Jaazer: A Levitical City of Refuge in Gilead, Allotted to Gad, and Given to the Levites
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Jaazer, also spelled Jazer, is a significant location in biblical history, known as a Levitical city of refuge situated in the region of Gilead. It holds a notable place in the biblical narrative due to its allocation to the tribe of Gad and its subsequent designation as a city for the Levites.

Geographical and Historical Context

Jaazer is located in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. This region is characterized by its fertile land and strategic position, making it a valuable asset for the tribes of Israel. The city is mentioned in several biblical passages, highlighting its importance in the settlement and organization of the Israelite tribes.

Tribal Allotment to Gad

The tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was allotted the region of Gilead, including Jaazer, as part of their inheritance. This allocation is detailed in the Book of Numbers, where the land is described as suitable for the tribe's needs, particularly for their livestock. Numbers 32:1-3 states, "Now the Reubenites and Gadites had very large herds and flocks, and they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation and said, 'Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon.'"

Designation as a Levitical City

Jaazer was later designated as one of the cities given to the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel. The Levites were not given a specific territory like the other tribes but were instead assigned cities within the territories of the other tribes. This arrangement allowed them to fulfill their religious duties and serve the spiritual needs of the Israelites. Joshua 21:39 records, "Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all."

City of Refuge

In addition to being a Levitical city, Jaazer served as a city of refuge. Cities of refuge were established to provide asylum for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This provision is part of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing justice and mercy within the community.

Biblical References and Significance

Jaazer is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, underscoring its role in Israel's history. In 1 Chronicles 26:31 , it is noted that the Hebronites, a clan of the Levites, had oversight in the region of Gilead, including Jaazer, during the reign of King David. This indicates the city's continued importance in administrative and religious functions.

The prophetic literature also references Jaazer, particularly in the context of judgment and lamentation. Isaiah 16:8-9 speaks of the vineyards of Heshbon and the vines of Sibmah, which reached to Jazer, as part of a lament over Moab's destruction, illustrating the city's agricultural significance.

Jaazer's role as a Levitical city of refuge, its allocation to the tribe of Gad, and its mention in various biblical texts highlight its multifaceted importance in the history and religious life of ancient Israel.
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Numbers 21:32
And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
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Numbers 32:1,3,35
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
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Joshua 13:25
And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is before Rabbah;
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Joshua 21:39
Heshbon with her suburbs, Jazer with her suburbs; four cities in all.
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