Berite
Holman Bible Dictionary [1]
2 Samuel 20:14 2 Samuel 20:13
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [2]
(Heb. only in the plur., and with the art., hab-Berim', הִבֵּרִים , derivation uncertain [Gesenius and Furst both overlook the word altogether], if indeed the text be not corrupt; Sept. Ἐν Χαῤῥί , but most copies omit), a tribe or place named with Abel of Bethmaachah-and therefore doubtless situated in the north of Palestine-only as having been visited by Joab in his pursuit after Sheba, the son of Bichri ( 2 Samuel 20:14). The expression is a remarkable one, "all the Berites" (comp. "all the Bithron"). The Vulgate has a different rendering-omnes Viri elect — apparently for בִּחֻרִים , i.e. Young Men, and this is, in Ewald's opinion, the correct reading ( Isr. Gesch. 3, 249, note). Schwarz, however, is inclined to regard it as a collective term for several places of similar name mentioned in Josephus and the Talmud as lying in the vicinity of Lake Merom (Palest. p. 203); and Thomson (Land and Book, 1, 425) conjectures that it may specially designate the Beroth ( Βηρώθη ) of Upper Galilee, where. according to Josephus ( Ant. 5, 1, 18), the Canaanitish kings encamped against Joshua (comp. Joshua 11:5), and which he identifies with Biria, a short distance north of Safed (Van de Velde, Map ) .
