Bichri is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the narrative surrounding the rebellion of Sheba against King David. Bichri is identified as a Benjamite, indicating his tribal affiliation with the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant position among the tribes, being the tribe of Israel's first king, Saul, and having a reputation for valor and skill in battle.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Bichri is found in 2 Samuel 20:1, where he is mentioned as the father of Sheba, the instigator of a rebellion against King David. The verse states: "Now a wicked man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and said, 'We have no share in David, no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tent, O Israel!'" .

Context and Significance:

The mention of Bichri is brief, yet it is significant due to his son Sheba's actions, which posed a considerable threat to the stability of David's kingdom. Sheba's rebellion is a pivotal event in the narrative of David's reign, highlighting the ongoing tensions and divisions within the united monarchy of Israel. The rebellion underscores the fragile nature of the political unity among the tribes and the challenges David faced in consolidating his rule.

Bichri's identification as a Benjamite is noteworthy, as it situates him within a tribe that had historical tensions with the tribe of Judah, from which David hailed. The tribe of Benjamin had previously supported Saul, and the transition of power to David, a member of the tribe of Judah, may have left lingering discontent among some Benjamites. This context provides insight into the possible motivations behind Sheba's rebellion and the tribal dynamics at play during this period.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Sheba's rebellion, and by extension, the mention of Bichri, serves as a reminder of the human propensity for division and the challenges of maintaining unity among God's people. It reflects the broader biblical theme of the struggle between obedience to God's anointed leaders and the allure of self-interest and rebellion. The narrative also illustrates the importance of wise and decisive leadership, as demonstrated by David's response to the rebellion, which ultimately preserved the unity of the kingdom.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, tribal identity played a crucial role in social and political life. The tribe of Benjamin, located in the central region of Israel, was strategically significant and often found itself at the center of political developments. The mention of Bichri as a Benjamite highlights the ongoing interplay between tribal loyalties and the central authority of the monarchy.

Overall, while Bichri himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Sheba provides valuable insight into the complex dynamics of tribal politics and the challenges faced by King David in unifying the nation of Israel under his rule.2 Samuel 20:1
And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

1075. Bikri -- "youthful," a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc.
... Bichri. Word Origin from bakar Definition "youthful," a Benjamite, perhaps
also his desc. NASB Word Usage Bichri (8). Bichri. From ...
/hebrew/1075.htm - 6kBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus