Lexical Summary
Beor: Beor
Original Word:בְּעוֹר
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:B`owr
Pronunciation:beh-OR
Phonetic Spelling:(beh-ore')
KJV: Beor
NASB:Beor
Word Origin:[fromH1197 (בָּעַר - To burn) (in the sense of burning)]
1. a lamp
2. Beor, the name of the father of an Edomitish king
3. also of that of Balaam
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Beor
Fromba'ar (in the sense of burning); a lamp; Beor, the name of the father of an Edomitish king; also of that of Balaam -- Beor.
see HEBREWba'ar
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
baarDefinition"a burning," father of an Edomite king, also the father of Balaam
NASB TranslationBeor (10).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(
a burning;
torch) —
Numbers 22:5;Numbers 31:8;Deuteronomy 23:5;Joshua 13:22;Joshua 24:9;Micah 6:5;Numbers 24:3,15 ().
, a king of EdomGenesis 36:32 =1 Chronicles 1:43.
Topical Lexicon
Scriptural Portraits of Beor• Father of Bela, the first‐named king of Edom: “Bela son of Beor reigned in Edom; the name of his city was Dinhabah” (Genesis 36:32). The same notice is repeated verbatim in1 Chronicles 1:43, underscoring its importance in the chronicling of Edom’s earliest monarchy.
• Father of Balaam, the Mesopotamian prophet hired by Balak of Moab: “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor” (Numbers 22:5). In all seven Balaam texts (Numbers 22–24; 31:8;Deuteronomy 23:4;Joshua 13:22; 24:9;Micah 6:5) the patronymic is preserved, setting Balaam’s lineage in deliberate contrast to Israel’s prophetic line.
Historical Context
Edomite Kingship
Genesis 36 provides the only extant royal list from Esau’s descendants prior to the Israelite monarchy, indicating that Edom developed centralized rule before Israel. By identifying Bela’s father, the record authenticates the historical memory of tribal leadership and situates Beor within the political life of Seir.
The Balaam Episodes
Beor’s other son, Balaam, operated out of Pethor “near the River” (the Euphrates), revealing extensive international networks in the Late Bronze Age. His prophetic reputation reached from Aram to Moab, and the preserved patronymic signifies credibility in contracts and royal correspondence.
Theological Insights
Divine Sovereignty over Nations
The repeated phrase “son of Beor” binds Edom’s kings and Moab’s hired seer to one house, yet the narratives demonstrate Yahweh overruling both. Bela’s reign ends without comment, while Balaam is compelled to bless Israel against his client’s wishes (Numbers 24:13). Scripture thus affirms that lineage or political power cannot thwart the purposes of God.
True and False Prophecy
Though Balaam utters genuine oracles, later texts condemn his counsel that led Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16). The mention of Beor keeps readers mindful that prophetic gift is not inherited righteousness. Heritage may provide platform, but faithfulness must be personal.
Covenant Memory
Micah charges Israel to “remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered him” (Micah 6:5), placing Beor’s line as a foil for covenant loyalty. Beor’s name becomes part of Israel’s liturgical rehearsal of deliverance, spotlighting grace that triumphs over external threats and internal compromise.
Prophetic Echoes and Messianic Hints
While Balaam’s star prophecy (Numbers 24:17) does not repeat Beor’s name, the earlier patronymic reminds readers that God can raise a testimony from unlikely sources. The royal scepter rising from Israel eclipses both Edomite kingship (Bela) and Moabite schemes (Balak and Balaam), prefiguring the universal reign of the Messiah.
Pastoral and Ministry Applications
1. Heritage is a stewardship, not a guarantee. Whether a kingmaker in Edom or a prophet in Aram, Beor’s house illustrates that family prominence can serve God’s purposes or oppose them.
2. Discernment in spiritual leadership. Like Balaam, ministers may speak truth yet foster compromise. The church must weigh fruit, not mere reputation or pedigree.
3. Gratitude for divine protection. Recalling Beor in Micah encourages believers to recount how the Lord turned curses into blessings, fostering confidence amid contemporary opposition.
Summary
Beor appears briefly yet strategically across Scripture—once anchoring Edom’s first monarch, repeatedly grounding the narrative of Balaam, and finally entering Israel’s prophetic worship. His legacy highlights the sovereignty of God over nations, the necessity of obedience in ministry, and the abiding faithfulness of the covenant Lord who turns every intent of cursing into blessing for His people.
Forms and Transliterations
בְּע֑וֹר בְּע֔וֹר בְּע֖וֹר בְּע֗וֹר בְעֹ֔ר בעור בער ḇə‘ōr bə‘ōwr bə·‘ō·wr ḇə·‘ōr beor veOr
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