### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yaʻăzêyr**, represented by `{{H3270}}`, identifies a place east of the Jordan. Derived from a root meaning "helpful," it is known as Jaazer or Jazer. The name appears **13 times** across **12 unique verses**, primarily in narratives concerning the settlement of the Israelite tribes and in prophetic literature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3270}}` is first introduced as a **land** `{{H776}}` ideal for **cattle** `{{H4735}}`, which is why the children of **Reuben** `{{H7205}}` and **Gad** `{{H1410}}` desired it [[Numbers 32:1]]. Before its settlement by the Israelites, **Moses** `{{H4872}}` sent men to **spy out** `{{H7270}}` Jaazer, taking its **villages** `{{H1323}}` and driving out the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` who lived there [[Numbers 21:32]]. Jazer later became part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Gad and was designated as a Levitical **city** `{{H5892}}` ([[Joshua 13:25]], [[Joshua 21:39]]). During the reign of **David** `{{H1732}}`, it was noted as a place where **mighty men** `{{H1368}}` of **valour** `{{H2428}}` were found [[1 Chronicles 26:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and locations provide context for the significance of Jazer:
* `{{H1568}}` **Gilʻâd** (Gilead): A region often mentioned alongside Jazer. The land of Jazer and the **land** `{{H776}}` of Gilead were both seen as prime locations for **cattle** `{{H4735}}` [[Numbers 32:1]].
* `{{H4735}}` **miqneh** (cattle): The abundance of **cattle** `{{H4735}}` owned by the tribes of Reuben and Gad was the primary motivation for their desire to settle in the land of Jazer [[Numbers 32:1]].
* `{{H2809}}` **Cheshbôwn** (Heshbon): A prominent city east of the Jordan frequently listed with Jazer. Both were captured and later designated as Levitical cities ([[Numbers 32:3]], [[Joshua 21:39]]).
* `{{H1612}}` **gephen** (vine): In prophetic warnings, the **vine** `{{H1612}}` of Jazer and its surrounding cities symbolizes the region's agricultural prosperity, which would be destroyed as a form of judgment ([[Isaiah 16:9]], [[Jeremiah 48:32]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H3270}}` is tied to its geographical location and resources.
* **A Land of Promise:** For the tribes of Reuben and Gad, Jazer represented a land of opportunity, perfectly suited for their great multitude of **cattle** `{{H4735}}`, leading them to request it as their inheritance east of the **Jordan** `{{H3383}}` [[Numbers 32:1]].
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** Jazer's story is part of Israel's conquest narrative. It was taken from the **Amorites** `{{H567}}` under the leadership of **Moses** `{{H4872}}` and was later given as an inheritance, becoming a city for the Levites ([[Numbers 21:32]], [[1 Chronicles 6:81]]).
* **A Place of Strength:** By the time of King **David** `{{H1732}}`, Jazer of Gilead had developed a reputation as a source of **mighty men** `{{H1368}}` of **valour** `{{H2428}}`, who served in his administration [[1 Chronicles 26:31]].
* **A Symbol of Judgment:** The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah evoke Jazer as a symbol of agricultural abundance that is destined for destruction. The "weeping of Jazer" and the loss of its **summer fruits** `{{H7019}}` and **vintage** `{{H1210}}` serve as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment upon the land ([[Isaiah 16:9]], [[Jeremiah 48:32]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3270}}` is more than just a name on a map. It is a place that marks the fulfillment of tribal ambitions, the establishment of Levitical inheritance, and the rise of military strength under David. Its story evolves from a desirable pastureland to a symbol of prosperity that becomes an object of prophetic lament. Jazer illustrates the biblical theme of blessing and judgment tied to a specific place in Israel's history.
TRV