Besom
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Besom in the Bible?
The Hebrew term maT'ate', rendered as 'besom' in older English translations, refers to a broom or sweeping implement and appears in Isaiah 14:23 to symbolize the complete eradication of Babylon.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this term clarifies the prophetic imagery of total removal, illustrating how ordinary household tools were utilized to convey the certainty and thoroughness of divine judgment.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Besom were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Besom in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Besom clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Isaiah 14:23
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Besom." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/besom/