Beera

Background and Family

Beera is introduced in the biblical narrative through the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles 7, specifically within the section detailing the descendants of Asher, the son of Jacob. He is listed as the son of Zophah, a prominent figure within the tribe. The record indicates that Beera was part of a large household; he is named alongside ten brothers: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, and Ithran.

The genealogy of Asher is unique in the Book of Chronicles for its focus on the physical strength and military readiness of the tribe. The family of Zophah, including Beera, belonged to a lineage characterized as "heads of their fathers’ houses, choice men, mighty men of valor, chief leaders" (1 Chronicles 7:40). Although this specific description appears a few verses after Beera’s naming, it provides the historical and social context for his status within the Divided Monarchy period.

Major Life Events

The biblical record for Beera is extremely brief, consisting of a single mention in 1 Chronicles 7:37. There are no recorded speeches, specific deeds, or geographical movements attributed to him. In the context of biblical historiography, the recording of a name like Beera’s was intended to provide a legal and spiritual link to the land and the covenant. His life was likely spent within the traditional territories of Asher, which were located in the northwestern coastal regions of Israel.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Beera’s primary identity in the text is relational. He is defined by his father, Zophah, and his ten brothers. This large sibling group suggests a significant and perhaps influential family unit within the tribe of Asher. Among his brothers, Ithran is also noted within the same genealogical context. The preservation of these names underscores the importance of the clan structure in maintaining the identity of the Northern Kingdom's tribes during the complex political climate of the Divided Monarchy.

Spiritual Significance

While Beera is not a central protagonist in the biblical drama, his presence in the canon is significant for the doctrine of God’s providence. The inclusion of Beera in the genealogical records demonstrates that no individual is forgotten in the history of the covenant people. To the original readers of Chronicles—Israelites seeking to rebuild their identity after the exile—Beera served as a witness to the enduring nature of their tribal heritage and the fulfillment of the promise that Asher would be a fruitful and blessed tribe.