Bezer
LocationsGeographical Setting
Bezer was an ancient Transjordanian settlement identified with the modern site of Dhiban, serving as a designated city of refuge for accidental manslaughter.
What is the meaning of Bezer in the Bible?
Bezer was a city of refuge situated in the plateau region east of the Jordan River, allocated to the tribe of Reuben and subsequently assigned to the Levites of the clan of Merari. Archaeological evidence at Dhiban supports its identification as the biblical Bezer, distinct from the Edomite city of Bozrah.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Bezer clarifies the geographical distribution of the Levitical cities and the legal framework for asylum in ancient Israel, illustrating how territorial boundaries were managed through specific religious and judicial institutions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.