Deuteronomy 3:17
the Arabah also, with the Jordan as the border, from Chinnereth as far as the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, under the slopes of Pisgah on the east.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just a geographical list; it's highlighting the full extent of the land east of the Jordan River that was conquered and designated for the tribes of Reuben and Gad, stretching from a northern point near the Sea of Galilee all the way south to the Dead Sea, under the "slopes" or foothills of Pisgah. This detailed boundary description serves as a divine guarantee and a clear demarcation of God's provision for His people.
Moses is detailing the conquered lands east of the Jordan River, specifically the territories assigned to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half of Manasseh. This section outlines the precise geographical boundaries of their inheritance, stretching from the Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth) down to the Dead Sea (Sea of the Arabah, Salt Sea), along the Jordan River, and extending east to the slopes of Pisgah. This description serves to confirm their rightful possession of this land, ensuring it wouldn't be a point of contention for future generations after they helped the rest of Israel conquer Canaan proper.
Ever feel lost trying to picture the ancient world? This verse is a map, laying out a crucial territory for Israel.
Moses is meticulously defining the land granted to the Reubenites and Gadites, east of the Jordan River. He uses natural landmarks to set clear borders:
The Northern Marker: Chinnereth
This refers to a town and likely a sea or lake, north of the main territory being described. It’s the northernmost point of this eastern boundary.
The Southern Marker: The Sea of the Arabah (Salt Sea)
This is our modern-day Dead Sea. Its salty waters and the surrounding arid landscape formed the southern limit.
The Natural Corridor: The Arabah and Jordan River
The 'Arabah is a great rift valley, and the Jordan River forms its western edge here. This verse specifies the territory along the Jordan, extending into the plain east of it.
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The Eastern Anchor: Slopes of Pisgah
This refers to the foothills or a region near Mount Pisgah, marking the eastern extent of their assigned land.
What does 'the plain' mean in this context, and why is it highlighted?
The verse mentions 'the plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof'. This 'plain' refers to the low-lying Ghor region, the fertile Jordan valley floor that stretched between the Jordan River and the hills to the east.
A Fertile Tract
This region, watered by the Jordan, was distinct from the more arid Arabah to the south. It was a valuable area for settlement and agriculture, making it a desirable inheritance.
Acknowledging God's Provision
By carefully delineating this land, Moses underscores that this entire territory—the plains, the river valley, and the foothills—is a gift from God to these tribes. It wasn't just empty land; it was a provision for their future.
This land east of the Jordan wasn't part of the original promise to Abraham. So why was it given?
The territory described in Deuteronomy 3:17 was east of the Jordan River. The primary promise of the land of Canaan was to the west of the Jordan. This eastern territory, conquered from the Amorites, was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh under specific conditions.
A Special Grant
Moses emphasizes that this land was given by God as a possession, confirming the conquest and the legitimacy of their claim. It was a significant grant, extending Israel's territory and resources.
A Test of Faith and Unity
While a blessing, it also presented a challenge. These tribes had to commit to helping their brothers conquer the land west of the Jordan before settling fully into their own inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:18-20). This highlights the importance of unity and shared responsibility within God's people.
This verse details the specific geographical boundaries of the territories allocated east of the Jordan River. Understanding these landmarks—the Sea of Chinnereth (Sea of Galilee), the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), and the slopes of Pisgah—helps us grasp the scope of the land promised and the context of Moses' final instructions to the tribes who settled there.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin their conquest of the Promised Land, establishing their presence west of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC
Division of Transjordanian lands
The tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh, are granted territories east of the Jordan River after helping in the conquest.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Moses' Farewell Speeches
Moses delivers his final instructions and blessings to the Israelites, recounting their journey and defining the borders of the land.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Ascends Mount Nebo
Moses is given a view of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo (Pisgah) before he dies, a key event referenced in the context of the geographical descriptions.
This passage provides the original divinely appointed boundaries for the Promised Land, giving context to the specific geographical markers mentioned in Deuteronomy.
Joshua 12:1-6This chapter lists the kings and territories conquered by the Israelites, including those east of the Jordan that were given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, directly referencing the land described here.
Joshua 13:8-23This passage details the distribution of the land east of the Jordan to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, reinforcing the significance of the territory defined in Deuteronomy 3:17.
Matthew 14:34This New Testament passage refers to the 'land of Gennesaret,' which is likely related to Chinnereth, showing how these ancient geographical names persisted in significance.
gillDeuteronomy 3:17: "The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward."
The plain also, and Jordan,.... The plain by Jordan, the plains of Moab on the side of it, together with the river: and the coast thereof; the country adjoining to it: from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea; that is, from Gennesaret, as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan, called the land of Gennesaret,…
bensonDeuteronomy 3:17: "The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward."
Deuteronomy 3:17 . The plain — The low country toward Jordan. The sea of the plain — That is, that salt sea, which before that dreadful conflagration was a goodly plain.
This verse isn't just a geographical list; it's highlighting the full extent of the land east of the Jordan River that was conquered and designated for the tribes of Reuben and Gad, stretching from a northern point near the Sea of Galilee all the way south to the Dead Sea, under the "slopes" or foothills of Pisgah. This detailed boundary description serves as a divine guarantee and a clear demarcation of God's provision for His people.
Moses is detailing the conquered lands east of the Jordan River, specifically the territories assigned to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half of Manasseh. This section outlines the precise geographical boundaries of their inheritance, stretching from the Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth) down to the Dead Sea (Sea of the Arabah, Salt Sea), along the Jordan River, and extending east to the slopes of Pisgah. This description serves to confirm their rightful possession of this land, ensuring it wouldn't be a point of contention for future generations after they helped the rest of Israel conquer Canaan proper.
Moses is detailing the conquered lands east of the Jordan River, specifically the territories assigned to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half of Manasseh. This section outlines the precise geographical boundaries of their inheritance, stretching from the Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth) down to the Dead Sea (Sea of the Arabah, Salt Sea), along the Jordan River, and extending east to the slopes of Pisgah. This description serves to confirm their rightful possession of this land, ensuring it wouldn't be a point of contention for future generations after they helped the rest of Israel conquer Canaan proper.
"the Arabah also, with the Jordan as the border, from Chinnereth as far as the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, under the slopes of Pisgah on the east." — This verse isn't just a geographical list; it's highlighting the full extent of the land east of the Jordan River that was conquered and designated for the tribes of Reuben and Gad, stretching from a…
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