes of Israel.Biblical Reference: Ezekiel 47:15-16 states: "This shall be the boundary of the land: On the north side it will extend from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon through Lebo-hamath to Zedad, Berothah, and Sibraim (which lies on the border between Damascus and Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran." In this passage, Berothah is listed among several locations that define the northern boundary of the land promised to the Israelites. The context of this passage is a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, detailing the future restoration and division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This vision is part of a larger eschatological promise of restoration and blessing for the people of God. Historical and Geographical Context: The exact identification of Berothah is uncertain, as it is not mentioned frequently in biblical or extrabiblical sources. Some scholars suggest that Berothah may be identified with the ancient city of Berothai, mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:8, which was a city conquered by King David. However, the precise location remains a matter of scholarly debate. Berothah is thought to be situated in the region that lies between the territories of Damascus and Hamath, as indicated in the Ezekiel passage. This places it in the northern part of the land traditionally associated with the ancient Near East, an area that was often a point of contention and conflict due to its strategic importance. Theological Significance: The mention of Berothah in the context of Ezekiel's vision underscores the theme of divine promise and fulfillment. The delineation of boundaries in Ezekiel 47 is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The restoration of the land and its division among the tribes is a symbol of God's enduring commitment to His people and His plan for their future. In the broader biblical narrative, the land of Canaan holds significant theological importance as the Promised Land—a tangible representation of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. The boundaries described in Ezekiel, including Berothah, serve as a reminder of the specific and intentional nature of God's promises. Conclusion: While the precise location of Berothah remains uncertain, its inclusion in the biblical text highlights the detailed nature of God's promises regarding the land of Israel. The prophetic vision of Ezekiel, with its specific territorial boundaries, reflects the hope and assurance of God's people in His ultimate plan for restoration and blessing. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 47:16Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran. Nave's Topical Index Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |