Topical Bible: the Brook Besor

Topical Encyclopedia

The Brook Besor is a significant geographical feature mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the narrative of David's pursuit of the Amalekites. This brook is located in the southern part of ancient Israel, within the territory of Judah, and is associated with a pivotal moment in David's life before he became king.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the Brook Besor is found in 1 Samuel 30. After the Amalekites raided Ziklag, capturing the families of David and his men, David sought the Lord's guidance and pursued the raiders. As recorded in 1 Samuel 30:9-10 : "So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook Besor, where some stayed behind because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued the pursuit."

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Brook Besor is believed to be a wadi, a dry riverbed that fills with water during the rainy season, located in the Negev region. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally thought to be in the area southwest of Ziklag, near the modern-day Besor Stream in Israel. The brook served as a natural boundary and resting place for David's men during their pursuit.

Theological Significance:

The account of the Brook Besor highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. First, it underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of distress, as David did before pursuing the Amalekites. Second, it illustrates the principle of equitable distribution of resources and rewards. After David's successful recovery of the captives and spoils, he insisted on sharing the plunder equally with the two hundred men who stayed behind at the brook due to exhaustion. As stated in 1 Samuel 30:24-25 : "The share of the one who goes into battle shall be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share alike." This decision established a precedent for fairness and unity among the people of Israel.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

The account of the Brook Besor teaches valuable moral and ethical lessons. It emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding towards those who are weary and unable to continue the journey. David's leadership in recognizing the contributions of all his men, regardless of their physical capabilities, reflects a model of inclusive and just leadership. This narrative encourages believers to value each member of the community and to ensure that all share in the blessings and responsibilities of communal life.

Conclusion:

The Brook Besor serves as a reminder of God's provision and guidance in times of trial, as well as the importance of fairness and unity within the community of faith. Through this narrative, believers are encouraged to seek God's direction, to act with justice and compassion, and to recognize the contributions of all members of the community.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

the Brook Besor

(cool), a torrent-bed or wady in the extreme south of Judah. (1 Samuel 30:9,10,21)

Library

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... "And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not
follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

Making the Best of Trouble
... So David with his six hundred followers went on to the Brook Besor, where
those who were too tired to cross the brook stayed behind. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/making the best of trouble.htm

At the Front or the Base
... When they reached the brook Besor, two hundred of them were too weary and
footsore to ford it, and so had to be left behind. But ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/at the front or the.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... bade him to pursue after them, he marched apace, with his four hundred men, after
the enemy; and when he was come to a certain brook called Besor, and had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The families of Machir and Jair migrated one after the other to the east of the
Lake of Gennesaret, while that of Nobah proceeded as far as the brook of Kanah ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Resources

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