### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉʻeshtᵉrâh** `{{H1203}}` refers to a place East of the Jordan. Its name is derived from עַשְׁתְּרָה with a prepositional prefix, meaning "with Ashtoreth." This word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its context highly specific.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole mention of `{{H1203}}` occurs in the record of the distribution of Levitical cities. **Beeshterah** and its **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` were given to the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Gershon** `{{H1648}}`, who were part of the **families** `{{H4940}}` of the **Levites** `{{H3881}}`. This territory was allotted from the **other half** `{{H2677}}` of the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`. In this passage, it is listed as one of **two** `{{H8147}}` cities given to the Gershonites in that region, the other being **Golan** `{{H1474}}` in **Bashan** `{{H1316}}`, a designated **city** `{{H5892}}` of **refuge** `{{H4733}}` for the **slayer** `{{H7523}}` [[Joshua 21:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of Beeshterah's allotment:
* `{{H1648}}` **Gêrᵉshôwn** (a refugee): The name for the Israelite family who received **Beeshterah** as part of their portion. This family descended from Levi [[Genesis 46:11]].
* `{{H1474}}` **Gôwlân** (captive): The name of the other city given alongside **Beeshterah** in the same allotment, located in Bashan and designated as a city of refuge [[Joshua 21:27]].
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (a Levite): This identifies the tribe to which the descendants of Gershon belonged. The Levites were set apart and did not have a tribal inheritance, instead receiving cities among the other tribes [[Deuteronomy 14:29]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): This term describes the open country or pasture land around a city. Both **Beeshterah** and **Golan** were given with their **suburbs** `{{H4054}}`, ensuring provision for the Levites' flocks [[Joshua 21:27]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1203}}` is tied to the fulfillment of God's commands for Israel's settlement.
* **Provision for the Levites:** Beeshterah's designation as a Levitical city is a direct outworking of the command for the children of Israel to give cities to the Levites from their own inheritance to dwell in [[Numbers 35:2]].
* **Integration and Allotment:** The city was given from the territory of the half-tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`, illustrating how the Levites were integrated into the lands of the other tribes.
* **Association with Justice:** Its pairing with **Golan** `{{H1474}}`, a **city of refuge** `{{H4733}}`, places Beeshterah within the larger framework of the legal and redemptive system established for the nation, where asylum was provided for the unintentional **slayer** `{{H7523}}` [[Joshua 21:27]].
### Summary
In summary, **Bᵉʻeshtᵉrâh** `{{H1203}}` is a place name whose entire scriptural identity is found in a single verse. It is not a major theological term but a geographical marker representing a key event: the allocation of land to the priestly tribe. Its importance lies in its role as one of the cities given to the **Levites** `{{H3881}}` from the tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's covenant provision for His people as they settled in the Promised Land.
TRV