Beer
LocationsGeographical Setting
Be'er is an ancient site in the Negev desert associated with biblical narratives regarding the Israelites' wilderness journey and the later conflict between Abimelech and Jotham.
What is the meaning of Beer in the Bible?
Be'er denotes two distinct biblical sites: a well in the wilderness of Paran where the Israelites sang a song during their journey toward the Promised Land, and a town in the hill country of Ephraim where Jotham sought refuge from his brother Abimelech.
SIGNIFICANCE
Distinguishing between the wilderness Be'er and the hill country Be'er clarifies the geographical scope of the Israelite wanderings and the political dynamics of the early monarchy period, providing context for the narrative progression in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Judges.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Beer in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beer clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.