from עַשְׁתְּרָה (as singular of עַשְׁתָּרוֹת) with a prepositional prefix; with Ashtoreth; Beeshterah, a place East of the Jordan; Beeshterah.
Transliteration:Bᵉʻeshtᵉrâh
Pronunciation:beh-esh-ter-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1203 (בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָה, *Bᵉʻeshtᵉrâh*) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymology is highly significant, deriving from the singular form of עַשְׁתְּרָה (Ashtoreth, `{{H6253}}`) or its plural עַשְׁתָּרוֹת (Ashtaroth, `{{H6252}}`), combined with a prepositional prefix "בְּ" (be-), meaning "in," "at," or "with." Thus, the name literally translates to something like "in/at/with Ashtoreth" or "house of Ashtoreth," strongly implying a historical association with the worship of the Canaanite goddess Ashtoreth. This etymological root immediately places the city within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern paganism, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic faith of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1203 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Joshua 21:27]]. This verse is part of the extensive passage detailing the distribution of cities to the Levitical tribes. Specifically, [[Joshua 21:27]] states: "And out of the tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its common-land, and Beeshterah with its common-land; two cities."
In this context, Beeshterah is identified as one of the cities allotted to the sons of Gershon, a clan of the Levites, from the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh. It is situated in Bashan, a region east of the Jordan River known for its fertility and, historically, for its strong Canaanite presence, including the worship of deities like Ashtoreth. The inclusion of Beeshterah among the Levitical cities is particularly striking given its name's pagan connotations. These cities were not merely residential areas but centers for the Levites to instruct the people in God's law, administer justice, and maintain the purity of worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related terms revolve around the pagan deity Ashtoreth:
* עַשְׁתְּרָה (Ashtoreth, singular) `{{H6253}}`: The name of the Canaanite goddess of fertility, war, and sexuality, often associated with the Babylonian Ishtar.
* עַשְׁתָּרוֹת (Ashtaroth, plural) `{{H6252}}`: Often refers to the city of Ashtaroth, a prominent city in Bashan, which also bears the name of the goddess. While distinct from Beeshterah, the shared linguistic root highlights the pervasive influence of Ashtoreth worship in the region.
* בָּשָׁן (Bashan) `{{H1316}}`: The geographical region where Beeshterah was located, a territory rich in resources but also deeply entrenched in Canaanite religious practices.
* לֵוִי (Levi) `{{H3878}}` and לְוִיִּם (Levites): The priestly tribe of Israel, consecrated to Yahweh, to whom Beeshterah was assigned. Their role was to uphold the covenant and counter idolatry.
* Concepts of idolatry, land conquest, purification, and the establishment of God's covenant presence in a formerly pagan land are all intrinsically linked to the significance of Beeshterah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Beeshterah lies precisely in the tension between its pagan-derived name and its designation as a Levitical city.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Paganism:** The transformation of a city named "with Ashtoreth" into a Levitical center demonstrates Yahweh's absolute sovereignty. Even places deeply associated with false gods are brought under His dominion and repurposed for His holy purposes. It signifies the conquest of spiritual darkness by divine light.
2. **Sanctification of the Land:** The allotment of such a city to the Levites symbolizes the purification and sanctification of the land of Canaan. What was once a stronghold of idolatry was now to become a beacon of Yahweh's law and worship, a place where the people of God would be taught righteousness.
3. **The Levites as Agents of Transformation:** The Levites, as God's consecrated servants, were tasked with maintaining the spiritual integrity of Israel. Their presence in a place like Beeshterah underscores their mission to confront and dismantle the remnants of pagan influence through their teaching and exemplary lives. It was a constant reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the call to live distinctly for Yahweh.
4. **A Testimony to God's Power:** Beeshterah stands as a quiet but powerful testimony to God's ability to redeem and repurpose. A name that once glorified a false deity now points to the triumph of the true God, whose presence through His consecrated people transforms even the most unlikely places.
### Summary
Beeshterah (H1203) is a unique place name in the Hebrew Bible, appearing solely in [[Joshua 21:27]]. Its etymology, "with Ashtoreth," reveals its historical connection to the Canaanite goddess. Despite this pagan association, the city was divinely appointed as one of the Levitical cities, specifically for the sons of Gershon, located in the region of Bashan. This designation carries profound theological weight, symbolizing Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over pagan territories, the purification of the land, and the transformative mission of the Levites in establishing centers of true worship and instruction in a formerly idolatrous region. Beeshterah thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to reclaim and sanctify even those places deeply entrenched in spiritual darkness for His divine purposes.
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