Deuteronomy 4:43
Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּ֧צֶר
Namely Bezer
H1221
בֶּ֧צֶר
Namely Bezer
Strong's:
H1221
Word #:
2 of 14
betser, a place in palestine; also an israelite
בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 14
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
הַמִּישֹׁ֖ר
in the plain
H4334
הַמִּישֹׁ֖ר
in the plain
Strong's:
H4334
Word #:
5 of 14
a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (
לָרֻֽאוּבֵנִ֑י
of the Reubenites
H7206
לָרֻֽאוּבֵנִ֑י
of the Reubenites
Strong's:
H7206
Word #:
6 of 14
a reubenite or descendant of reuben
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּגִּלְעָד֙
in Gilead
H1568
בַּגִּלְעָד֙
in Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
9 of 14
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
לַגָּדִ֔י
of the Gadites
H1425
לַגָּדִ֔י
of the Gadites
Strong's:
H1425
Word #:
10 of 14
a gadite (collectively) or descendants of gad
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Moses names the three trans-Jordan cities of refuge: Bezer for Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead for Gad, and Golan in Bashan for Manasseh. These tribes had requested to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32), and Moses ensured they had legal protections equal to those who would settle in Canaan proper.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the strategic distribution of cities of refuge demonstrate God's concern for accessibility and equal protection under law?
- What does it mean that those on the geographical margins of Israel received the same legal protections as those at the center?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.
Moses names the three cities with geographical precision: Betser (בֶּצֶר, 'fortress/gold ore') for Reuben in the southern wilderness plateau; Ramot (רָאמֹת, 'heights') in Gilead for Gad in the central region; Golan (גּוֹלָן, possibly 'exile' or 'encircled') in Bashan for half-Manasseh in the north. Strategic distribution ensured accessibility—no one was more than a day's journey from refuge.
Each city served a specific tribal territory, demonstrating the integration of civil law with tribal organization. The eastern tribes, though settling outside Canaan proper, received full legal protection. Geographic distance from the tabernacle did not diminish covenantal status or legal rights. God's justice extends to the margins, not merely the center.
The names themselves carry significance. Bezer suggests strength and protection; Ramot indicates elevated status; Golan may imply a place of exile or refuge. Together they speak of sanctuary for the vulnerable. These specific names, recorded in Scripture, demonstrate that biblical law addresses real places, real people, real situations—not abstract principles floating above actual human need. Divine revelation touches ground.