The Obscure Chief in the Line of Asher
The name Beri appears briefly in the extensive genealogical records of the Book of 1 Chronicles, placing him as an important figure in the tribal administration of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
The Single Scriptural Mention and Lineage
Beri’s name is found exclusively in the genealogical list of the tribe of Asher, identifying him as a son of Zophah and a head of a paternal house:
“The sons of Zophah; Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah,” (1 Chronicles 7:36, KJV)
This places Beri as a great-grandson of Asher and an immediate son of Zophah, the patriarch of one of the major families within the tribe.
The Meaning of the Name
The name Beri (Hebrew: Bêrî) is generally interpreted to mean “a gift” or “gift of the Lord,” although some scholars suggest a connection to the Hebrew root barah, meaning “to clean” or “to clear out.” The most common interpretation of “gift” aligns with the common practice of naming children to acknowledge them as presents from God.
The Significance of the Record
Beri is one of the many names preserved in 1 Chronicles 7 that serves a powerful administrative and theological purpose:
- Administrative Purpose: The genealogies were essential records for the returned exiles to establish their lineage, claim their ancestral land, and verify their right to serve in the priesthood or Levite duties. Beri’s inclusion confirms the historical continuity and integrity of the family line of Asher, even after centuries of war and exile.
- Theological Importance of Details: Though Beri lacks a personal narrative of war or prophecy, his recorded existence underscores a vital biblical principle: God is a God of details. The meticulous preservation of the names of every chief family in every tribe shows that the Lord’s providence governs not just kings and prophets, but the entire, detailed structure of His covenant people. His name, “Gift,” reminds the reader that every individual life is a precious gift recorded in the divine ledger.