Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: Beesh'terah, also known as Be-Eshterah, is a name that appears in the Old Testament. The name is believed to mean "house of Ashtoreth" or "temple of Ashtoreth," referring to a location associated with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Ashtoreth. The prefix "Be" or "Beth" typically denotes "house" in Hebrew. Biblical References: Beesh'terah is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as a city given to the Levites. 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 Beeshterah—two cities, along with their pasturelands." Historical and Geographical Context: Beesh'terah was located in the region of Bashan, which was part of the territory east of the Jordan River. This area was known for its fertile lands and was initially conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses and later distributed among the tribes by Joshua. The city was part of the inheritance of the half-tribe of Manasseh, which settled in the land of Bashan. Levitical Cities: As a Levitical city, Beesh'terah was designated as a dwelling place for the Levites, who were the priestly tribe of Israel. The Levites were not given a specific territory like the other tribes but were instead allocated cities within the territories of the other tribes. These cities served as centers for religious instruction and worship, and the Levites played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. Cultural and Religious Significance: The mention of Beesh'terah as a Levitical city highlights the integration of religious and cultural practices in ancient Israel. The Levites were responsible for teaching the Law and leading worship, and their presence in cities like Beesh'terah ensured that the worship of Yahweh was central to the community's life. The name's association with Ashtoreth, a Canaanite deity, may indicate the city's previous religious affiliations before its integration into Israelite worship practices. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence for Beesh'terah is limited, the broader region of Bashan has yielded findings that provide insights into the ancient Near Eastern cultures and their interactions. The transition from Canaanite to Israelite control often involved the repurposing of existing sites for the worship of Yahweh, reflecting the broader narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement in the Promised Land. Theological Implications: The allocation of Beesh'terah to the Levites underscores the importance of maintaining a distinct religious identity amidst surrounding pagan cultures. The Levites' role in teaching and preserving the Law was vital for the spiritual health of Israel, serving as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The transformation of a site associated with pagan worship into a center for Yahweh's worship illustrates the redemptive theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. Concordance Beesh'terah (1 Occurrence)Joshua 21:27 Thesaurus Beesh'terah (1 Occurrence)Beesh'terah. Be-eshterah, Beesh'terah. Beesh-terah . Multi-Version Concordance Beesh'terah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 21:27 And unto ... /b/beesh'terah.htm - 6k Beesh-terah (1 Occurrence) Beetle (7 Occurrences) Be-eshterah (1 Occurrence) Ashtaroth (13 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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