In the list of the children of Asher, the name Birzaith, which literally means 'of the oil', appears. The Sages debate the significance of this name. Some say that this man's daughters were so beautiful that they married the High Priests, or the Kings of Israel, who were anointed with the sacred oil made by Moses. Other interpretations suggest that Birzaith is not the name of a person, rather the name of a place found in the tribe of Asher. Either way, the connection between the tribe of Asher and the sacred oil is celebrated in this verse. The Bible is full of connections between people, names, events, and locations. The Israel Institute of Biblical Studies can teach you about the hidden meanings and connection between Biblical names.
|