Lexical Summary Yazer: Jazer Original Word: יַעֲזֵיִר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jaazer, Jazer Or Yazer {yah-zare'}; from azar; helpful; Jaazer or Jazer, a place East of the Jordan -- Jaazer, Jazer. see HEBREW azar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom azar Definition a place E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Jazer (14). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַּעְזֵר and (1 Chron 6:66; 1 Chronicles 26:31) יַעְזֵיר proper name, of a location Ιαζηρ, east of Jordan (Qal Imperfect in ִ֯ according to BaNB104); — often + Heshbon and other important towns, Numbers 21:31 + Numbers 21:24 (see עַז) Numbers 32:1 (׳אֶרֶץ יַע), Numbers 32:3; Numbers 32:35 (all J E), 2 Samuel 24:5; Joshua 13:25 (P), Joshua 21:39 (Ginsb, Joshua 21:37 van d. H. Baer; P); with vineyards Isaiah 16:8,9 = Jeremiah 48:32 (twice in verse) (where strike out יָם before ׳יַע ᵐ5 Hi Gf Gie Rothst). Site dubious, compare BuhlGeogr. 264. II. עזר (√ of following; connection with I. ׳ע dubious; compare Sabean מעדֿר 'Einfassung' SabDenkm97; Late Hebrew עֲזָרָה temple-court, ᵑ7 עֲזַרְתָּא). Topical Lexicon Jazer in the Land of GileadNestled east of the Jordan River on the fertile plateau of Gilead, Jazer enjoyed a strategic position between Heshbon to the south and Rabbah-Ammon to the northwest. Fed by springs that flowed into the Jordan valley, its rich soil produced extensive vineyards and orchards, providing both economic strength and symbolic imagery for the prophets. The town controlled important caravan routes that linked the King’s Highway with the Jordan crossings, making it a military and commercial prize in every age of Israel’s occupation of Trans-Jordan. Initial Conquest under Moses Jazer first enters the biblical record in the closing days of Israel’s wilderness journey. After the Amorite victories at Heshbon and Bashan, “Moses sent men to spy out Jazer, and they captured its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there” (Numbers 21:32). The rapid conquest secured Israel’s northeastern flank and demonstrated the Lord’s continued faithfulness immediately after the unexpected defeat of King Og (Numbers 21:33-35). The victory also previewed the permanent settlement soon to follow. Inheritance of the Tribe of Gad The pastoral tribes of Reuben and Gad, impressed by the lush pastures around Jazer, petitioned Moses for an inheritance east of the Jordan. Their request was granted on condition of military support for the western campaign (Numbers 32:16-33). Jazer is named twice in this narrative (Numbers 32:1, 3) and later appears in the final land allotments: “Their territory included Jazer and all the towns of Gilead” (Joshua 13:25). The area became one of the chief Gadite centres for livestock, viticulture, and trade, testifying to God’s provision of a land “flowing with milk and honey,” even beyond the immediate borders of Canaan. Levitical and Administrative Functions Because Israel’s welfare depended on ongoing teaching of the Law, Moses set aside forty-eight Levitical cities, one of which was Jazer. “From the tribe of Gad they received Ramoth in Gilead… and Jazer” (Joshua 21:39; 1 Chronicles 6:81). The Merarite Levites thus ministered among Gad, ensuring that worship and justice accompanied agricultural prosperity. During David’s reign Jazer remained important enough to require careful census of its men of war (2 Samuel 24:5). Centuries later, during the reforms of King David’s administration of temple gatekeepers, Hebronite officials were appointed “in Jazer of Gilead” to oversee affairs “in all the work of the Lord and in the service of the king” (1 Chronicles 26:31-32). The city therefore functioned both as a religious outpost and as a civil hub for the eastern tribes. The Vineyards of Jazer in the Prophets The prophets seized on Jazer’s famed vineyards to portray both blessing and impending judgment. “For the fields of Heshbon have withered, and the vines of Sibmah. Rulers of the nations have trampled its choicest vines, which reached as far as Jazer and spread toward the desert” (Isaiah 16:8). Isaiah mournfully depicts Moab’s agricultural splendour—vines stretching even to Jazer—now doomed under divine wrath. Jeremiah echoes the lament: “I weep for you, Jazer, over the vines of Sibmah… Your tendrils crossed the sea; they reached to Jazer” (Jeremiah 48:32). The twin passages reveal Jazer’s agricultural acclaim while reminding readers that when a nation spurns the Lord, its material abundance cannot save it. The ruined vines of Jazer thus become a sobering emblem of withered hope apart from covenant loyalty. Theological and Ministry Reflections 1. Covenant Expansion: Jazer’s inclusion shows that God’s promise to Abraham extended beyond the west-bank boundaries. His covenant embraces the entire people of God wherever obedience leads them. 2. Worship and Work: The Levites in Jazer illustrate the divine pattern of embedding spiritual ministry alongside civic life. Healthy communities require both sound doctrine and just administration. 3. Prosperity with Accountability: The prophetic laments teach that even the most fruitful fields can become barren if a people reject the Lord. Modern ministry that prizes economic security without spiritual fidelity should heed Jazer’s warning. 4. Mission Frontiers: Jazer lay on the edge of Israel’s territory yet was integral to national life. Today’s frontier towns—geographic or cultural—deserve intentional discipleship, lest they become spiritual vacuums vulnerable to foreign influence. From its initial conquest to its prophetic laments, Jazer witnesses to God’s sovereign allocation of land, His desire for worship-centred communities, and His unwavering call to covenant faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations בְּיַעְזֵ֥יר ביעזיר וְיַעְזֵ֣ר ויעזר יַעְזֵ֔ר יַעְזֵ֖יר יַעְזֵ֖ר יַעְזֵ֤ר יַעְזֵ֥ר יַעְזֵֽר׃ יַעְזֵר֙ יעזיר יעזר יעזר׃ bə·ya‘·zêr bəya‘zêr beyaZeir veyaZer wə·ya‘·zêr wəya‘zêr ya‘·zêr ya‘zêr yaZeir yaZerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 21:32 HEB: לְרַגֵּ֣ל אֶת־ יַעְזֵ֔ר וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּ בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָ NAS: to spy out Jazer, and they captured KJV: to spy out Jaazer, and they took INT: Moses to spy Jazer captured villages Numbers 32:1 Numbers 32:3 Numbers 32:35 Joshua 13:25 Joshua 21:39 2 Samuel 24:5 1 Chronicles 6:81 1 Chronicles 26:31 Isaiah 16:8 Isaiah 16:9 Jeremiah 48:32 Jeremiah 48:32 13 Occurrences |
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