Bezer, also called Bozrah, was a Levitical city of refuge in the territory of Reuben.
Also known as Bozrah
Bezer, also known as Bozrah, was a city located in the region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. It was allotted to the tribe of Reuben as part of their inheritance in the Transjordan (Joshua 20:8, 21:36; 1Ch.6.78). Moses designated Bezer as one of the six cities of refuge, where a person who accidentally killed someone could flee for protection from avengers (Deu.4.43). The city was also given to the Levites of the clan of Merari (Joshua 21:36, 1Ch.6.78).
The prophet Jeremiah mentioned Bozrah in his oracle against Moab, indicating that it was an important city in the region (Jeremiah 48:24). The name Bozrah means "sheepfold" or "fortress," suggesting that it may have been a fortified city or a center for sheep herding.
The exact location of Bezer is uncertain, but it was likely situated on the plateau east of the Dead Sea, within the territory of Reuben. It should not be confused with the Edomite city of Bozrah mentioned in other biblical passages (Genesis 36:33, Isaiah 34:6, 63:1, Amo.1.12).
Approximate location: 32.516, 36.488 · view on a map · on the Bible atlas
5 verses in 4 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H1221
Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.
And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh.
From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz,
From the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan opposite Jericho they were given Bezer in the wilderness, Jahzah,
upon Kerioth, Bozrah, and all the towns of Moab, those far and near.
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.