Bible Dictionary
Besom
A besom is a broom or brush of twigs. Isaiah uses the word figuratively for the sweeping destruction appointed for Babylon.
Definition
A besom is a brush or broom made of twigs. The word comes from an older English term for a broom or sweeping instrument.
Biblical Usage
The word occurs only in Isaiah’s statement that Babylon would be swept with the besom of destruction, expressing its utter ruin.
Historical Background
The underlying Hebrew term means a sweeper and is closely related to the word translated “sweep.” In some parts of England, “besom” continued to mean “broom.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The rendering of a Hebrew word meaning sweeper, occurs only in Isa. 14:23, of the sweeping away, the utter ruin, of Babylon.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a brush or broom of twigs for sweeping (Isaiah 14:23)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be'-zum: Occurs only once in Scripture: "I will sweep it with the besom of destruction" (Isa 14:23). Refers to what was in store for Babylon. The Hebrew word maT'ate', rendered "besom," is close of kin to the one (ti'te'thiha) rendered "sweep." In early English "besom" was synonymous with "broom," and is still so used in some parts of England.</p>