Topical Encyclopedia
Bichri is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the rebellion led by his son, Sheba. The name "Bichri" is derived from the Hebrew root "בִּכְרִי" (Bikri), which is believed to mean "firstborn" or "youthful." Bichri is identified as a Benjamite, indicating his tribal affiliation with the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Biblical Reference:The primary reference to Bichri is found in
2 Samuel 20:1, where he is introduced as the father of Sheba, a man who instigated a revolt against King David. The verse states: "Now a wicked man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and said: 'We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!'" .
Context and Significance:Bichri's significance in the biblical narrative is largely tied to the actions of his son, Sheba. The rebellion led by Sheba occurred during a tumultuous period in King David's reign, following the quelling of Absalom's insurrection. Sheba's declaration, "We have no share in David," reflects a sentiment of discontent and division among the tribes of Israel, particularly the northern tribes, against the Davidic monarchy centered in Judah.
The rebellion of Sheba, son of Bichri, is a critical event that underscores the fragile unity of the Israelite tribes during David's reign. It highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by David in consolidating his rule over a united Israel. The revolt was ultimately quelled by Joab, David's military commander, who pursued Sheba to the city of Abel Beth Maacah, where Sheba was beheaded, thus ending the rebellion (
2 Samuel 20:22).
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the account of Bichri and his son Sheba serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed king. It illustrates the theme of divine sovereignty and the importance of unity among God's people. The narrative also reflects the broader biblical motif of the struggle between obedience to God's chosen leaders and the human tendency toward division and self-interest.
Cultural and Historical Insights:The mention of Bichri as a Benjamite is significant, as the tribe of Benjamin had historical ties to the previous king, Saul, who was also a Benjamite. This connection may have contributed to the tribal tensions and rivalries that persisted during David's reign. The rebellion led by Sheba, son of Bichri, can be seen as an expression of these underlying tribal dynamics and the challenges of unifying a diverse and often fractious nation.
In summary, Bichri, though a minor figure in the biblical text, is associated with a pivotal moment in Israel's history through the actions of his son, Sheba. The account serves as a narrative of political intrigue, divine justice, and the enduring quest for unity among God's chosen people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Bichrifirst-born; first fruits
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bichri(first-born), (2 Samuel 20:1) an ancestor of Sheba.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BICHRIbik'-ri (bikhri, "first born"; compare HPN, 88, 102): Father of Sheba who rebelled against David. Bichri is of the house of Benjamin and the word probably means a "descendant of Becher" (2 Samuel 20:1). Compare BECHER 1.
Strong's Hebrew
1075. Bikri -- "youthful," a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc.... "youthful," a Benjamite, perhaps also his desc. Transliteration: Bikri Phonetic
Spelling: (bik-ree') Short Definition:
Bichri.
... NASB Word Usage
Bichri (8).
...Library
How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to...
... rulers were thus disputing one with another, a certain wicked man, who took a pleasure
in seditious practices, [his name was Sheba, the son ofBichri, of the...
The Second Part.
... of this Hierapicra in all our bookes of controversies: but especially there hath
been too much in our domesticall warrs; some sonns ofBichri have blowen the...
Thesaurus
Bichri (8 Occurrences)... Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BICHRI.
...Bichri is of the house of Benjamin and the word
probably means a "descendant of Becher" (2 Samuel 20:1). Compare BECHER 1.
...Bicri (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 20:1 Now there happened to be there a base fellow, whose name was Sheba,
the son ofBichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the horn, and said: 'We have no...
Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 20:6 And David said to Abishai: 'Now will Sheba the son ofBichri do us
more harm than did Absalom; take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him...
Sheba (36 Occurrences)
... (6.) Hebrews id. A "son ofBichri," of the family of Becher, the son of Benjamin,
and thus of the stem from which Saul was descended (2 Samuel 20:1-22)....
Gibeon (39 Occurrences)
... 3. Murder of Amasa: When, after the death of Absalom and the suppression of his
rebellion,Bichri raised the standard of revolt, Amasa was sent to call out the...
Abishai (25 Occurrences)
... NAS NIV). 2 Samuel 20:6 David said to Abishai, "Now Sheba the son ofBichri
will do us more harm than did Absalom. Take your lord's...
Joab's (13 Occurrences)
... after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty
men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son ofBichri....
Amasa (13 Occurrences)
... When a new revolt broke out under Sheba, the son ofBichri (2 Samuel 20), Amasa
was entrusted with the task of assembling the men of Judah....
Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)
... after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty
men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son ofBichri....
Blew (37 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 20:1 There happened to be there a base fellow, whose name was Sheba, the
son ofBichri, a Benjamite: and he blew the trumpet, and said, "We have no...
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