### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gôwlân**, represented by `{{H1474}}`, is defined as **captive; Golan, a place east of the Jordan**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. In scripture, it refers exclusively to a specific city located east of the Jordan River in the region of Bashan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1474}}` is identified as one of the cities assigned during the division of the land. It is consistently located in **Bâshân** `{{H1316}}` and allotted from the territory of the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` [[Joshua 20:8]]. This allotment is specifically noted as being for the **Manassites** `{{H4520}}` [[Deuteronomy 4:43]]. The city was given to the Levites, specifically the "children of Gershon" [[Joshua 21:27]] or "sons of Gershom" [[1 Chronicles 6:71]]. Its most important function was its designation as a **city** `{{H5892}}` of **refuge** `{{H4733}}` for the slayer.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the identity and function of Golan:
* `{{H1316}}` **Bâshân** (of uncertain derivation; Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan): This is the region where Golan was located. All four occurrences of `{{H1474}}` explicitly place it "in Bashan" ([[Deuteronomy 4:43]], [[Joshua 20:8]]).
* `{{H4519}}` **Mᵉnashsheh** (causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory): Golan was carved out of the territory belonging to this tribe [[Joshua 20:8]] and given to the Levites.
* `{{H4733}}` **miqlâṭ** (an asylum (as a receptacle); refuge): This defines Golan's primary purpose. It was designated as a "city of **refuge** for the slayer" [[Joshua 21:27]], one of the safe cities appointed by God through Moses [[Joshua 20:2]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (a suburb (i.e. open country whither flocks are driven from pasture)): The city of Golan was given to the Levites along with "her **suburbs**" ([[1 Chronicles 6:71]], [[Joshua 21:27]]), indicating the surrounding pasture lands were included in their inheritance.
### Theological Significance
The geographical and legal significance of `{{H1474}}` is notable in the Old Testament structure of Israelite society.
* **Territorial Allotment:** The assignment of Golan demonstrates the systematic division of the promised land among the tribes, specifically for the half-tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` that settled east of the Jordan [[Joshua 20:8]].
* **Provision for the Levites:** As a Levitical city, Golan exemplifies the Lord's provision for the priestly tribe. Since the Levites received no tribal territory of their own, they were given cities with **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` within the lands of the other tribes [[Joshua 21:27]].
* **System of Justice and Mercy:** Golan's role as a **city** `{{H5892}}` of **refuge** `{{H4733}}` is its most critical function. It was part of a divinely commanded legal system providing asylum for a person who killed someone unintentionally, protecting them until their case could be judged ([[Joshua 21:27]], [[Numbers 35:11]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1474}}` **Gôwlân** is not a person or abstract concept, but a specific and important city in Israel's history. It is consistently identified as a city in **Bâshân** `{{H1316}}` within the territory of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}`. Its primary significance lies in its dual role as a Levitical city and, most importantly, as one of the designated cities of **refuge** `{{H4733}}`, underscoring the themes of divine provision, justice, and mercy within the Law.
TRV