Beerah

—Biblical Data:

A descendant of Reuben, and head of the tribe at the time it was taken into captivity by Tiglath-pileser (I Chron.v. 6).

J. Jr. G. B. L.—In Rabbinical Literature:

Beerah, the prince of the tribe of Reuben, is identical with Beeri, the father of the prophet Hosea and himself a prophet (Lev. R. xv.). He was called  ("well") because he was a well-spring of knowledge and scholarly attainments. God caused him to die in the Assyrian captivity, in order that his piety might be of service to his fellow-exiles who died there, and that he might lead them to Palestine at the Resurrection.

The Wells of Beer-sheba.(After a photograph.)

Bibliography:

  * Pesiḳta, ed. Buber, xxv. 159b.



J. Sr. L. G.