What was Berothite?
Berothite refers to someone or something associated with Berothah or Beeroth, a town mentioned in the Old Testament that was likely located near the border of Israel and Aram (modern-day Syria). The term “Berothite” appears in 1 Chronicles 11:39, where Naharai the Berothite is listed as one of King David’s mighty men. The Hebrew form of Berothite is הַבְּאֵרוֹתִי (ha-Be’eroti), meaning “of Beeroth” or “belonging to Beeroth.”
The name Beeroth itself means “wells” or “cisterns,” suggesting a place where water was abundant—a key resource in the ancient Near East. Berothite, then, is a geographical designation tied to a known location and by extension, to the people who came from there.
Biblical References
- 1 Chronicles 11:39 – “Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah.”
- 2 Samuel 23:37 – Parallel reference in the list of David’s mighty warriors.
- Joshua 9:17 – Beeroth is listed among the cities of the Gibeonites, who deceived Israel into making a treaty.
- 2 Samuel 4:2-3 – Beeroth is mentioned as the home of Baanah and Rechab, assassins of Ish-Bosheth, and it notes that the Beerothites had fled to Gittaim.
Historical and Biblical Context
The mention of Berothite in 1 Chronicles 11 occurs in the context of David’s mighty men, a select group of warriors known for their bravery, loyalty, and skill. Naharai the Berothite was specifically noted as the armor-bearer of Joab, David’s powerful military commander.
Beeroth was one of the Hivite cities that tricked Joshua and the Israelites into a peace treaty (Joshua 9). Though it was later assimilated into Israel’s tribal territories (Benjamin), it retained its distinct identity in biblical memory. The people from Beeroth seem to have migrated due to conflict or instability, as 2 Samuel 4:3 notes that they “fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day.”
This context reveals that the Berothites were not originally Israelites, but foreigners who became associated with Israel—some by deceit (as in Joshua 9), others by faithful service (as in Naharai’s case). This mirrors the larger biblical theme of Gentile inclusion into God’s purposes.
Significance for Today’s Christians
Berothite’s significance lies not in military accomplishment or fame, but in God’s redemptive use of outsiders. Naharai was not an Israelite by birth but became a trusted servant in David’s royal army. His inclusion in the list of David’s elite warriors shows that God does not judge by ancestry or status but by loyalty, faithfulness, and service.
This reflects a broader biblical truth seen throughout Scripture: God grafts in those who are not originally His people (see Romans 11). Like Ruth the Moabitess, Uriah the Hittite, and Rahab of Jericho, people from outside the covenant line are given places of honor in God‘s story when they align themselves with His purposes.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
Jesus Christ Himself drew attention to outsiders who had great faith (Luke 4:25-27), and His genealogy includes non-Israelites, such as Ruth and Rahab. The gospel of Jesus breaks down the wall between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14), making one new people united by faith in Christ.
In this way, the mention of Naharai the Berothite in David’s elite guard subtly anticipates the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where faithfulness—not lineage—determines one’s place.
Just as David, the anointed king, gathered around him a diverse company of loyal servants, Jesus, the true King, is gathering people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 7:9) to serve in His eternal kingdom.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Inclusion of the Outsider
God frequently uses and includes foreigners in His redemptive plan (e.g., Ruth, Rahab, the Gibeonites), prefiguring the full inclusion of Gentiles through Christ.
2. Faithfulness Over Lineage
Spiritual loyalty and service matter more to God than heritage. This theme recurs in both Old and New Testaments.
3. God’s Sovereign Use of Unlikely People
Even those with complex or flawed origins can play important roles in the kingdom of God.
4. Foreshadowing the Gospel
Old Testament figures like Naharai the Berothite provide glimpses into the character of Christ’s kingdom—diverse, grace-filled, and open to all who align themselves with God’s anointed King.
Reflection Questions
- What does the story of Naharai the Berothite teach us about God’s view of nationality and background?
- How can the example of outsiders like the Berothites challenge us to be more welcoming in our churches and communities?
- In what ways can we show loyalty to God’s King, Jesus, similar to how Naharai served King David?
- How does the inclusion of non-Israelites in God’s purposes encourage you in your own walk with Christ?
- Do you sometimes disqualify yourself from service because of your past or background? What does this passage suggest about God‘s ability to use you?
Berothite, though a brief reference in Scripture, is a powerful reminder that in God’s kingdom, faithfulness and alignment with His King matter far more than origin or status.