Beeroth

Beeroth (be-ay-rohth', Hebrew:בְּאֵרוֹת)^[1] was an ancient Canaanite city, allotted to the tribe of Benjamin in ancient Israel,^[2] and is presently located at modern-day el-Bireh.^[3] Beeroth is most well-known today for its many mentions within the narratives of the biblical texts, such as in the Book of Joshua,^[4] Book of Deuteronomy,^[5] and others.

Etymology[edit]

The name Beeroth means 'wells'.^[6] In the Bible, in Deuteronomy 10:6 and Numbers 33:31-32, the place called 'Beeroth Bene-jaakan (be'eroth bene ya`aqan) is mentioned, which means 'wells of the children of Jaakan'.^[7]

Bible[edit]

The ancient city of Beeroth, located in ancient Israel, naturally became the location of a number of events that entered into the biblical texts. According to Joshua 9, Beeroth was one of the four cities that managed to deceive Joshua into sparing them from destruction by pretending to be wandering peoples who are looking for aid. Furthermore, Beeroth became the location where Aaron died (Deuteronomy 10:6), and the region where the murderers of Ishbosheth came from (2 Samuel 4:2). According to the ancient 4th century writer Eusebius, Beeroth lay about 7 miles away from Jerusalem, which is similar to el-Bireh, the traditional site of Beeroth which is 8 miles away from Jerusalem.

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