Lexical Summary Betser: Betser Original Word: בֶּצֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bezer The same as betser, an inaccessible spot; Betser, a place in Palestine; also an Israelite -- Bezer. see HEBREW betser NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom batsar Definition "fortress," a city in Reuben, also a desc. of Asher NASB Translation Bezer (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. בֶּ֫צֶר (fortress) — 1. proper name, of a location city in Reuben (MI בצר) Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8; 1 Chronicles 6:63. 2. proper name, masculine person a descendant of Asher 1 Chronicles 7:37. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Identity The term בֶּצֶר appears five times in Scripture. Four passages name a Transjordanian city, while 1 Chronicles 7:37 lists an individual of the tribe of Asher. The city stands alongside Ramoth-Gilead and Golan as one of the designated eastern Cities of Refuge; it is also a Levitical possession within the territory allotted to Reuben. Geographic Setting Bezer lies “in the wilderness on the plateau” east of the Jordan River (Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8). The upland tableland stretching from the Arnon Gorge northward afforded natural defenses and grazing land. Although the precise site is disputed, the description implies ready accessibility for fugitives yet sufficient elevation to symbolize security. Bezer as a City of Refuge Deuteronomy 4:43 records that Moses “set apart…Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau, for the Reubenites.” Joshua later confirmed the designation: “They set apart…Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau out of the tribe of Reuben” (Joshua 20:8). As with the other five Cities of Refuge, Bezer’s gates remained open to anyone who had killed unintentionally. Upon arrival the manslayer found temporary asylum until due process before the assembly (Numbers 35:24–25). Bezer therefore functioned as a tangible witness to the balance of justice and mercy in Israel’s jurisprudence—foreshadowing the protection sinners find in Christ, “our advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1). Levitical Allocation The Levitical census in Joshua 21:36 (supported by the parallel in 1 Chronicles 6:78) places Bezer among the cities granted to the Merarite clan. Thus Bezer combined two sacred roles: a sanctuary of legal refuge and a dwelling place for those charged with teaching the Law (Deuteronomy 33:10). Spiritual instruction and judicial grace met within its walls. Tribal Associations Though situated in Reuben, Bezer served all Israel. The arrangement illustrates how tribal resources were shared for the common good. Reuben yielded a strategic stronghold; the Levites staffed it; refugees from any tribe could enter. In this cooperative network the covenant community modeled interdependence under the Lord’s supreme kingship. An Asherite Named Bezer 1 Chronicles 7:37 lists “Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera” among the descendants of Asher. The personal name, appearing centuries after the conquest, testifies that the memory of the city—or its protective symbolism—remained valued across tribal lines. Typological Significance Hebrews 6:18 speaks of those who “have fled to take hold of the hope set before us.” The imagery recalls the manslayer racing toward Bezer. In Christ, believers find a sanctuary that cannot fail: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Bezer’s lofty plateau anticipates the “strong tower” of the gospel (Proverbs 18:10), while its Levitical presence underlines that refuge is inseparable from revelation—security is found where God’s word is taught and believed. Ministry Reflections • Proclaim availability: the gates of grace stand open; haste is urgent. Key References Deuteronomy 4:43; Joshua 20:8; Joshua 21:36; 1 Chronicles 6:78; 1 Chronicles 7:37 Forms and Transliterations בֶּ֖צֶר בֶּ֣צֶר בֶּ֥צֶר בֶּ֧צֶר בצר be·ṣer beṣer BetzerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 4:43 HEB: אֶת־ בֶּ֧צֶר בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר בְּאֶ֥רֶץ NAS: Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau KJV: [Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, INT: Bezer the wilderness country Joshua 20:8 Joshua 21:36 1 Chronicles 6:78 1 Chronicles 7:37 5 Occurrences |
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