Jazer

Jazer, a town in Gilead, allotted to Gad, known for its fertile land and vineyards.

Jazer was a town located in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It was conquered by the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land (Numbers 21:32) and later allotted to the tribe of Gad (Numbers 32:1,3,35; Joshua 13:25). The town and its surrounding villages were known for their fertile land, particularly suitable for livestock (Numbers 32:1). Jazer was also designated as a Levitical city (Joshua 21:39; 1Ch.6.81) and served as a location for the Hebronites, a Levite family, to pasture their flocks (1Ch.26.31). The city was famous for its vineyards, which are mentioned in the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah (Isaiah 16:8,9; Jeremiah 48:32). During the reign of David, Jazer marked the starting point for the census of Israel (2Sa.24.5). The exact location of Jazer is uncertain, but it was likely situated near the border between Gilead and Ammon.

He (God) helps, a city of the Amorites on the east of Jordan, and assigned, with neighbouring places in Gilead, to Gad (Num. 32:1, 35; Josh. 13:25). It was allotted to the Merarite Levites (21:39). In David’s time it was occupied by the Hebronites, i.e., the descendants of Kohath (1 Chr. 26:31). It is mentioned in the “burdens” proclaimed over Moab (Isa. 16:8, 9; Jer. 48:32). Its site is marked by the modern ruin called Sar or Seir, about 10 miles west of Amman, and 12 from Heshbon. “The vineyards that once covered the hill-sides are gone; and the wild Bedawin from the eastern desert make cultivation of any kind impossible.”