Joshua 13:31
and half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. These were allotted to the people of Machir the son of Manasseh for the half of the people of Machir according to their clans.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse names Machir as the recipient of this land, even though it's part of Manasseh's inheritance. This highlights how Machir, a prominent figure and son of Manasseh, was so influential that his name sometimes represented the entire tribe or half-tribe. It’s a subtle nod to how lineage and individual impact could shape the identity and distribution of inheritance within Israel.
This passage is part of Joshua's extensive instructions for dividing the conquered lands east of the Jordan River. It details the specific territories allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, including cities and regions previously held by King Og of Bashan. These assignments, established by Moses, are meant to ensure each tribe receives its rightful inheritance and to prevent future disputes.
This verse lists cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei, known for their formidable giants. How does the inheritance of such places speak to God's power and His people's faith?
The land given to the half-tribe of Manasseh included cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei, famously associated with the giant king Og of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:11).
A Victorious Inheritance
These weren't just any cities; they were royal strongholds of a defeated enemy. God had already granted Israel victory over Og and his formidable kingdom. This inheritance wasn't about taking land from their own people; it was about possessing territory won through God's power.
Faith in the Face of Giants
Receiving these cities as an inheritance served as a constant reminder: God had delivered them from powerful enemies. It required faith to move in and possess land that was once the domain of giants, trusting that God's strength was sufficient for them, just as it had been for their ancestors.
The text shifts from Manasseh to his son Machir. What does this tell us about tribal identity, lineage, and how God works through families?
This verse specifically mentions 'the children of Machir the son of Manasseh.' While Manasseh was the patriarch of this half-tribe, the inheritance is described as belonging to Machir's line.
Honoring the Forefathers
This highlights a common practice where a prominent descendant's name could represent the entire lineage. Machir was considered the 'father of Gilead' and a man of war (1 Chronicles 7:14), suggesting his significant role in the conquest and settlement of this eastern territory. Naming the inheritance after Machir honors his legacy and leadership.
Shared Identity, Divided Possession
It's crucial to note that this was 'to one half of the children of Machir, by their families.' This emphasizes the division within Manasseh's tribe – one half living east of the Jordan (receiving this inheritance) and the other half west of the Jordan. The careful allocation by families shows God's order and attention to detail in ensuring equitable distribution, even within a divided tribe.
Understand the original words
Gil`ad · Hebrew Proper Noun
A geographical region east of the Jordan River known for its lush grazing lands and historically associated with the Transjordan tribes.
chatsah · Hebrew Verb
A term referring to the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, symbolizing God's sovereign gift and fulfillment of His covenant promise to provide a home for His people.
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A genealogical and social unit in ancient Israel, representing the extended family or household, which served as the primary structure for tribal organization and land administration.
This verse details the specific allotment of cities like Ashtaroth and Edrei, part of the former kingdom of Og, to the half-tribe of Manasseh. This highlights the careful and complete distribution of conquered territories east of the Jordan, confirming land rights established by Moses before the main conquest of Canaan began.
~1400 BC
Conquest of Amorite Kingdom
The Israelites, led by Moses, defeated Sihon, the Amorite king who had occupied territory east of the Jordan River. This victory opened up lands for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
~1400 BC
Conquest of Bashan
Shortly after defeating Sihon, the Israelites conquered the kingdom of Og in Bashan, a land known for its robust cities and fertile territory. This conquest secured additional lands for the eastern tribes.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Allots Land East of Jordan
Before entering the Promised Land west of the Jordan, Moses allocated territories to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in the conquered lands of Sihon and Og.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua Assumes Leadership
Following Moses' death, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River to begin the conquest of the western lands. The land distribution east of the Jordan, however, was already finalized.
This passage describes the same allotment of half of Gilead to the half-tribe of Manasseh, highlighting the historical context of this inheritance.
Numbers 32:33This verse mentions Moses giving the land of the Amorites, including the cities of Gilead, to the Reubenites and Gadites, setting the stage for the subsequent division of lands east of the Jordan.
1 Chronicles 7:14-16This passage provides genealogical details about Manasseh's descendants, specifically naming Machir as his son and father of Gilead, which clarifies why the land is attributed to Machir's children.
Joshua 12:4This verse lists Og, the king of Bashan, and his kingdom which included Ashtaroth and Edrei, directly linking these cities to the conquered territory now being allotted.
calvinJoshua 13:15-33: "And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families."
And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.
Et omnes urbes planitiei, et universum regnum Sihon regis Aemorrhaei, qui regnabat in Hesbon, quem percussit Moses: et prin…
bensonJoshua 13:31: "And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families."
Joshua 13:31 . Children of Machir — Whom before he called the children of Manasseh, he now calls the children of Machir, because Machir was the most eminent, and, as it may seem, the only surviving son of Manasseh, Numbers 26:29 ; 1 Chronicles 7:14-16 .
The verse names Machir as the recipient of this land, even though it's part of Manasseh's inheritance. This highlights how Machir, a prominent figure and son of Manasseh, was so influential that his name sometimes represented the entire tribe or half-tribe. It’s a subtle nod to how lineage and individual impact could shape the identity and distribution of inheritance within Israel.
This passage is part of Joshua's extensive instructions for dividing the conquered lands east of the Jordan River. It details the specific territories allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, including cities and regions previously held by King Og of Bashan. These assignments, established by Moses, are meant to ensure each tribe receives its rightful inheritance and to prevent future disputes.
This passage is part of Joshua's extensive instructions for dividing the conquered lands east of the Jordan River. It details the specific territories allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, including cities and regions previously held by King Og of Bashan. These assignments, established by Moses, are meant to ensure each tribe receives its rightful inheritance and to prevent future disputes.
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c. 1399 BC— this verse
Division of Eastern Territories
Joshua formally confirmed the land allotments made by Moses to the tribes east of the Jordan River, including the specific cities and regions mentioned in this verse, solidifying their inheritance.
"and half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. These were allotted to the people of Machir the son of Manasseh for the half of the people of Machir according to their clans." — The verse names Machir as the recipient of this land, even though it's part of Manasseh's inheritance. This highlights how Machir, a prominent figure and son of Manasseh, was so influential that his…
