Biblical References:
Be-eshterah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. The reference can be found in Joshua 21:27.

Location and Historical Context:
Be-eshterah is identified as a Levitical city within the territory of the tribe of Manasseh. It is one of the cities given to the Levites, who were the priestly tribe of Israel, as part of their inheritance. The Levites did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes but were instead given specific cities and surrounding pasturelands throughout the land of Israel.

Scriptural Citation:
In Joshua 21:27 , it is recorded: "To the Gershonites, one of the clans of the Levites, they gave from the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be-eshterah, together with their pasturelands—two cities."

Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Be-eshterah" is thought to be derived from a combination of Hebrew words. "Be" is a prefix meaning "in" or "with," and "eshterah" may be related to the name of a Canaanite goddess, Ashtoreth, suggesting a possible pre-Israelite religious significance to the site. However, the exact meaning and origin of the name remain uncertain.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
As a Levitical city, Be-eshterah held religious significance for the Israelites. The Levites were responsible for religious duties, teaching the Law, and maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. The allocation of cities like Be-eshterah to the Levites ensured that they were distributed throughout the land, allowing them to fulfill their roles effectively.

Archaeological Insights:
There is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Be-eshterah. The identification of its precise location remains a matter of scholarly debate. Some suggest it may be linked to the site of Ashtaroth, a city mentioned in other biblical contexts, though this is not definitively established.

Theological Implications:
The distribution of Levitical cities, including Be-eshterah, underscores the importance of the Levites in Israelite society. It reflects the integration of religious life into the daily existence of the Israelites, with the Levites serving as mediators between God and the people. The presence of these cities throughout the tribal territories also highlights the centrality of worship and adherence to the Law in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Conclusion:
Be-eshterah, as a Levitical city, played a role in the religious and communal life of ancient Israel. Its mention in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the structured distribution of the Levites and their vital function within the nation.1203. Beeshterah -- perhaps "house of Ashtoreth," a Levitical city ...
... Word Origin perhaps from bayith and Ashtoreth Definition perhaps "house of Ashtoreth,"
a Levitical city in Manasseh NASB Word Usage Be-eshterah (1). Beeshterah. ...
/hebrew/1203.htm - 6kBeeshterah (1 Occurrence)
... ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH. ... ashteroth qarnayim, the scene of the defeat
of the Rephaim by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:5): (be`eshterah) a Levitical ...
/b/beeshterah.htm - 12k

Be-eshterah (1 Occurrence)
Be-eshterah. Beeshterah, Be-eshterah. Beesh'terah . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV NAS). Beeshterah, Be-eshterah. Beesh'terah . Reference Bible.
/b/be-eshterah.htm - 6k

Beesh'terah (1 Occurrence)
... with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer; and Beeshterah
with the open land about it; two cities. (See RSV). Be-eshterah, Beesh'terah ...
/b/beesh'terah.htm - 6k

Ashterothkarnaim
... ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH. ... ashteroth qarnayim, the scene of the defeat
of the Rephaim by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:5): (be`eshterah) a Levitical ...
/a/ashterothkarnaim.htm - 11k

Ashteroth-karnaim (1 Occurrence)
... ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH. ... ashteroth qarnayim, the scene of the defeat
of the Rephaim by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:5): (be`eshterah) a Levitical ...
/a/ashteroth-karnaim.htm - 12k

Ashtaroth (13 Occurrences)
... ASHTAROTH; ASHTEROTH-KARNAIM; BEESHTERAH. ... ashteroth qarnayim, the scene of the defeat
of the Rephaim by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:5): (be`eshterah) a Levitical ...
/a/ashtaroth.htm - 17k

Eshterah (1 Occurrence)
... the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with
its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and BeEshterah with its ...
/e/eshterah.htm - 6k

Eshtarah (1 Occurrence)
... Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with the open
land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer; and Beeshterah with the ...
/e/eshtarah.htm - 6k

Pasturelands (42 Occurrences)
... the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with
its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and BeEshterah with its ...
/p/pasturelands.htm - 16k

Bees (5 Occurrences)

/b/bees.htm - 7k

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