Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning:The name "Bezer" is derived from the Hebrew word "בֶּצֶר" (Betser), which means "fortress" or "stronghold." This etymology reflects its role as a city of refuge, a place of safety and protection.
Biblical References:Bezer is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of being a city of refuge. The key references include:
·
Deuteronomy 4:43 : "Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau was for the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead was for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan was for the Manassites."
·
Joshua 20:8 : "And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh."
·
Joshua 21:36-37 : "From the tribe of Reuben they gave Bezer, Jahaz, Kedemoth, and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands—four cities."
Historical and Geographical Context:Bezer was located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben, on the east side of the Jordan River. It was situated in the wilderness on the plateau, a region known for its elevated and rugged terrain. This location made it a suitable place for a city of refuge, as it was accessible yet defensible.
City of Refuge:Bezer was designated as one of the six cities of refuge as outlined in the Mosaic Law. These cities were established to provide asylum for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter. The purpose was to protect the manslayer from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. The cities of refuge are detailed in
Numbers 35 and
Deuteronomy 19, emphasizing the importance of justice tempered with mercy in the Israelite legal system.
Levitical City:In addition to being a city of refuge, Bezer was also assigned to the Levites, specifically to the Merarite clan, as part of their inheritance. The Levites were the priestly tribe of Israel, and their presence in Bezer would have ensured that the city was not only a place of physical safety but also a center for spiritual guidance and instruction.
Theological Significance:The concept of cities of refuge, including Bezer, holds theological significance as it reflects God's provision for justice and mercy. It underscores the sanctity of life and the need for due process in the administration of justice. The cities of refuge can also be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who provides ultimate refuge and salvation for sinners seeking forgiveness and protection from the consequences of sin.
Archaeological Insights:While the exact location of Bezer has not been definitively identified, it is generally believed to have been in the region of modern-day Jordan. Archaeological efforts continue to explore this area, seeking to uncover more about the ancient city and its role in Israelite society.
Conclusion:Bezer stands as a testament to the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and divine provision. As a city of refuge and a Levitical city, it played a crucial role in the spiritual and judicial life of ancient Israel.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Bezervine branches
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bezer(gold ore), son of Zophah, one of the heads of the houses of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:37)
ATS Bible Dictionary
BezerA city of refuge, in the plain country of Reuben beyond Jordan. Its exact site is not known, De 4:43Joshua 20:8 21:36.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Ore of gold or silver.
(1.) A city of the Reubenites; one of the three cities of refuge on the east of Jordan (Deuteronomy 4: 43;Joshua 20:8). It has been identified with the modern ruined village of Burazin, some 12 miles north of Heshbon; also with Kasur-el-Besheir, 2 miles south-west of Dibon.
(2.) A descendant of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:37).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BEZERbe'-zer (betser; Bosor, "strong"):
(1) A city of refuge, set apart by Moses for the Reubenites and located in the "plain country" (or table-land, Mishor) East of the Jordan, later assigned to this tribe by Joshua (Deuteronomy 4:43Joshua 20:8). The same city was assigned by lot as place of residence to the children of Merari of the Levite tribe (Joshua 21:361 Chronicles 6:63, 78). Driver, HDB, suggests the identity of Bezer with Bozrah (Septuagint, Bosor) (Jeremiah 48:24). Besheir has been suggested as the present site. According to the manuscript it was fortified by Mesha.
(2) A son of Zophah of the house of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:37).
A. L. Breslich
Strong's Hebrew
1221. Betser -- "fortress," a city in Reuben, also a descendant of...... Betser. 1222 . "fortress," a city in Reuben, also a descendant of Asher.
Transliteration: Betser Phonetic Spelling: (beh'-tser) Short Definition:
Bezer.
...Bezer.
...Library
Perea. Beyond Jordan.
... In the Jews we read, "Trachon, which is bounded at Bozra." Not Bozrah of Edom, Isaiah
63:1; norBezer of the Reubenites, Joshua 20:8; but another, to wit...
Six Cities
... He loves!". [Illustration:Bezer]. Fourth City"Bezer.BEZER was situated
beyond the Jordan, in the tribe of Reuben. Although its...
The Cities of Refuge
... in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.8.
And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assignedBezer in the...
The Six Cities.
... And on the other side Jordan, by Jericho eastward, they assignedBezer in the
wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of...
The Gospel Refuge.
... KEDESH, Holiness. SHECHEM, Shoulder. HEBRON, Fellowship.BEZER, Stronghold.
RAMOTH, Exaltation. GOLAN, Joy. What a complete Saviour!...
The Cities of Refuge.
... These cities were six in number: Kedesh, Shechem, and Kirjath-arba, on the west
of Jordan; andBezer, Ramoth, and Golan, on the east of that river....
Of the Cities of Refuge.
... the land of Canaan, [Joshua 20:7,8]. And these were placed by one another, just
as two ranks of vines are in a vineyard: Hebron in Judea againstBezer in the...
How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them.
... Now the cities which were set apart for this flight were these:Bezer, at the borders
of Arabia; Ramoth, of the land of Gilead; and Golan, in the land of Bashan...
Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... Kedesh, a holy place: Hebron, society, friendship, the end of a covenant: Shechem,
a part or portion, as the lot of a covenant inheritance:Bezer, cut off and...
Appendices
... Arnon. [And]. 26. I built Beth-Bamoth, for it was destroyed. I builtBezer
(Deuteronomy 4:43), for [it was] in ruins. 27. [And all...
Thesaurus
Bezer (5 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BEZER.
... Driver, HDB, suggests the identity
of
Bezer with Bozrah (Septuagint, Bosor) (Jeremiah 48:24).
...Refuge (111 Occurrences)
... 2. On the east of Jordan were, (1) Golan, in Bashan; (2) Ramoth-Gilead, in Gad;
and (3)Bezer, in Reuben. (See under each of these names.)....
Jahzah (4 Occurrences)
... Mephaath, (DBY). Joshua 21:36 and out of the tribe of Reuben,Bezer and its
suburbs, and Jahzah and its suburbs, (DBY). 1 Chronicles...
Jahaz (8 Occurrences)
... Joshua 21:36 Out of the tribe of Reuben,Bezer with its suburbs, Jahaz with
its suburbs, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Golan (4 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:43 namely,Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the
Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the...
Tableland (8 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:43Bezer in the wilderness, in the table-land, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites...
Table-land (8 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:43 namely ,Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the
Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for...
Ramoth (30 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:43 namely,Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the
Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the...
Plateau (13 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:43Bezer in the wilderness, in the plateau, of the Reubenites, and
Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites....
Bezek (3 Occurrences)
Resources
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