Topical Encyclopedia
Birzaith is a location mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribe of Asher. The reference to Birzaith is found in
1 Chronicles 7:31, which states: "The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith." This passage situates Birzaith within the lineage of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and highlights its connection to Malchiel, a descendant of Beriah.
The tribe of Asher, to which Birzaith is linked, was one of the northern tribes of Israel, known for its rich agricultural land and prosperity. Asher's territory was located along the Mediterranean coast, extending from Mount Carmel to the northern borders of Canaan. The tribe was blessed by Jacob in
Genesis 49:20, where it is said, "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king."
The mention of Birzaith in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society. Genealogies served not only to establish tribal and familial identities but also to affirm the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the multiplication and settlement of their descendants in the Promised Land.
While the specific location of Birzaith is not detailed in the biblical text, its inclusion in the genealogical record of Asher suggests it was a place of some significance within the tribal territory. The name itself, like many ancient place names, may have held particular meaning or significance to the people of that time, though such meanings are not explicitly recorded in the biblical narrative.
In the broader context of biblical history, the tribe of Asher, and by extension places like Birzaith, played a role in the unfolding account of Israel. The tribe participated in the conquest of Canaan under Joshua and later in the united monarchy under David and Solomon. Despite its relative obscurity in the biblical text, Birzaith is a testament to the intricate tapestry of names and places that form the backdrop of the biblical narrative, each contributing to the rich history of God's chosen people.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIRZAITHbur-za'-ith, bur-za'-vith the King James Version Birzavith, (birzawith or birzayith; Bezaith, or Berzaie): The name of a town in Asher founded by Malchiel (1 Chronicles 7:31). It probably corresponds to the modern Bir ez-Zait, "well of olive oil," near Tyre.
Strong's Hebrew
1269. Birzoth -- a descendant of Asher... a descendant of Asher. Transliteration: Birzoth Phonetic Spelling: (beer-zoth')
Short Definition:
Birzaith.
... of Asher NASB Word Usage
Birzaith (1). Birzavith.
...Thesaurus
Birzaith (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIRZAITH.
...Birzaith (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles
7:31 The sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was the father of
Birzaith.
...Bir'zaith (1 Occurrence)
Bir'zaith.Birzaith, Bir'zaith. Birzavith .... 1 Chronicles 7:31 And the sons of
Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was the father ofBirzaith. (See RSV)....
Mal'chi-el (3 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 7:31 And the sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was
the father ofBirzaith. (See RSV). Malchiel, Mal'chi-el. Malchielite ....
Malkiel (3 Occurrences)
... Malchielites. (See NIV). 1 Chronicles 7:31 And the sons of Beriah: Heber,
and Malchiel, who was the father ofBirzaith. (See NIV)....
Beriah (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Chronicles 7:31 The sons of
Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was the father ofBirzaith....
Beri'ah (10 Occurrences)
... their sister. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 7:31 And the sons of Beriah: Heber,
and Malchiel, who was the father ofBirzaith. (See RSV). 1...
Birth-stool (1 Occurrence)
Birth-stool. Birthstool, Birth-stool.Birzaith . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIRTH-STOOL.... (ASV). Birthstool, Birth-stool.Birzaith . Reference Bible
Heber (13 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 7:31 The sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was
the father ofBirzaith. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Malchiel (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). 1 Chronicles 7:31 The sons of Beriah:
Heber, and Malchiel, who was the father ofBirzaith....
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
