Lexical Summary Baalath Beer: Baalath Beer Original Word: בַּעֲלַת בְּאֵר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Baalath-beer From ba'alah and 'er; mistress of a well; Baalath-Beer, a place in Palestine -- Baalath-beer. see HEBREW ba'alah see HEBREW 'er NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom baalah and beer Definition "mistress of a well," a city in Simeon NASB Translation Baalath-beer (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בַּעֲלַת בְּאֵר proper name, of a location (mistress of a well) = Ramath Negeb Joshua 19:8, a city of Simeon = II.בַּעַל; modern Kurnub according to TristrTpg but dubious Topical Lexicon Etymological Sense and Thematic Nuance The compound name communicates “Lady (or Possessor) of the Well,” highlighting both a life-sustaining water source and an implied sovereignty over it. In the arid southern territories the control of a well connoted security, wealth, and hospitality—motifs that recur throughout Scripture whenever wells serve as meeting places, covenant sites, or symbols of God’s provision (Genesis 26:18–22; John 4:6–14). Single Biblical Occurrence Joshua 19:8 lists the town as part of the inheritance assigned to the tribe of Simeon: “‘...along with all the villages around these towns as far as Baalath Beer, Ramah in the Negev.’” (Berean Standard Bible) Its inclusion among “their inheritance surrounded by the territory of the children of Judah” (Joshua 19:9) underscores two theological themes: (1) the meticulous fulfillment of God’s promise that each tribe would receive a defined allotment, and (2) the intertwining of Simeon’s and Judah’s borders, anticipating later historical cooperation between the two tribes. Geographical Setting Located in the Negev, south or south-west of Beersheba, the town likely oversaw a strategic water source on a north–south caravan route. The reference to “Ramah” suggests a nearby height, implying both defensive advantage and visibility for travelers seeking refreshment. Historical Context 1. Wilderness to Promise—For Simeon, once the smallest tribe (Genesis 49:5–7), towns like Baalath Beer represented tangible restoration after earlier discipline. Archaeological Considerations Scholars have proposed correlations with sites such as Tel Beer Sheba or Tell el-Mashtaba, yet the absence of definitive inscriptions leaves the identification open. Pottery assemblages, Iron-Age fortifications, and well constructions in these tells offer circumstantial support for a prosperous settlement centered on water management. Ministry and Devotional Insights • God assigns territory purposefully. The single citation of Baalath Beer, embedded in a dry landscape, reminds believers that no place is insignificant when entrusted by the Lord. Summary Though mentioned only once, Baalath Beer embodies divine provision in parched surroundings, covenant faithfulness in allotting the land, and an enduring call to steward God-given resources for the blessing of others. Forms and Transliterations בְּאֵ֖ר באר bə’êr bə·’êr beErLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:8 HEB: עַד־ בַּֽעֲלַ֥ת בְּאֵ֖ר רָ֣אמַת נֶ֑גֶב NAS: as far as Baalath-beer, Ramah of the Negev. KJV: these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath INT: these far Baalath-beer Ramath of the south |
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