Bible Dictionary
Bezer
Bezer was a city of refuge east of the Jordan, assigned to Reuben and later to the Merarite Levites. Bezer was also the name of a descendant of Asher.
Definition
Bezer was a city of refuge for the Reubenites east of the Jordan. It was later assigned as a residence to the Merarite Levites. Bezer was also the name of a son of Zophah and a head of a family in Asher.
Biblical Usage
As a city of refuge, Bezer belonged to the appointed places where protection was provided east of the Jordan. It was assigned to Reuben and later given to the Merarite Levites. The personal name appears in the genealogy of Asher.
Historical Background
Bezer was located in the plain or table-land east of the Jordan. Suggested sites include Besheir and other ruined places, and the supplied material also connects it with Bozrah.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Ore of gold or silver. (1.) A city of the Reubenites; one of the three cities of refuge on the east of Jordan (Deut. 4: 43; Josh. 20:8). It has been identified with the modern ruined village of Burazin, some 12 miles north of Heshbon; also with Kasur-el-Besheir, 2 miles south-west of Dibon. (2.) A descendant of Asher (1 Chr. 7:37).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(gold ore), son of Zophah, one of the heads of the houses of Asher. (1 Chronicles 7:37)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be'-zer (betser; Bosor, "strong"):</p><p>(1) A city of refuge, set apart by Moses for the Reubenites and located in the "plain country" (or table-land, Mishor) East of the Jordan, later assigned to this tribe by Joshua (De 4:43; Jos 20:8). The same city was assigned by lot as place of residence to the children of Merari of the Levite tribe (Jos 21:36; 1Ch 6:63,78). Driver, HDB, suggests the identity of Bezer with Bozrah (Septuagint, Bosor) (Jer 48:24). Besheir has been suggested as the present site. According to the manuscript it was forti fied by Mesha.</p><p>(2) A son of Zophah of the house of Asher (1Ch 7:37).</p><p>A. L. Breslich</p>