The Name Preserved in the Tribe of Asher
The genealogies of the Old Testament are often more than mere lists of names; they are ancient deeds and charters, preserving tribal boundaries, property rights, and the continuity of the covenant people. Birzaith (or Birzavith as found in the King James Version) is a name tied directly to the tribal record of Asher, underscoring the fidelity of the Divine record.
The Appearance of Birzavith in the Bible
Birzaith is found in the meticulously detailed genealogy of the tribe of Asher, a tribe whose land was known for its fertile soil and agricultural wealth in the northern region of Israel. The single verse mentioning this name places it in the direct line of Asher’s descendants:
“And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel, who is the father of Birzavith.” (1 Chronicles 7:31, KJV)
While the Hebrew text uses the name Birzayith or Birzoth (often rendered Birzaith in modern translations), the King James translators selected Birzavith. This minor variation does not alter its primary significance: it is a record of a descendant of Malchiel, great-grandson of Asher.
Is Birzavith a Man or a Place?
Biblical scholars debate whether Birzavith refers to an individual or a town founded by Malchiel.
- As a Person: The phrasing “who is the father of Birzavith” strongly suggests that Birzavith was the son (or daughter, as some interpretations suggest) of Malchiel, indicating a living individual who continued the family line. This interpretation emphasizes the preservation of the family structure within the tribe of Asher.
- As a Place: Many scholars suggest the name refers to a settlement founded by Malchiel’s descendants, effectively naming the town after the founding clan. The root meaning of the name, thought to be “well of olives” or “choice olive,” points to a location rich in olive groves, which was characteristic of Asher’s fertile territory near the coast (modern scholars often link it to the site of Bir ez-Zait).
Regardless of the precise designation, the inclusion of Birzavith in the sacred record affirms the divine recognition of both the people and the territories promised to the tribes of Israel.