What was Beth-birei?

Beth-birei (also spelled Beth-biri) was a town mentioned in the genealogical record of the tribe of Simeon in 1 Chronicles 4:31. The name in Hebrew is בֵּית בִּרְאִי (Bêṯ-Bir’î), which can be translated as “house of my well” or “house of revelation.” It reflects the common biblical naming convention where “Beth” means “house” and is joined to a descriptive or relational term.

Beth-birei is listed among the towns allotted to the descendants of Simeon during the post-conquest period, within the territory originally given to the tribe of Judah. It was a part of the territory in the south of Israel, often associated with the Negev region.

Biblical References

Beth-birei is mentioned in the following verse:

• 1 Chronicles 4:31 (NIV) – “Beth Biri, and Shaaraim. These were their towns until the reign of David.”

Cross-References

• Joshua 19:1-9 – Describes the inheritance of Simeon within the land of Judah.

• Genesis 49:5-7 – Jacob’s prophecy concerning Simeon and Levi, relevant to Simeon’s scattered inheritance.

• 1 Samuel 30:27 – Mentions cities in the south of Judah that overlap with Simeon’s territory, possibly including Beth-birei under different names or regional references.

Historical and Biblical Context

Beth-birei is listed among the towns occupied by the tribe of Simeon, whose territory lay within the larger region of Judah. The Simeonites did not receive a contiguous land block of their own, likely due to Jacob’s prophetic words against Simeon and Levi for their violence (Genesis 49:5–7). Instead, they inherited cities within Judah’s inheritance.

The Chronicles passage notes that these towns, including Beth-birei, were held by the Simeonites “until the reign of David“. This suggests that during David’s kingship, territorial or administrative changes affected the Simeonites’ holdings—possibly due to military campaigns, consolidation of tribal lands, or shifts in governance.

Beth-birei’s exact geographical location has not been definitively identified in modern archaeology, but its inclusion in Scripture reflects its historical significance as part of Israel’s tribal organization.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

Though Beth-birei may seem like an obscure place name in a genealogical list, it holds meaningful lessons:

1. God values every tribe and place – Even a small town like Beth-birei is preserved in Scripture, reminding us that in God’s kingdom, no detail is insignificant.

2. God fulfills His promises – The mention of towns allotted to Simeon confirms the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land.

3. Obedience and Consequences – Simeon‘s inheritance scattered within Judah fulfills Jacob’s words. This underscores how sin (as seen in Genesis 34) has long-term effects, yet God‘s mercy still grants them a place in the land.

How Beth-birei Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Beth-birei, as part of the land inheritance, points to God’s covenantal faithfulness, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as the tribes were given a place in the land, believers today are promised an inheritance in Christ—“an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:4).

Beth-birei, with its meaning “house of my well” or “house of revelation,” symbolically anticipates the spiritual well and revelation found in Jesus. Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:10-14), and He is the full revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). While Beth-birei was a physical location, Christ is the true dwelling place where God‘s people find refreshment, truth, and eternal home.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Tribal Inheritance and Identity

The listing of towns like Beth-birei in genealogies underscores the importance of identity, heritage, and land in the covenant promises. It reminds readers of God’s faithfulness to preserve His people and His promises through generations.

2. Judgment and Grace

Simeon’s limited and scattered inheritance shows the consequences of past disobedience, yet God‘s grace is evident in still granting them a place and a future. This dual theme of judgment and grace weaves through the entire Bible and finds its climax in the cross of Christ.

3. The Importance of Memory and Record

Genealogies and town listings serve to preserve memory. Just as Israel remembered its roots through lists like this, Christians are called to remember their spiritual heritage in Christ and the faithfulness of God throughout history.

Reflection Questions

1. What does the inclusion of small, seemingly insignificant towns like Beth-birei teach us about God‘s attention to detail and His care for all His people?

2. How does the story of Simeon’s inheritance—both its limitations and blessings—speak to the balance of justice and mercy in God‘s dealings?

3. In what ways can we trace the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to the Old Testament tribes through Jesus Christ?

4. Are there “small places” or “hidden seasons” in your own life where God has worked, even if the world doesn’t notice?

5. How can we better appreciate the legacy of God‘s faithfulness through biblical records like genealogies and town lists?

Beth-birei may not be prominent, but it is a witness to the enduring promises of God, the importance of heritage, and the unfolding story of redemption that finds its center in Jesus Christ.